Fiery Brisbane women team up to conquer chilli festival scene

Two dynamic Brisbane women have joined forces to fire up a vibrant chilli festival in Brisbane this month.

2 min read

October 17, 2024 - 9:08AM

Briz Chilli and Beer Fest supplier Redland Bay’s Mel O’Brien with organiser Sandra Beynon, also known as Scarlett Habanero. Picture: Contributed

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Two dynamic Brisbane women are proving that age is no barrier to success in the fiery world of business.

Brisbane businesswoman Sandra Beynon, also known as Scarlett Habanero, as the mastermind behind multiple chilli festivals across southeast Queensland and Sydney, has teamed up with former netball coach-turned-chilli grower, Mel O’Brien, to tackle both the spice and the stigma of an ageist employment sector.

Ms O’Brien is known across the bayside as the owner of the popular Infusion Chilli Farm, based in Redland Bay.

Both women have had their share of challenges, navigating a job market that often sidelines people over 45.

Instead of accepting defeat, they turned their passions into successful business ventures.

Now, the pair is igniting the local chilli scene, proving that age is no obstacle to being a “hot” businesswoman.

Briz Chilli and Beer Fest organiser Sandra Beynon, also known as Scarlett Habanero. Picture: Contributed

Ms O’Brien’s Infusion Chilli Farm now serves as the official supplier for Habanero’s chilli festivals, including the highly anticipated Briz Chilli and Beer Fest, scheduled for October 27 at Ballistic Brewing Co in Salisbury.

With 15,000 chilli plants in production and growing demand from retail customers, Ms O’Brien said the new venture was thriving.

“I’ve conquered the netball coaching world, and I felt I was ready for a new challenge,” Ms O’Brien said.

“When I discovered that no one was growing chillies locally, I got hot with excitement. It’s a completely new adventure.

“The love for chillies has skyrocketed and festival-goers are eager to take home their own plants and nurture them.”

Some of the different types of chillies that will be available to taste. Picture: Contributed

Ms Habanero, known for her solo efforts in organising festivals, is grateful for the partnership and said she was thrilled to be working with another “older” woman who shared her passion for chillies.

“Organising festivals single-handedly is sheer hard work. When my usual chilli plant supplier let me down, a friend googled and found Infusion Chilli Farm. It was a lifesaver,” Ms Habanero said.

The Briz Chilli and Beer Fest will be held at Ballistic Brewery at Salisbury. Picture: Contributed

“Since turning 48, finding the right job became impossible so I got into organising festivals,” “It’s not as profitable as growing wholesale chillies, but we’re both focused on what we do best.

“It’s amazing to collaborate with someone who can deliver on all fronts.”