Expanding entrepreneurial experience
BUILDING on her business experience, Dubbo’s Cherie Thompson has been ably representing both her company and her community.
The young mum was a finalist in the product innovation category of the Ausmumpreneur Awards which recognise Australian mums achieving success in business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.
They are designed to honour the growing number of women who balance both motherhood and business.
While she didn’t bring home a gong, Cherie was proud to be nominated and enjoyed the gala evening in Sydney with her husband and business partner Phil. Together, they run Native Secrets, a line of natural skincare products which pay homage to their indigenous heritage through traditional ingredients.
Of the night, Cherie said it was very exciting to be among dozens of women all making their mark in the business community.
“They were really inspiring,” she said.
“Just being around like-minded women and all sharing our stories. They are doing so much and to be included, it felt really inspiring.”
After arriving home from the awards event, Cherie attended the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Innovation Hub which featured sessions on business strategy, people management, digital marketing, knowing your customer and thinking entrepreneurially.
“The pop up also featured a pre-start up workshop, and ideas for indigenous procurement and small business management,” Cherie said.
“I found the session on Legal Issues and Business to be most helpful,” she said, explaining that after pitching ideas to investors, if you are lucky enough to secure a deal, it can be difficult to wade through all the legal jargon of the offer.
Cherie said the workshops were presented by university lecturers, who gave the small group of participants a thorough understanding of each area of knowledge. As well, participants also took advantage of the opportunity to get to know one another.
“The advice they gave us was really practical and it was a great opportunity for networking.”
Cherie was also able to use the event as a gauge for the progress made by her own business.
“Something which I think we are on the right track with is social media. Something we can improve on is knowing about legal issues and being able to understand the contract before you sign.”
All in all, the two events have helped Cherie immensely, both personally and professionally.
“It’s building my confidence and my values, being able to get our skincare range out there. It’s just fantastic to meet the people that were there and the time we spent was invaluable.”
As well as raising their two young children and running the business with husband Phil, Cherie has also just returned to parttime teaching.