When I found out I was expecting my first baby, I made a decision that I didn't want to return to the office, I wanted something that would provide more freedom and flexibility with my new role as a mum. Fortunately for me, the day I went on maternity leave my job was made redundant, which fuelled me to take the next steps. During my first year of new-mum life I launched a fitness business dedicated to helping mums get fit and healthy. I had absolutely no idea how to run a business but I invested in courses, coached, I learnt (from many mistakes!) and thrived off building a community and helping others.

After seven years of this incredible journey, it was time to pass on the reigns and pursue my life-long dream of living by the beach. The dream I had posted on my vision board for years - a picture of a house overlooking the ocean. This finally became a reality as we made the leap from Canberra to the Illawarra. And would you believe it, secured a house right on the beach just like I had on my vision board.

Our little family made the move in January 2022, right in the middle of the ongoing pandemic, which threw us into the challenge of building a new life in an unfamiliar town, no friends, no family, no job, and no idea what was next!

Eager to make the most of our new start, I quickly found employment. After a short while in this role, I realised I wasn't experiencing personal growth or fulfilment, I was hustling hard, solo-parenting half of the week (as hubby has to travel for work), commuting longer than I wanted and juggling it ALL. That’s when I realised something had to change, and it was up to me.

I reflected and wrote down all the things that I enjoy and am passionate about: events, community, connection, female entrepreneurship, the longing of having my own business again and a commitment to personal development — and voilà, Wollongong Women was born!

Connection is one of our core needs as a human being, so my mission is to create a thriving community where small business owners can connect which can lead to more opportunities. One thing I’ve learnt is being in business by yourself can be lonely. So lets make it more
fun and fulfilling together!

Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey with me so far, I look forward to connecting, inspiring, and growing together as Wollongong Women.