International Women’s Day: Women of Ballarat talk business

There’s no shortage of amazing business women doing great things in Ballarat. Check out the full list of more than 40 inspiring small business owners.

Ballarat boasts many women carving a path forward in various industries across the region.

We asked for your nominations, and you gave us more than 40 names of women to highlight for International Women’s Day on March 8.

Here’s what just a few of those women had to say about their lives and businesses in Ballarat.

A full list of nominations follows.

Steph Blyth, Goldfields Health Collective

Supplied Editorial Goldfields Health Collective owner Stephanie Blyth.

Stephanie Blyth is a mother of three and a chiropractor.

She moved to Ballarat eight years ago and now owns Goldfields Health Collective.

“I worked at a couple of other different businesses and then I started my own business just as Covid hit, so May 2020,” she said.

“It was just time for me to start my own thing and for us to start creating more of the life that we wanted to have.

“It was good in that my partner normally works in Melbourne full-time, so he was around more and we used the lockdown essentially to renovate our clinic.”

Ms Blyth said life was “all about balance”.

She said it was important not to hold on to high expectations for every part of one’s life, but instead to prioritise and accept help from others.

“I think if you try to be a master of all trades you’ll probably fail at all,” Ms Blyth said.

“Letting some things go and building a village is great – helping others and accepting help.

“I’m always for uplifting women and empowering them: working for yourself and making things work for you and your family the way that you want is just worth it.”

”I really do pick and choose when and how I work to make it work for our family.”

Carmel West, Turret Cafe and Catering

Supplied Editorial Turret Cafe and Catering owner Carmel West.

Carmel West has been in charge at Turret Cafe and Catering for more than two decades and previously owned the French Kitchen.

She grew up in Ballarat and stays in hospitality for her “love of food and love of people”.

“It’s hospitality,” Ms West said.

“You have open arms and it’s like welcoming people into your home: that hasn’t changed from 34 years ago.

“I’m grateful for every customer and have forged many friendships along the way.”

She said prospective business owners need only “be prepared to work hard and don’t give in”.

“Just keep working hard and follow your dreams,” Ms West said.

“Work smart as well. Get up, dress up, turn up.”

Wendy Peng, Dana Street Dental

Supplied Editorial Dana Street Dental owner Dr Wendy Peng.

Wendy Peng and her husband moved to Ballarat in 2009 and opened their first dental practice a few years later, about the same time they had children.

“It was really difficult,” Ms Peng said about juggling work and family.

“I think we just struggled through it.

“One of us will be home looking after the kids and the other one will be home working.”

It’s her patients and colleagues that keep Ms Peng motivated for work each day.

“We’ve got a lovely team,” she said. “They’re super kind and really care about what we do.

“It’s just such a joy to be able to go to work and provide care.”

“I think gender is not necessarily a barrier for anybody to do anything, so I think if somebody wants to become a business owner, if they have a dream, they can definitely achieve it.

“It takes hard work, but it’s always worth it.”

Teegan Barrett, TIGA Hair Co.

Supplied Editorial TIGA Hair Co. owner Teegan Barrett.

Teegan Barrett moved to Ballarat three and a half years ago for a “better life and better community”.

She has a three-year-old and a five-year-old, and her partner works locally.

“I built a salon at home,” Ms Barrett said.

“I built and registered a little boutique salon because I wanted to be involved in the community.

“From the beginning I wanted to support other businesses, so every campaign I’ve done has involved other local businesses.

She said her work is rewarding as she makes people “feel better about themselves and feel beautiful”.

“It’s a safe environment: women and men and children can say what they want to say in a safe spade and leave feeling and looking incredible.

“Just keep going,” Ms Barrett advised up-and-coming business owners.

“Never doubt yourself; anything is possible.

“It’s all hard work but it is worth it.”

Rach Jayde, Ikonic & Co. Hair & Beauty Studio

Rach Jayde has lived in Ballarat her whole life and began her career at 16 years old.

“I had a passion for hair and that’s all I wanted to do,” she said.

After having her first child, Ms Jayde found it difficult to balance her work and life, so decided to start a business for like-minded hairdressers who would support each other.

Thus Ikonic & Co. Hair & Beauty Studio.

“I love what I do and I love making people feel good,” Ms Jayde said.

“My clients are my best friends and I’ve been so blessed to have them support me throughout my career.

“My real passion and what motivates me is seeing people succeed and helping people achieve their goals and dreams and I just love being able to teach my craft to my apprentices and staff members.

“That’s my purpose, to give back to my industry that has given me so much.”

Ms Jayde said that anyone starting his or her own business – anyone with passion and a dream – should “go for it” and “don’t ever give up”.

“Will it be easy?” she said.

“The answer is no, but hard work, commitment, passion, and a supportive network around you and you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

“Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it: I believe you can, and all you need is to believe in yourself and surround yourself with like-minded people who will support you and push you to achieve your goals and dreams.”

Full list of nominees

Kym Hartup, Universal Support

Rach Jayde, Ikonic & Co. Hair & Beauty Studio

Bec Reeves, Formation Hairstylists

Georgia Skordos

Megan Wentworth, Lux Nova Beauty

Jacinta Hogan, Edible Indulgence

Teegan Barrett, TIGA Hair Co.

Jasmine FD, MVMNT

Carmel West, Turret Cafe and Catering

Rebecca McErvale, Leroy Mac Designs

Belinda Eden, Troop Events

Lorenne Ramanauskas

Alarnah Adams, Hair by Alarnah

Rachael Phillips, Arabella Hair Design

Toni Mitchell, The Brow Basement

Erika Browne, Mrs Browne Bakes

Steph Blyth, Goldfields Health Collective

Kim Alexa, Alexa’s Treasure

Wendy Peng, Dana Street Dental

Colleen, Colleen’s Clothing Alterations

Sonia Lavery

Amanda Morrish, Black Sheep on Sturt

Katie Wright and Kristy Richardson, Formosa Gardens Nursery

Leah Mc-h, Mia & Talbot Candles Gifts

Zoe Isabella Grace, Isabella Grace

Lee Martin

New Style with Ann

Emily Atkinson

Stacey Pierce, Kitchens U Build Ballarat

Carmel West, The Turret Cafe

Rebecca McErvale, Leroy Mac Designs

Lorraine Gittings, The SoupBus

Christina Fundraiser

Toni Mitchell, The Brow Basement

Midwife Lauretta, Ballarat Born

Kate Davis

Emily Atkinson

Susie Emery, Slater and Gordan

Ebony Armstrong, Pet Pals Co.

Carmel Brown, The Proven Group

Colleen Fillipa, Fifteen Trees

Rebecca Start, Start Media Co.