Listed: Meet 50 South Australia innovative business women kicking goals and find out how they do it
From the loss of a loved one to menopause in the workplace, trailblazers in business share what inspired them to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.
SA Business
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From a banker-turned-restaurant owner to a traumatic brain injury motivating a career change, South Australia is home to many impressive businesswomen.
Some like Vanessa Hillman and Suzi Evans were inspired to start businesses after the loss a child, for Zein Akkad it was a battle with depression after immigrating from Syria and for Megan Hayward it was her experience with menopause in the corporate workplace.
While at just 14, entrepreneur Violet Coleman overcame the challenge of trying to get people to take her seriously to create a worldwide brand.
From Mount Gambier to Whyalla, these 50 SA trailblazers in business share what inspired them to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and how they got it done.
Vanessa Hillman
Elle Hill chief executive
Vanessa Hillman was working in the disability field when her life was “turned upside down” after her four year old daughter, Elle was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2011.
After her daughter sadly passsed away, Ms Hillman found herself looking for a way to honour Elle.
She wanted to purchase a necklace featuring all of her children’s names on it but could not find anything she liked.
“My husband suggested that I make one, he was a tool maker and metal stamping was a part of his trade so I quickly ordered myself some stamps and blanks and started experimenting,” Ms Hillman said.
Her work quickly caught the eye of friends and family and soon enough Ms Hillman was in business, naming her new venture after her late daughter.
“(Elle) is the very essence of my business,” she said.
“Watching her face as she battled her terminal illness with so much poise, dignity and determination drives me every day to create something really special and to be the best version of myself I can be.”
Elle Hill now creates a full range of bespoke jewellery and has expanded beyond its original stamping services to also provide permanent jewellery.
In a heavily saturated industry, Ms Hillman said her authenticity and clear vision had helped her success.
“When people come to have something made by me they have so many emotions that they are pouring into the piece they order and being able to assist them with this is what gives me passion,” the mum said.
“I have had the opportunity of mentoring a number of young women through Elle Hill and I would like to think that the most important thing they have taken away from that is self worth and confidence.
“I hope they feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves.”
Carlie Smith
Just Shear founder
Carlie Smith “never ever imagined” herself in this industry but now she’s selling clothing to farmers, shearers and tradies across the world.
Originally trained as a sign-writer, Ms Smith overcame challenges as a then-19-year-old looking to break into a tough industry.
“At trade shows (suppliers) just wouldn’t take me seriously when asking for accounts or quotes on machinery,” she said.
The Maitland woman has had to figure out the logistics of running a business from a rural location and built close relationships with freight providers.
She said her biggest inspirations were her parents who own and run a sheep station in outback western NSW.
“They inspire me to always strive for more, they’ve always believed in my ideas and believed in me as a person which gives me the strength to get through the tough times,” Ms Smith said.
Fern Lawson
Local Heart Community and General Store at the Heart founder
It was the challenges she faced throughout her education with ADHD, dyslexia and dysgraphia that drew Fern Lawson to helping “underdogs” in her community.
In 2018 she started Local Heart Community, a mentoring and disability support service.
“As I grew my business, I became increasingly frustrated by how many people with disabilities or juvenile records were overlooked by employers. So many were denied opportunities simply because of their past,” Ms Lawson said.
That led her to open The General Store at The Heart.
“We offer delicious homemade treats, quick meals, and classic pantry staples, all with a modern twist,” Ms Lawson said.
“But The Heart is more than just a store, it’s a space that creates real opportunities for people with disabilities or at-risk backgrounds to gain employment at fair and equal pay or work experience to build resumes that will help them secure employment elsewhere.”
Ms Lawson teaches people customer service, food handling and stock management skills.
“It’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life, not only because of the work we do, but because of the amazing team we’ve built,” she said.
Violet Coleman
Georgie Paws founder
Not many people can say they started a business at 13 that went on to reach global success, but Violet Coleman can.
At just 14 years old Ms Coleman appeared on Shark Tank and while her idea was not snapped up then and there, it was the beginning of something big for the young entrepreneur.
Eight years on and her idea for a sustainable dog care brand has taken the world by storm with her products being sold in over 400 stores worldwide including Anthropologie and Nordstrom in the US.
“As a young woman in business, I have had to prove myself so that others may take me and my business seriously,” Ms Coleman said.
“It isn’t a “hobby” or something I only do on the weekends; it is my full-time job.”
Ms Coleman admits the best part of the job is getting to take her furry friends along with her every step of the way.
“I’d like to see more support for young people in business, we are up to some really cool stuff but sometimes we don’t get the support or recognition we deserve,” she said.
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Emily Riggs
Iris & Wool founder
After being diagnosed twice with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a child and losing her mum to cancer, the world of fashion became Emily Riggs’ comfort place.
“Fashion to me is more than just the clothes you wear it represents hope,” Ms Riggs said.
Fifteen years later Ms Riggs found herself a “hot farmer” and fifth-generation wool grower who introduced her to the beauty of Merino wool.
The combination of this stunning material and Ms Riggs creativity led to the birth of Iris & Wool.
“Merino wool is made from sunshine, grass, water and love all from a sheep’s back – Iris & Wool’s designs can be traced directly back to Australian farms,” she said.
“I cherish connecting with my customers and hearing how much joy their Iris & Wool pieces bring to their lives.”
Named after her late mum, Iris, Ms Riggs’ brand designs pieces made to be treasured and with $1 from each sale going to the Childhood Cancer Association to ensures her work gives back to the cause close to her heart.
Stefanie Tatchell
MINE SPEC Industries managing director
In a male dominated industry Stefanie Tatchell has had to overcome female stereotypes to prove herself.
“Being told ‘I want to speak to a man that knows what I want’ or ‘I need to speak with the man in charge’, or ‘Is there a bloke there that can help, you’re only the admin girl’ or ‘I need to speak with the man that does all the equipment ordering’ … in the beginning I took it as a personal attack,” Ms Tatchell said.
“But as time went on, I learnt how to stand my ground and this had made me the strong leader I am today.”
The Whyalla woman is the managing director of MINE SPEC Industries which cater for industry needs for maintenance and solution management within the mobile and fixed plant sectors.
It focuses on mining, industrial and maintenance requirements but also branches into transport and logistic services and specialist and modified plant and equipment procurement.
The nationally and globally recognised business is the preferred supplier to the SIMEC Mining Operations.
Ms Tatchell was named the Whyalla Business Women for the Year in 2024.
“I was shocked, honoured and privileged all in one and I can’t thank the Whyalla community enough for believing in me,” she said.
Suzi Evans
KAIZEN Business Support founder
After losing her son Murray to suicide in 2018, Suzi Evans embarked on a journey to study positive psychology and wellbeing.
Now, from her family sheep property in the Murray Mallee, Ms Evans provides her mental health first aid program and resilience programs to clients all over Australia.
“I have created my own program, “Workbench For the Mind”, which I am proud to say was accredited by Suicide Prevention Australia in 2023,” she said.
“Workbench for the Mind provides individuals with basic tools and an understanding of what is happening to them when they are stressed or overwhelmed.”
Her groundbreaking program earnt Ms Evans a position as a state finalist in the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
“(My work) makes me feel closer to my son, Murray, and when I receive emails and messages about how I have helped people with difficult situations, it gives me a sense of purpose,” Ms Evans said.
“He did not die in vain; he lives on.”
Elise Lavers
Enliven Outdoor Adventures owners
Growing up in the Mid North on Ngadjuri Country, Elise Lavers said she had “the education of an outdoor childhood”.
This experience fostered her deep love for the environment leading her to work in a range of active jobs in the great outdoors from shark cage diving instructing to an internship with Oceans Research in South Africa and leading kayak tours in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
These opportunities encouraged Ms Lavers to embark on a new adventure and in 2020 she started Enliven Outdoor Adventures.
“There was a recurring need to prove myself as a woman in the field, and a recurring theme of seeing women and girls taking a back seat and/or being under-represented in these outdoor spaces,” she said.
“I decided I wanted to help change that, so I founded Enliven Outdoor Adventures in 2020 as a space for women to connect, learn skills and find empowerment through outdoor experiences, while also helping them foster a positive relationship with nature.”
While she has received a string of awards for her work in the tourism industry, the passionate outdoor educator said it was fulfilling her desire to empower women through outdoor experiences, and living a “varied, adventurous, and joy-focused life” that kept her coming back for more.
Georgia Northcott
Georgia Ellie Art and Design founder
After being diagnosed with a chronic illness that caused her to be bed-bound at 17, Georgia Northcott began creating art as a hobby and experimenting with digital art.
Now in her 20s, Ms Northcott has learned to manage her illness and with the support of her family launched her first paint-and-sip class leading to the start of her business Georgia Ellie Art & Design.
“Today, I run a full-time creative business, offering art, design, and floristry services tailored to my physical needs and passions. I conduct workshops for kids, workplaces, and community events, handle floristry for events, and take on commissions,” she said.
The mid north artist’s latest exhibition, The Sunroom sold out with 120 art lovers coming along to marvel at her work.
Ms Northcott embraces the “business highs and lows” and encourages other small business owners to invest in a therapist to help take care of their mental health.
“If the first (therapist) isn’t perfect, keep looking; it’s like finding the right pair of shoes,” she said.
“Finding the right support, like a good psych, can make all the difference in keeping your business (and yourself) strong.”
Tuoi Do
fermentAsian founder
With no cooking experience and a banking background, Tuoi Do opened her Tanunda restaurant fermentAsian in 2010.
Fast forward 15 years and the venue is now one of South Australia’s most loved restaurants with guests enjoying modern Southeast Asian cuisine.
Ms Do said she was inspired by fellow Barossa Valley cook, Maggie Beer and said women’s creativity, empathy and dedication allow them to be an asset to the business world.
The restaurateur said she looked forward to creating new dishes and creating long-lasting relationships with her customers.
Zein Akkad
Urth Clay Studio founder
After immigrating from Syria to Australia and being diagnosed with depression Zein Akkad turned to pottery for healing.
“Working with clay was incredibly therapeutic, especially when I let go of any artistic judgment,” Ms Akkad said.
“Over time, I regained my health and happiness, seeing light again.”
The gifted artist started sharing her love for pottery with friends who were also going through hard times and as word spread, soon enough small sessions became fully packed classes leading to the creation of Urth Clay Studio.
“What makes our studio unique is our philosophy: clay itself is therapeutic,” Ms Akakd said.
“We don’t judge anyone’s work or process; instead, we focus on the relaxing and healing aspects of creating.”
The studio, which has three locations across SA and Victoria, creates over 30,000 pieces of pottery a year using a strict environmentally friendly firing technique.
“Managing a studio means understanding that both the clay and the people working with it need time to shape, grow, and evolve,” Ms Akkad said.
“Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and every success is a reflection of the journey.”
Jane Marling
Jane Marling left a 25-year-long banking and finance career behind to pursue her love of indoor plants and coastal-inspired styling.
“I took the leap and founded Plant Resort, a brand that blends elegance, tranquillity, and a touch of the coast into everyday spaces,” Ms Marling said.
“We offer a range of services beyond retail, including indoor plant styling for homes and businesses, educational content through our blogs, and short-term plant hire for events and property styling campaigns.”
Ms Marling said the key to success was celebrating the “little victories” throughout the journey and said she was inspired by her daughters, Charlotte and Ruby to strive for bigger and better outcomes both inside and outside of the business world.
“Watching them grow and pursue their own dreams reminds me to keep pushing forward, set an example, and show them that anything is possible with passion and hard work,” she said.
Alissa Knight
The Calming Suit Psychology
After starting her psychology practice out of her garage, Dr Alissa Knight’s client and referral list “exploded” leading her to open The Calming Suite Psychology in Clarence Park.
The much-loved psychologist now manages a team of professionals and admin staff to provide “safe and supportive treatment” to patients.
Dr Knight is proud of her business’ unique approach to psychology with the use of cognitive-based and somatic therapies.
“The greatest joy of all for me as a psychologist is seeing someone come to me completely broken, shattered with no hope, in so much pain and suffering, finally come full circle and find their wings,” Dr Knight said.
“That moment is priceless. I am so privileged to be able to help people in this way.”
Earlier this year, The Calming Suite Psychology was nominated as a finalist in the health and wellbeing category of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
Trudi Shelton
Four Reasons Why founder
Trudi Shelton’s journey started in 2016 with an initiative to help clothe children from low socio-economic families during the South East’s near freezing winter months.
After helping kids across nine different schools, Ms Shelton received a nomination for a community leadership award that came with a $1000 prize.
She used the cash to start a not-for-profit named Four Reasons Why in honour of her four children who she was raising as a single mother.
“We now run many different campaigns and initiatives and provide relief and support to locals across not only Mount Gambier but the whole Limestone Coast Region,” Ms Shelton said.
“We are uniting our community to rally with us to help alleviate poverty and hardship and are so proud of the team effort involved.”
Now Ms Shelton spends 40 hours a week during busy seasons helping families in need with a long list of services including school supplies, winter clothing, car registration and food.
“It takes a village to raise a child and it takes that same village to mend their broken mother,” she said.
“When I was 5 months pregnant with our fourth child their father left for work one day and never returned, to this day 15 years on, our village, our community helped put us back on our feet again and in ways that can never be explained.”
Bianca Caruso and Niki Bukva
Brow Body Studio co-owners
Sister duo, Bianca Caruso and Niki Bukva combined their passions for beauty and body sculpting to create the Brow Body Studio in Hendon.
Ms Caruso left behind a 15-year-long career as a dental assistant to become a trained body sculptor while 22-year-old Ms Bukva originally enrolled in a beauty course for “extra SACE points” in high school.
Their paths have not been linear but the sisters said they loved where they were now.
“I love our beauty salon and the industry we are in,” Ms Caruso said.
“I love it even more as my sister and myself are able to share the same dream together.”
Since opening their studio in August, the co-owners have helped many clients help feel more confident in their skin and said they are grateful for the support they had received for their new venture.
“I believe the greatest lesson we have learnt is to embrace the journey along the way to your final destination,” Ms Bukva said.
“We are always looking for more, worrying about always doing better and we don’t often take the time to look back and appreciate how much we have grown.
Mish Ryan
Love Wild Weddings director
As romantic at heart with incredible skills behind the camera Mish Ryan captures special moments shared between couples on the best day of their lives.
Ms Ryan has tackled five wedding seasons and said she still continues to wake up each and everyday loving what she does.
“I love capturing images that tell the unique story of each couple I work with, and think it’s so special that they can look back at them for the rest of their lives and be reminded of how they felt in that precise moment,” she said.
As a women in business Ms Ryan said she believed female leaders were able to “make decisions with their heart as well as their head”.
“(Women) are empathetic and we value a work-life balance, which I think is such an important mindset to have in life,” she said.
The passionate photographer said her dad’s work ethic was her number one inspiration and the reason she will “always look up to him”.
Ragini Dey
Ragi’s Spicery founder
Nine years after migrating from India to Adelaide Ragini Dey opened The Spice Kitchen a restaurant offering cooking classes and a range of gluten free and vegan spice blends.
The hospitality trailblazer has received multiple awards and published five cookbooks with the latest on vegan Indian cookery to be published in 2025.
Ms Dey credits her confidence and self belief as the keys to her success and encourages other women looking to break into the business world to put in the hard work and lead with humility.
“Life is never a one way ride to the top, there are as many failures as there are successes,” she said.
“It’s important to realise this and get up, though you may require a crutch, you have to somehow stumble back to the route you believe in.”
Jasmin Ilic
CYBR founder
From a young age, Jasmin Ilic always found herself drawn to activities and occupations related to working with and helping other people.
So when entered the cybersecurity space she found herself wanting to approach the topic as a human-centric challenge rather than a tech-centric problem.
In 2024 she launched her consultancy business, CYBR to reshape how organisations were using technology.
“What drives me in this work is the chance to help clients find solutions they didn’t even know existed,” Ms Ilic said.
“I love empowering clients and their teams with the right tools and, of course, getting to work with some very cool tech along the way.”
Ms Ilic said she was inspired by all the women who came before her and her mum who had set an example for her as a working mother.
Dr Kirrilie Smout
Developing Minds owner
Child and adolescent psychology practice Developing Minds was founded by Kirrilie Smout 23 years ago and has since grown to house 30 psychologists providing therapy to 200 children and young people each week.
“I’m very fortunate that I have a job where meaning is woven into everything I do – it is impossible not to be passionate about supporting young people to cope better with their challenges,” Dr Smout said.
Over the years Dr Smout has had to learn how to run a business including managing HR, marketing, governance, regulations, financials and operations, things she said were “not taught in a psychology degree”.
“This has meant 4.30am starts at times to do everything I can to make sure things tick over and as every business owner knows, sometimes you are financially compensated for these and sometimes you are not,” she said.
Despite this, Dr Smout remains motivated by her clients who share their stories with her everyday.
Rose Falkai
Rose Falkai Makeup Artistry owner
Rose Falkai went from posting her makeup looks on Instagram to becoming one of the most recognisable names in the South Australian beauty industry.
In 2020 the makeup guru achieved her dream of opening her own beauty studio in Fullarton where she has been painting people’s faces ever since.
“Being a beauty business owner definitely has its challenges … but it’s all worth it when I get to meet and connect with thousands of amazing women and help make them feel beautiful,” Ms Falkai said.
Working in a female dominated industry she said she had been “so lucky” to have been supported by other strong women around her.
“Having more women in the business world has brought about more diversity, and seeing more female CEOs is so empowering to future generations of women,” Ms Falkai said.
“I think it helps encourage young entrepreneurs to be able to follow their dreams regardless of their gender identity.”
Carla Benuzzi
Flower Girl founder
At 23-years-old, Carla Benuzzi decided to follow her passion and open her own florist in the heart of the city.
This big step did not come without its challenges, opening a business at a time when Covid was a still a concern was a risk – but it was one Ms Benuzzi said she was willing to take.
“Floristry is so much more than arranging flowers – it’s about creating beauty and connection,” she said.
“The power to transform a space, convey emotion or capture a moment in time, motivates me every day.”
Ms Benuzzi said she was uplifted by other women in her industry and believes women are able to bring empathy and fresh perspectives to the world of business.
Beatriz Masiero Vrettos
“The Gym” founder
From facials to Adelaide’s very first Japanese hair spa, Beatriz Masiero Vrettos’ beauty and spa service “the gym” provides clients with an escape from the everyday.
“Each service and treatment we offer is designed to empower and uplift, whether it’s through skilfully executed treatments or educating future beauty professionals,” Ms Masiero Vrettos said.
“My passion comes from seeing the confidence that radiates from clients when they embrace their own beauty.”
After transitioning into the beauty industry from a different profession, Ms Masiero Vrettos knows all too well the stereotypes that can come with being a strong woman.
“When you’re a female leader, confidence and decisiveness can sometimes be unfairly labelled as ‘bitchy’,” she said.
“It’s disheartening to see how, too often, women can be quick to judge or tear each other down instead of lifting each other up.
“I’ve had to grow a thick skin, focusing on my vision and staying true to my values, knowing that real strength comes from supporting one another.”
Ms Masiero Vrettos will open her latest venture, Elara Spa, in Burnside Village in the new year.
Lauren Spear
The Orange Butterfly Foundation chief executive
After suffering from a traumatic brain injury during a workplace incident in 2018, Lauren Spear was devastated by the lack of supports for herself and others.
Ms Spear decided use her trauma to create positive change and launched The Orange Butterfly Foundation.
“Our mission is to bring invaluable financial benevolent support and community awareness surrounding concussion and traumatic brain injury to the wider public and brain injury communities in order to improve quality of life, access to rehabilitation products and services, and decrease negative societal attitudinal barriers,” she said.
As chief executive Ms Spear has spoken at workplaces, schools, International Women’s Day and International Day of People with Disability events and conferences across the globe.
She was also named South Australia’s SA Woman In Disability award winner for 2022.
“What started as an online community reaching people from all across the world with my story, has turned into an in-person community here in Adelaide that means so much to me,” Ms Spear said.
“Knowing that I’ve built an organisation people can depend on is the most rewarding thing I do, and being able to support individuals financially is life changing.”
Ashleigh Olsen
Ash Aesthetics owner
Ashleigh Olsen was on maternity leave with her seven-month-old baby when she decided to follow her dream of opening her own aesthetic nursing business.
After working as an emergency nurse, a vaccination nurse and a clinical facilitator, Ms Olsen found herself drawn to the aesthetics industry due to its blend of artistry and medical expertise.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives, helping them look and feel their best, both inside and out,” she said.
The Port Pirie business opened earlier this year with Ms Olsen learning to balance her career with raising her child.
“Women often face higher expectations when it comes to nurturing relationships and maintaining a work-life balance, and doing so without sacrificing my wellbeing or passions requires constant adjustment and dedication,” she said.
“It’s a delicate balance, but one that has taught me the value of time management, self-care, and asking for support when needed.”
Vanessa Varga
Varga Lawyers director
After achieving success as a young lawyer, Vanessa Varga decided to open her own practice, Varga Lawyers, with only “a few coins to rub together”.
The practice, which has a specialist focus on wills and succession, provides holistic legal services usually related to estate planning, estate litigation and probate and deceased estate administration.
“When I started Varga Lawyers, I was a single mother of two children under the age of five years,” Ms Varga said.
“As I waded through unknown territory and felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tasks of creating a new start-up business, I reassured myself that I had the smarts to succeed and the drive to continue.
“I remained committed to my dream to provide an authentic, empathetic, specialised legal service at a reasonable cost – I also worked a lot of hours!”
With her talented team of professionals, Ms Varga remains passionate about her job and loves how everyday presents itself with a new challenge for her to tackle.
Kylie Roberts
Aleenta Health Club founder
After working in marketing and becoming one of Endota Spa’s first franchisees, Kylie Roberts found herself falling in love with helping other women take time out of their day for themselves.
“Witnessing the transformation of women who arrived at Endota stressed and left feeling renewed inspired me,” Ms Roberts said.
This encouraged her to create Aleenta Health Club – a reformer pilates, barre and yoga studio with multiple locations in Adelaide plus one in Melbourne – a place for women to relax and recharge through exercise.
“I love hearing from our Aleenta members about how simply moving regularly has transformed their lives — not just physically but mentally too,” Ms Roberts said.
“It’s incredible to see how prioritising even small moments of self-care can create such a ripple effect throughout our lives.”
After ten years in business, Ms Roberts said she owed her success to “passion, persistence, and a clear vision”.
As she works towards opening Aleenta’s new flagship studio in Mawson Lakes, Ms Roberts said the mantra “it’s just for right now” has helped keep her grounded.
“Building a business has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you respond to them that matters most,” she said.
Cristina Tridente
couture+love+madness founder
Cristina Tridente’s fashion empire started at just five years old when her Barbies were the first models of her couture gowns.
Ms Tridente launched her label, specialising in wedding and red carpet wear, fresh out of her TAFE course in 2011 and has since created over 1000 dresses.
couture+love+madness gowns have regularly been seen at A-lister events across Australia and the world with celebrities including Amy Shark, Dannii Minogue, Charlix XCX and Julia Morris wearing looks created by Ms Tridente.
“I love my job and could never imagine doing anything else, I just find it so rewarding, especially being a part of someone’s big day,” Ms Tridente said.
Kylie Porter-Wright
Black Mango Interiors co-founder
Nearly 10 years ago, Kylie Porter-Wright and her husband, Dan founded Black Mango Interiors, a business committed to providing high quality furniture for affordable prices.
With Ms Porter-Wright’s background in interior design and passion for photography, the business has been a major success with pieces from their collections being featured on hit reality TV show The Block.
“It has been a wonderful ride of hard work, trial and error and most of it has been all unbelievably rewarding,” she said.
Over the years Black Mango Interiors has become a family business with daughters, Marni and Tamia coming on board to assist with social media and the brand’s popular online site.
Ms Porter-Wright said working with her family was the best part of her job.
“A road trip with a van full of furniture to shoot on location, a day on phones chatting with customers, or brainstorming products with the whole team, every day brings something new and satisfying,” she said.
“I am so proud of our brand, our customer community and our team.”
Tania Smith
Choons & Moovz director
Tania Smith launched Choons & Moovz after working as a DJ for 15 years.
The business, which provides entertainment services for weddings, corporate events, public and private events started five years ago, with Ms Smith crediting its success to her “intuition”.
“Having had many different career paths, increased maturity and a deeper understanding of who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are helped me grow Choons & Moovz into a business that is more authentic and driven by passion, truth, integrity and vibrancy,” she said.
The popular DJ was the first woman in Australia to win the Best DJ category for the Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) Awards at a state level in 2021 and 2022.
“Business can be a cutthroat world but leaning into the more traditional feminine role can provide new depth and diversity that the business workforce so desperately needs,” Ms Smith said.
“I love witnessing people connect with each other through song and dance – being present for people’s special milestones and achievements is truly a blessing.”
Dr Alecia Macrow
Thrive Family Practice director
Alecia Macrow admits her journey into medicine was not straightforward.
Dr Macrow began her degree at 26 after completing a Graduate Diploma in Scientific Communication, working in marketing and communications and travelling Australia, India and Nepal.
With a passion for helping people with pelvic pain and endometriosis, Dr Macrow said she finds fulfilment in seeing patients make “meaningful progress” and develop a deeper understanding of their condition.
“I once had a mentor criticise me for ‘walking beside’ my patients rather than ‘sitting in front of them’ and yet I see this approach as one of my greatest strengths,” she said.
“I’m passionate about meeting patients where they are, collaborating with them on their goals, and empowering them to create lasting, healthy habits.”
Dr Macrow said she had faced challenges as a female within the medical field as the job does not always acknowledge the realities of family life.
“During my GP training, I had three children, sitting my final specialist GP exams just six weeks after my youngest was born,” she said.
“Many women face difficult choices when it comes to balancing their personal and professional lives (and) I hope to see more support and flexibility for women in all stages of their careers.”
Di Ind
Limestone Coast solutions director
Leadership was a skill that Di Ind always had a knack for even from a young age when she was involved with Brownies and Girl Guides.
At 13 years old she represented South Australia at a leadership conference.
In 2008, she kickstarted her own business Limestone Coast Solutions which provides training and business support services throughout the Mount Gambier region.
“My passion for this line of work is sharing my knowledge and life experiences and encouraging others to do the same,” Ms Ind said.
“I love learning from other people as much as I love sharing what I know with them.”
Over the years, Ms Ind said she had endured many “sleepless nights” as a business owner dealing with cash flow, competitors and Covid-19.
Despite winning a Business Leader Award in 2023, Ms Ind remains humble and hopes her efforts will speak for themselves.
Belinda Hellyer
Brewed by Belinda founder
Belinda Hellyer combined her passion of the arts and love of a good cup of tea to brew a 100 per cent organic tea brand.
“I call it ‘Art You Can Drink’ as I approach my work with tea as an artist, working with my creative flow and intuition,” Ms Hellyer said.
In just nine years the company has received over 60 industry awards and each blend has it’s own dramatic flair with a name reflecting her love of the stage and theatre.
While the “tea lady” admits it has been a “wild ride” at times, Ms Hellyer remains motivated by her community of fellow tea-lovers and ability to express her creative side.
“Running a small business is forever challenging, especially when you are dependent on others for certain things, like the supply of your ingredients and materials and sometimes things happen that are out of your control,” she said.
“It is so important to treat others with respect, ask for help, build mutually beneficial relationships, trust yourself, dig deep when things get hard and persist.”
Her studio in Queenstown is the perfect place to indulge in one of her unique blends.
Jessica Dover
Something Sebastian co-founder
With 106k followers on Instagram, Jessica Dover has been a well-known face in the South Australian social media scene for years.
But Ms Dover recently embarked on a new adventure with the launch of her bespoke baby decor range, Something Sebastian alongside her brother, Cain.
“My love for home decor and creating meaningful products for families during their most precious moments drives me to deliver high-quality, beautiful designs,” she said.
As a single working mother, Ms Dover said she was “in awe” of how women balance multiple roles as “mothers, partners and more”.
“Women bring unmatched creativity, resilience, and emotional intelligence to the business world,” she said.
“Their determination inspires and fosters a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape.”
The personalised baby brand is named after Ms Dover’s son, Sebastian, who she described as her “first inspiration”.
Megan Hayward
Mimi Moon Meno founder
Megan Hayward, a licensed menopause expert, is revolutionising the discussion of menopause.
Through transformative workshops Ms Hayward helps women reclaim their health and voice during this stage of their life.
Her own experience of going through menopause in the workplace encouraged Ms Hayward to start the Mimi Moon Meno.
“As my menopause situation began to influence my working environment, I faced criticism that I was aggressive, anxious, easily upset (to tears), could not handle feedback, and was not a team player,” she said.
“Not being supported through this experience and being the only person to even say the word ‘perimenopause,’ I became misunderstood and isolated, and I ended up going through multiple redundancies, which at the time felt deeply personal; they hurt.”
Ms Hayward is motivated by her belief women are “worth the investment” and should not be socially dismissed from the workforce once they turn a certain age.
“It has been well publicised that 27 per cent of midlife women are retiring early and that is costing the Australian economy $17 billion each year in lost earnings and superannuation, then if you consider women being paid the same as men, we would be injecting $51.8 billion every year into the Australian economy,” she said.
“It’s a no-brainer, keep us employed for as long as possible.”
With her education around women’s health, Ms Hayward hopes the organisations she works with will become more inclusive.
Grace and Jo Byrne
Tacky Bakes co-owners
This mother-daughter duo originally started making their Insta-worthy vintage inspired cakes for social media content but as their following grew, Tacky Bakes was born.
“We’re both naturally creative, and this became a fun way to channel that creativity while getting paid for it,” Grace Byrne said.
The self-taught bakers have already had an abundance of success and even prepared one of their colourful creations for the 2023 Laneway Music Festival.
“The greatest lesson we have learnt through our business is to enjoy the process,” the pair said.
“While success is important, it’s the journey, the learning, and the joy found along the way that truly define a fulfilling business.”
Grace and Jo have their sights set on providing their delicious and aesthetically pleasing creations to more cake-lovers around Adelaide and are currently working on building their home cake studio, equipped with commercial appliances to increase their output.
Leanne Hasting
Leanna J Consulting director
Leanne Hasting’s business started as soon as she left school when she used her gap year to lay its foundations.
Leanna J Consulting provides human resources consulting services to SME business owners in the allied health, professional services and agriculture industries.
Ms Hasting runs her small business in Maitland and has had to learn how to juggle her personal and work commitments while overcoming the challenges of living and working rurally.
“Being a woman in business is an incredible opportunity and as a family, we’ve learned to manage our time, identify our priorities and live to our values in a way that we otherwise wouldn’t have needed to and they are lessons I’m grateful to have learned and am proud to be teaching our children,” she said.
“I love chatting with employers about a sticky situation they might be in and how we can resolve it, or the strategies we can create to make their workplaces even better places to be.”
Catarina Santini
CS Accounting owner
CS Accounting, based in Loxton, specialises in supporting small businesses.
Its founder, Catarina Santini encourages her staff to take a genuine interest in their clients’ results and businesses as much as they do their finances.
“My clients are my biggest inspiration,” Ms Santini said.
“Their resilience, drive, the businesses they are building, their stories of success motivate me every day.”
Ms Santini said her journey as a business owner had taught her it’s okay to ask for help as no one succeeds alone.
Victoria Edwards
Celebrant
Since becoming a celebrant in 2015, Victoria Edwards has married over 700 happy couples.
She has been named ABIA Best Celebrant in South Australia three times in the last four years and was named in the top 10 celebrants in Australia last year.
When Ms Edward’s business was in its infancy she welcomed twins which she said required her to juggle weddings with her family.
“My inspiration is not who I seek to be liked, but who I would like to be admired by – and that is my children,” Ms Edwards said.
“I want them to see me working hard and hitting my goals so that we all succeed as a family and then hopefully they will want to be like me and work hard too.”
Kirsty Parkin
Supaglu founder
Kirsty Parkin has worked in advertising, as a high school teacher and a copywriter but after falling in love with helping other businesses grow, she started Supaglu two years ago.
Supaglu is a staffing agency working with games, VFX and animation studios across Australia.
“I love it when a talented person has their life changed by finding the right opportunity for them – knowing I helped with that is everything,” Ms Parkin said.
As a recruiter she is all too familiar with the gender inequalities within the creative technologies industry.
“Most of the creative roles, and the tech roles, don’t go to women,” Ms Parkin said.
“If they do gain entry, women find it harder to progress to senior, lead and supervisor positions.
“As a recruiter, I see this daily, at the coalface.
“The international landscape is changing and battles we thought we had fought and won we may now have to re-fight.”
Powered by her passion, Ms Parkin said she thrived when seeing her clients grow in their careers while adding to an innovative industry.
Kelly Kuhn
Juggle House Experiences founder
With 27 years experience in the SA tourism and media industries under her belt, Kelly Kuhn is the ‘master juggler’ of Juggle House Experiences.
The successful business, which won gold in the State Tourism Awards Tour and Transport category in 2022, operates tours across the state showing off a myriad of experiences it has on offer.
Ms Kuhn has worked in her community in many roles as deputy mayor of Mid Murray Council and a board member of the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance.
“My public relations roles over the years working at Monarto Safari Park and other tourism businesses, found me working with celebrities from around the nation,” Ms Kuhn said.
“I helped Cosi organise his speaking engagements and grant writing, and more recently co-hosted several segments of Adelady’s Hello SA TV series.”
After all these years Ms Kuhn still finds herself wowed by our state’s beauty which along with her positive, can-do attitude keeps her motivated to keep going.
Fallon Roocke
Fallon & Co founder
A “combination of passion, curiosity, and a crazy desire” led Fallon Roocke to open her own marketing firm.
From humble beginnings as a one woman show, the business has now grown to a staff of six.
“At the core of what we do, we work to be more than just an agency or consultant, we become part of our client’s team, where we’ve formed genuine and longstanding friendships as a result,” Ms Roocke said.
Ms Roocke said she was inspired by her parents, with her dad being a business owner and her mum “the most humble, kind and generous woman you’ll ever meet”.
“My key to success is the key lesson I learnt from my parents – to give more than you expect to receive,” she said.
“Love what you do and give more than you expect in return, in all areas of life and business.”
Jessie Walker
Hair by Jessie Walker owner
Jessie Walker first burst onto the South Australian hairdressing scene 12 years ago and after working in salons across the state, took the leap earlier this year and opened her own business.
Hair by Jessie Walker operates out of Willow Salon in Brighton, which is home to a collective of individual female hairdressers.
“Working alongside other girls running their own business has been an inspiration to see how well they can succeed and all help each other to succeed,” Ms Walker said.
The 31-year-old said her favourite part of the job was being creative and making people happy while creating beautiful hair.
“The beautiful clients we get to chat to all day everyday is the best job I could ask for,” she said.
Amy Stephan
The Good Day owner
Amy Stephan’s dream of running a coffee shop with a lifestyle store attached came into fruition within a week after she decided to “take the plunge and make it happen”.
“I wanted to create a space where people would want to come to not just for a cup of coffee, but to experience something special – a place where they could enjoy a beautiful, unique shopping experience as well,” Ms Stephan said.
Not only does she run her Somerton Park store, Ms Stephan is a mum of four and admits it can be a “juggle” to find time to do it all.
“The biggest challenge for me is the mental noise – the constant juggling and the never-ending to-do lists. But I remind myself to stay focused, take one thing at a time, and be gentle with myself,” Ms Stephan said.
This busy lady is inspired by her parents, who were also business owners and said they had taught her “if you want something badly enough, you have to put in the effort”.
“Things can change so quickly, so it’s important to adapt and evolve along the way. If you don’t, you risk getting left behind,” Ms Stephan said.
Michelle Higgins
The Fragrance Hall owner
Michelle Higgins left the constraints of the corporate world behind to open her own retail boutique in the heart of Whyalla,
“I put my focus into building something really meaningful with this new venture, especially given my personal experience of Whyalla’s history with the mining industry and its impact on the local economy,” Ms Higgins said.
The Fragrance Hall stocks a range of South Australian and Australian made products with Ms Higgins always making sure to support small businesses where she can.
“The key to success for me is not so much the dollars in the bank but rather the positive influence myself and my team can have on others,” she said.
“One thing I have learnt on this journey is to keep your priorities forefront and run your own race.”
Marie Kargiotis
Interior design and property development expert
Marie Kargiotis spends her days helping South Aussies create their dream home.
“Most people know what they like but struggle to piece it together, and I pride myself on being that missing link to achieving their perfect space,” Ms Kargiotis said.
The mum of four’s passion for the interior design and property development industry stems from her belief a person’s surroundings can impact their wellbeing.
“I love designing homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also unique to each client,” Ms Kargiotis said.
“My work allows me to combine creativity with practicality, helping clients bring their vision to life and ensuring their homes truly reflect their personalities and needs.”
Ms Kargiotis has recently taken her expertise to the big screen as a host on Dream Homes Revealed on Channel 9 where she showcases stunning homes across Australia.
Matilda Gilfillan
Matilda Rose Career Coach owner
“Messy, nonlinear, and unexpected” is how Matilda Gilfillan described her career path.
After completing a psychology degree only to realise she did not want to be a psychologist, Ms Gilfillan found a passion for recruitment and helping others find the “next move” in their careers.
“My purpose is to support others to do work they love because life is short,” she said.
Guiding individuals with her three pillar approach promoting clarity, mindset and strategy, Ms Gilfillan said she thrived when helping her clients find a fulfilling career.
“The people that come into my orbit and decide to work with me as their coach are some of the most inspiring, empowering and talented people I have met in my life,” she said.
Amy Springhall
The Visibility Project founder
After noticing the lack of female chief executives surrounding her, Amy Springhall created The Visibility Project; a business committed to accelerating and increasing the voices and visibility of Australia’s most promising female founders, leaders, experts, and speakers.
With her background in public relations, Ms Springhall said she had had the privilege of mentoring hundreds incredible South Australian women.
“Let me tell you, we have no shortage of talent in this state,” she said.
“We know profitability, performance and productivity increase under female leadership.
“So, accelerating women in business isn’t just about fairness; it’s very much about unlocking our full potential as a nation.”
Juggling a full work schedule with her young family has required Ms Springhall to align her availability with her ambitions.
“I would argue that for most mums in business, this is just the everyday reality – constantly balancing dreams with the delightful chaos of family life,” she said.
Hermine Salter
Hermine Salter’s impressive career started when she was 19 and given the chance to work in public relations at Fox Columbia Tri-Star films.
While she admits she “had absolutely no idea what she was doing”, Ms Salter worked day and night to learn the ropes of the business.
After working across film and radio she was appointed head of marketing at Beaumont Tiles where she has remained for 11 years.
“I am still so inspired about what is happening in our industry, it keeps the fires burning,” she said.
“I worked hard, really hard to learn my craft and to stay ahead of the game.”
After all her years in the industry, Ms Salter said she measured her success on how she had been able to balance her working life while raising her son Luke.
“The daily actions I took for ensure my son grew up to be a happy, fulfilled, emotionally astute and an engaged person who is chasing his own dreams, has been my key metric of success,” she said.
“No doubt, the basics sit at the key of success, roll your sleeves up and be prepared to work.”
Adele Gibb
Carat SA managing director
As the managing director of the South Australian branch of a global media network, Adele Gibb is immersed within a fast-paced constantly evolving industry.
But her journey began long before her appointment to this role.
“Like many people in media, it wasn’t something I set out to do,” Ms Gibb said.
“I initially wanted to be a journalist and was on the path to this career, but really started to enjoy media sales, and so it became a more natural fit.”
After working in Australia and the UK, Ms Gibb has grown her career while managing her family and helping her professional peers achieve their goals.
While there are many things to love about her job, Ms Gibb has relished the opportunities to work with a variety of businesses from the South Australian government to Cancer Council SA and Discovery Parks.
“No day is the same,” she said.
Bethany Willsmore
Silverchain Group brand and marketing director
Bethany Willsmore planned out her future working life as she poured over the SATAC guide in her high school library alongside her best friend.
“She chose this new course called marketing – I didn’t know what it was, but the thought of going to uni together and travel for work sounded good,” Ms Willsmore said.
Fast forward many years and she’s still happy with the decision.
Her marketing career has seen her work in various high level government and private sector jobs as well as travel the world.
Today, she leads the national brand and marketing function for Silverchain Group, Australia’s third largest provider of in home health and aged care.
“My passion comes from knowing that what I do can impact people’s lives, whether it is educating behaviour change for better health, communicating reforms that benefit communities, our environment or state, or promoting services like care at home that I know will improve someone’s quality of life,” Ms Willsmore said.
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