The SA business women recognised by AusMumpreneur and the ones you should keep an eye on next year

From overcoming adversity to designing eco-friendly products, these SA businesswomen have been recognised for balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood.

From overcoming adversity to provide for their families to creating eco-friendly products, SA’s business women have been recognised for their entrepreneurship.

The Women’s Business School AusMumpreneur awards celebrate Australian mums in business who are achieving success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.

The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

See the South Aussie mums doing us proud.

FIVE SA STANDOUTS FROM THIS YEAR’S AUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS

Emily Riggs — Iris & Wool

Emily Riggs founder of Iris & Wool

Emily Riggs and her clothing label were nominated in three separate categories in this year’s AusMumprenuer competition.

The Burra mum established Iris & Wool out of a love for quality designer clothing and was inspired to delved into designing with wool after marrying a merino sheep farmer.

Being a business owner allows Ms Riggs to juggle motherhood and business on her own schedule which she says is an “amazing creative outlet”.

With Iris & Wool which includes men’s, women’s, kids’ and equestrian wear went on to win her two golds at Wednesday night’s awards ceremony.

“I’m thrilled to be named a winner in both the Fashion and Regional Business categories,” Ms Riggs said.

“It’s an honour to be recognised alongside such amazing women in business.”

Melissa Van Kasteren — Lujo Home

Melissa Van Kasteren owner of Lujo Home. Picture: Supplied

With no formal training or managerial experience, Melissa Van Kasteren who previously called herself a ‘disabled housewife,’ has gone on to master business and provide for her family in ways she never imagined.

The proud mother of two lives with the invisible illness Lupus, an inflammatory disease which affects the joints, skin and major organs.

It was her love for specialist silk products which made her realise there was a major gap in the market and Lujo Home was born.

Ms Van Kasteren took home silver in both the Disabled Business Excellence Award and the Overcoming the Odds Award categories for her online homewares business, Lujo Home.

“The idea of Lujo Home came from wanting to build something for my family,” Ms Van Kasteren said.

“Being able to work from home around my family and my health challenges has been crucial to my success.”

Chantelle Reed — South Coast Circus

South Coast Circus in Aldinga took home gold in the Emerging AusMumpreneur category. Picture: Supplied

Chantelle Reed founder of South Coast Circus was nominated in the Women Will Change the World and Emerging AusMumpreneur categories.

The unique Aldinga establishment hosts classes for aspiring circus troupes and anyone wanting to give it a go from 18 months to 80 years old.

After only opening a year ago, Ms Reed couldn’t believe it when she took out the Emerging AusMumpreneur title.

Ms Reed took to Facebook to express her gratitude.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing support over the last year and for believing in me and in South Coast Circus,” she said.

“Thank you so much to the AusMumpreneur team for considering me for this award. I feel so honoured to have been recognised by your amazing team.

“I’m so excited for the next 12 months, now being an AusMumpreneur ambassador and continuing to develop SCC.”

Amber Rushton — Red Hippo Australia

Amber Rushton of Red Hippo Australia. Picture: Supplied

Barossa based digital marketing agency Red Hippo Australia was founded by Amber Rushton who calls herself the “ever-thinking, always-learning, somewhat nerdy” brains behind the business.

This astounding mama of two was nominated in five separate categories and took home the gold in the Business Pivot category and silver in both the Digital Innovation and B2B Business Service categories.

“We’re a regional business and finally we’re growing” Ms Rushton said.

“We had a massive change in the last 12 months due to Covid and it’s been really successful.

“It’s helped our business grow, but also helped so many other businesses, especially in South Australia.”

Ms Rushton’s awards are a reflection of her hard work in a town where resources are often limited.

Naomi Parsons — Eco Crayons

Naomi Parsons from Eco Crayons. Picture: Facebook

Mum, teacher and business owner Naomi Parsons makes 100 per cent plant based, non-toxic crayons and paints right in her own backyard with a catalogue of over 20 products.

What was a result of witnessing the reaction mainstream crayons and drawing tools had on her children’s skin, Ms Parsons company Eco Crayons earned her eight separate nominations in the 2021 AusMumpreneur awards.

“I designed my art products to have a light footprint on the earth, to help families and educators help talk to kids about sustainable swaps, to educate kids about the beauty that lies within our natural environment, and to provide all people with safe and natural art products,” Ms Parsons said.

Amid running her business this past year, the single mother of two underwent a double mastectomy and was recognised for her perseverance and optimism winning first place for product design and first place in overcoming the odds.

FIVE WOMEN TO WATCH OUT FOR NEXT YEAR

Belinda Mills — Pipsqueek in Saigon

Owner of Pipsqueek in Saigon hair salons in Hove and Stepney this eco-conscious mama and total hair wizard is famous for her colourful manes and aesthetically cool salons.

Somehow she juggles four babies — two of the human kind and two of the salon kind, while also maintaining a stellar social media presence with a huge cult following.

One to watch out for as a potential candidate in next years AusMumpreneur awards.

Gina Britton — Daisy and Hen

Owner of children’s store Daisy and Hen, this hard working mum sublimely blends motherhood and business.

After taking time off from her career to have baby Henry six years ago, Gina couldn’t achieve the flexibility desired to return to her corporate job and still be devoted to her new bub.

And so, children's retail shop Daisy and Hen was born.

Gina has established three store locations around South Australia since 2016 and is further expanding through her newly acquired warehouse to keep up with online demand.

Koby Bates — KOLEHA

With a clever reason for its name, the name of this business is tied with the first two initials of Koby’s first, middle and maiden name making it one you cant forget, not to mention her colourful and effortlessly cool designs.

Mothering her two-year-old Leo, while drawing, designing and manufacturing seasonal swim, resort and active wear collections come all to naturally to this Port Lincoln boss.

Maree Hopgood — Girl About Town

Founder and director of bustling communications agency Girl About Town, Maree Hopgood strives in the PR world.

Although now, she does so with one-year-old Parker in tow.

Ms Hopgood has been growing her Adelaide based company for seven years now and continues to make memorable statements with her clever creativity.

Hayley Renee — Hayley Renee Photography 

Mum-to-be Hayley Renee is hot property in Adelaide responsible for shooting some of the most flawless fashion and commercial campaigns around SA and Australia.

This power woman is expecting a bundle of joy mid-November and plans to continue working almost right up until her due date.

With work already scheduled two months post-partum, this photographer is a strong contender for next years nominations with nothing stopping her from having a camera in one hand and a baby in the other.