Mackay’s most inspiring business women revealed for 2022
Whether they’re business owners or managers, creators or consultants, these women are the leaders who have inspired and encouraged you ahead of International Women’s Day.
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Melissa Green knows what it means to be local, a woman in business, and a strong leader.
And how to own and run a successful bank.
It is something fostered from a young age when, during work experience at a bank in year 10, she set her sights on the industry.
While her own motivator, the fact she now owns Bank of Queensland Mackay City and leads a team of 19 people – of which 17 are women – Mrs Green also acknowledges and respects the paths generations of women before her paved.
She says International Women’s Day gives her pause to reflect on that.
“I must express my sincere thanks to these women who have forged opportunities for myself and young women in the future to be able to step into their own greatness,” she said.
Mrs Green had that enviable and sometimes elusive moment of knowing what she wanted to do with her life 28 years ago, during work experience.
She secured herself a job at the BOQ Mackay City branch and in 2007, bought it.
She still runs it as owner manager, a concept unique to the banking franchise that also affords an autonomy to develop and protect mutually beneficial relationships with not just client and customers, but with staff.
It also allows her to give back to the Mackay community and build a rewarding team that fulfils her desire to help people.
Now, previous colleague Melissa Egan and her sister Rebecca Galea have joined as BOQ Mackay City owners and together, the three of them form part of a team of 19.
Your inspiring women of business
We put the call out for you to give a shout out to the women who inspire you in Mackay’s business sector.
There is no shortage of hard workers, compassionate, inspiring and motivating women from across every industry in Mackay, and you richly rewarded them with a call out.
Here are just a few of those leaders you admire ahead of International Women’s Day on May 8.
Deb Rae, The Village Leaders
One of three directors at The Village Leaders, Deb Rae is an author and coach committed to helping people reach their goals and seize opportunities.
She has written and published Getting There, Grief to Peace for Young Widows, and operates a support program for mothers called Celebrate Me.
The program helps mothers preserve their identity, giving support when they need it to be able to make the changes they want in their life.
Nominated by: Michelle Boles
“Deb Rae from The Village Leaders and Deb has her own business, she has written a book and now she is helping women to become more confident about themselves. Deb has many skills and qualifications but is very humble. An amazing woman.”
Sandra Quinn, Sandy Coast
Northern Beaches homemakers know they can turn to Sandra Quinn at Sandy Coast, the business she opened to fill a void in the market.
Customers are enamoured with her wide selection but also dedication to great service and finding that sought-after gift or homeware.
Sandy Coast sells a wide selection of furniture and homewares suited to coastal climates, as well as gifts with complimentary gift wrapping available.
Visit Sandy Coast at 2A Keim St, Rural View.
Nominated by Reanna Quinn
Madisson Callander, Hyde and Sticks owner and founder
Young, creative, determined and dedicated leap to mind when exploring Maddison ‘Mads’ Callander’s Hyde and Stick website from where she sells her own designed clothing.
She says she draws inspiration from the strong people around her but as her business grows and she chases her dreams, Mads is the one doing the inspiring.
Hydes and Sticks is a passion project with a goal of providing clothing apparel that is unique, affordable and makes the wearer feel good.
Based out of Sarina, its range is distinctly country, from hats to T-shirts, fishing shirts to accessories – oh, and the Down Yonder footy shorts, with pockets!
Nominated by Melissa Corr: “Check out the website to see how good she goes and the products Madi designs – all in less than a year.”
Nominated by Kayla Walz: “Madisson has grown Hyde and Sticks so much in a short amount of time.”
Mikaela Green, Fleek Brows and Beauty
The adage that if you look great, you feel great, holds true and behind some of the best brows in Mackay is Mikaela Green.
The Fleek Brows and Beauty owner stays on top of her game in the industry, ensuring the latest information and safe treatments are on offer for clients.
She and her team specialise in brow perfection, eyelash extension, facials and more.
Nominated by Jennifer Ford
“Mikaela is an amazing business owner making sure her staff and herself is up to day within her industry and that her staff’s wellbeing is just as important as her customers’ experience. A true example of women taking care of women and being an inspiration to everyone that crosses her path.”
Tara Smyth, LJ Hooker Mackay, Dysart, Moranbah
A real estate agent who puts community at heart, LJ Hooker general manager Tara Smyth knows what it means to connect with the region and its people to work for a greater good.
She says while being a real estate agent is about buying, selling or leasing property, it goes beyond that to be about the relationships built along the way.
Nominated by Janine Carey
“Not only does she run a busy real estate with four shopfronts in the region, she is also the president of Mackay Basketball which is like another full-time job. I’m sure you will also find that she will be on her children’s school boards. I don’t know how she actually keeps up with herself – tenfold the hardest worker out there as well as an amazing mediator.”
Carolyn Fritz, Moranbah Discount Tyre and Mechanical:
Nominated by Josh Fritz. “Always giving back to the community in Mackay, Moranbah and the Whitsundays.”
Nominated by Rock Bukojemski: “A great generous woman who supports local and regional charities, provides training and apprenticeships within her business. She is also a board member on GW3 representing the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.”
Nominated by Jamie Fritz: “She not only runs one of the biggest tyre and mechanical shops in the Isaac region – Moranbah Discount Tyres and Mechanical – she is continually employing apprentices and trainees who have gone on to win apprentice of the year awards, supporting and donating to many charities, winning many Excellence in Business awards over six years with the Moranbah Trades Association. She’s won the RIN Award for ‘connecting in the community’, she won ‘Inspiring Women in Isaac award’, she’s a board member on GW3 representing the three regions, a forum member on the Advancing Queensland regions and a forum member on the STAC committee for Isaac, along with being a mentor and support for other small business owners.”
Tina Burger nominated:
Gillian Ketting from RnB Fitness Mackay, Abby-Jane Walsh from Stomping Elephants, Kelly Munt from Adenalin Cheerleading, Carrie Morris from Centre Stage Dance, Jody Sainsbury from Kickass Women, Terri-Lee Reedman from Let’s Just Face It Entertainment Mackay.
Tina says: “So many deserving women but these are my top ladies who own their own businesses. All these women also uplift others.”
Hayley Apelt nominated:
Stelle Geoghegan and Kyra Geoghegan from Aspire Performing Arts, Ally Blines from Let the Children Play Toyshop, and Nyomi Davidson from Little Treehouse Lane.
Debbie Brooker nominated:
Ally Blines from Let the Children Play Toyshop, Kerri Ross of Deja Du, Deb Clark from Kitten Vintage, and Michele Shea of Old Station Teahouse.
Debbie says: “All amazing women in business in Mackay.”
Angella Heel nominated:
“Cathy Sullivan, this lady is amazing, she does so much for our community, is an inspiration to women. I admire all the hard work Cathy has done for our community.”
Terri-Lee Reedman nominated:
“Abby-Jane Walsh from Stomping Elephants. She is truly inspirational.
Brittany-Elise Johansen nominated: “Jill Johansen from Helloworld Travel Mackay – goes above and beyond in all aspects.”
Kayla Walz nominated:
Casey Kelland at Blessed Hair Lounge. “Has done so amazing over the past 12 months despite what life has thrown her way.”
Hannah Maree nominated:
Denika Kay of Lash Gold Studio. “The smartest and hardest working woman in Mackay.”
Shy Shy nominated:
Kriste Sammut from Chelona Engineering. “This woman went above and beyond for a service this year and ensured so many children and women received a good Christmas. She is amazing and deserves the recognition.”
Rachele Janus nominated:
Nyomi Davidson from Little Treehouse Lane. “She has created such a lovely business for all of us locals.
Michelle Byrne from the Wellness Corner, Marian. “She has created an amazing safe place for health and wellness, and I for one am grateful for her and her vision that came to reality.”
Carolyn Daley nominated:
Heather Lampe from Mackay and Sarina Snake Catcher. “She’s one courageous woman taking on taipans and brown snakes.”
Zoe Broadstock nominated:
Bohemian Elyse owner Tory Elyse Day. “Such an inspiration, starting and creating a fantastic local business at such a young age.”
Anette Worthington nominated:
Amber Suki at Vape Shack Mackay. “She has done a fantastic job in growing her business.”
Jane Vogler from Langfords Hotel. Also keeping her business afloat in trying times and always supporting live music.”
Nominated by Rory TP: “Went from a passion, took it to a small business from home, to a shop in an inner suburb, to a thriving business in the main street. Not only completely knows her products, but also always prepared to help people and give free advice. Has been instrumental in helping a multitude of smokers kick the habit. Consequently loved by clients and staff alike, a shining beacon to anyone who wants to pursue their dream.”
Tameika Atkins nominated:
Ria Nuttal from Elk House of Hair: “An inspiration and a leader in the industry, an amazing person and such a supportive leader. For someone who has worked in the industry for more than 16 years, I feel so privileged to have spent some of my years with Ria. Her support and drive are what helped inspire me to become who I am today. Ria brings happiness and confidence to people every day and she deserves the recognition.”
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