Women of TVM

In the lead up to International Women’s Day this Sunday March 8^th, we’ve chatted to a handful of talented women from our very own TVM community. We hope you enjoy reading!

‘Here’s to strong women may we know them. May we be them. May we raise them’. Unknown.

Name: Brittiny Worth
Brand: Lakiki Jewellery
When and why did you start your business? I started my business in 2015, inspired by my love of design and stones. I still work in Real Estate while juggling my growing business.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Keeping the quality up to standard, with manufacturers being based around the globe. The pieces are designed by me on the Gold Coast and manufactured in Bali, with stones sourced from the Dominican Republic and India. Supply chain consistency is definitely the biggest challenge.
Advice for fellow women wanting to start a business?
Put any fears you may have aside and just have a go. It may seem like a really big jump but start small and have confidence in yourself. If I think back to when I started, I would have loved someone to tell me to just follow my gut and just do what resonates with me!

Name: Carla Aplin
Brand: Desert Wanderer
When and why did you start your business?
I became a mother to my little girl in 2014 and felt so inspired to create around that period in my life and the desire to create something that would inspire her. I had previously worked in retail as the manager of Dissh (boutique) for years.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far? Social media and the growth that it has seen in the last six years – the change in algorithms, keeping up with trends, it’s harder to be seen. Reeducating yourself and trying to keep up with marketing is difficult too. Also, being the only person working in the business from start to finish (aside from husband Simon who helps with market day setup!)
Advice for fellow women wanting to start a business?
Just go for it, follow your heart. If it feels right and you want to do it, be inspired by the people around you, create a community of people that support you and just 100 % go for it! It can be amazing!

Name: Keele Pont
Brand: Prickle Free
Why did you start your business?
We have always been interested in reducing plastic and single use waste. We designed a product that looked good and was nice to use, so people had an alternative to single use razors.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Working full-time during the week and keeping my business going on the side and on weekends, it can be hard to keep it all going. I am a nanny full-time.
Advice for fellow women wanting to start a business?
Be passionate about what you’re doing. Also markets are a great way to connect with people and add a personal element.

Name: Louise Hargreaves.
Brand: Thrown.
When and why did you start your business? In 2019. I love being creative and wanted to step away from just doing graphic design (Louise had previously worked in design for some of the largest print magazines in Australia). I lived in Sydney originally and did a pottery course and then more recently here on the Gold Coast my husband Rhys bought me a wheel. Friends started telling me I should sell the things I was making. I absolutely love doing it and since coming to the markets it just inspires me to get back onto the wheel. Mondays following market day I am always so inspired! I love seeing people buy my stuff and being a mum, it’s so nice to spend the time at the markets, side by side with other stallholders whom I have come to know well. Rhys has the kids while I am at the markets and then during the week I am creating pieces from my home. It works perfectly around my family life.
Advice for fellow women wanting to start a business?
Just go for it! I never dreamed I would be selling my products at the markets. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, then it will come out in your work. I only make products I would want in my own home, that I think are functional and beautiful. That is what I want people to take from my pieces.

Name: Christina Cassaniti
Brand: Only One The Label
When and why did you start your business?
I was living with my male housemate and needed some nice lounge wear to wear when he had his mates over. I couldn’t find anything that was stylish, trendy and high quality, so I started designing pieces for myself.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
Mentality, believing this is not just a great concept in my head, that it actually is a great product – imposter syndrome, overcoming self doubt. Cash flow is also a challenge when you’re starting out.
Advice for fellow women wanting to start a business?
Go for it, don’t sit on the fence about it. For me, the biggest thing was I did not want to be an old woman thinking about what could have been. Put one foot in front of the other and if it’s meant to be, the universe will lead you there.