Mum’s the word for networkers
COMMUNITY is the key for a burgeoning group of Australian women turning ideas into successful businesses.
Just ask Peace Mitchell, who founded the AusMumpreneur Network in 2009 with her sister, Katy Garner.
“We bought an online parenting forum,” Ms Mitchell said. “We noticed a really strong core group of mums who had started businesses from home.”
The siblings were lucky to have had babies around the same time, but knew other mums starting projects from home needed adult contact.
“A business from home is exciting, but also isolating,” Ms Mitchell said. “Having that online support in place helps.”
Affordability and ease of establishing websites and online shop platforms have made possible the dreams of more women.
The annual AusMumpreneur National Conference and awards nights in Melbourne on August 30-31 will attract 450 guests – double last year’s numbers – with almost 2000 nominations across the award categories.
Last year’s major winner, Laura Furiosi, said many great ideas only needed help to get out there.
She faced her own challenges after designing a special swimsuit for babies and toddlers called Rashoodz, featuring an attached legionnaire’s hat. Ms Furiosi now runs her consultancy business, Bossy Mummy.
“I help people get their products in front of the right buyers, such as at local and overseas trade shows,” Ms Furiosi said, adding that she passes on the lessons learned through persistence.
“It took me four years to get (stocked) in David Jones,” she said. “Ignore the naysayers; if you’ve got a good idea and gut feeling, go for it. The people who have the craziest ideas are often the best. Be incredibly organised and just don’t give up.”
Emerging talent winners from 2017, Nadia Tucker and Stevie Angel, used the power of social media for free marketing and advertising when they created Active Truth, their size inclusive activewear line.
“We had no budget for marketing,” Ms Angel said. “We relied a lot on social media, building up relationships with influencers.”
Active Truth targeted lifestyle bloggers who were “real” and connected to their intended market.
“You can find the ones most engaged with their followers by going through the comments,” Ms Angel said.
“The online community is really valuable because running a business as a mum has its challenges. We are still learning.”