Starting out in business is never easy (at least we’re yet to hear from someone who says it was) so New Kids on the Block is a SNOBS’ initiative to help start-ups, started by women, that are still in their first year of trade.
The Lady in Charge: Chelle Heath
Business name: Green Tea Frog
Location: Morpeth, NSW
Launched: 29th May, 2008
Website: www.greenteafrog.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
All natural plant-based skin care and herbal tea blends. All created with a professional understanding of plants and their therapeutic benefits – and all aspects of the business carried out with a focus on environmental and social responsibility. Being a successful business doesn’t have to cost the earth!
What drove you to go it alone?
I couldn’t find what I was looking for – for patients and own family and restaurant. We previously owned Willow Restaurant in Morpeth. You want something done, you gotta do it yourself!
What do you find the most difficult, and the most rewarding aspects of running your own business?
I want it all, now! Having to take things gently is difficult. At the same time it’s very rewarding to learn that if you take it gently and do what you’re meant to be doing, it all falls into place.
The Lady in Charge: Sonja van den Bosch
Business name: TwinLife Total Marketing Solutions
Location: Coogee, NSW
Launched: January 2009
Website: www.twinlife.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
At TwinLife we’re committed to helping organisations get their marketing right in the most cost effective way.
Instead of hiring an expensive full time strategic marketing director, TwinLife provides you with seasoned marketing expertise and project management skills on a flexible basis. You only pay for when you need it.
We can help you develop your marketing strategy and planning, manage a project for you and can even coach and train your existing team.
We believe in creating a special trustworthy bond with our clients and business partners, resulting in long-term win-win situations.
What drove you to go it alone?
I’ve been involved in many different sized companies, worked in many different parts of the world and have experienced many different industries.
I’ve enjoyed it, but I kept getting frustrated with having to act inside a political arena, slowing things down dramatically.
That’s why I’ve had the longing to do something for myself, combining my diverse experiences with my personal beliefs in truthful marketing, getting the best job done and developing real connections.
What do you find the most difficult, and the most rewarding aspects of running your own business?
The most difficult aspect for me is being able to let go. I am so passionate and determined to make my business successful, that I sometimes overdo things. I find it difficult to relax at night. Strict time management helps and yoga as well. I also have 19-month-old identical twin boys, which is the best medicine.
Most rewarding is that you are able to make every decision about your business yourself and the success is in your own hands. The feeling when I did my first sales pitch and won the client was overwhelming.
If you’d like to grab a little bit of the spotlight for your new business [and you're a woman, in business in Australia] contact us and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.
