Telstra Business Award winner Anni Brownjohn recognised for work with organic products

STARTING a new business is all about having confidence and getting on with it, says Ozganics founder Anni Brownjohn.

NSW_DT_NEWS_TELSTRA_WOMENS_BUSINESS_AWARDS_14JUN14(2)

ANNI Brownjohn has a message for any woman thinking of setting up her own business: just get started and don’t overthink it.

The founder of the booming Ozganics organic food brand, which sells organic sauces, jams and pastas nationally into supermarkets and grocers and last week secured entry into 4000 supermarkets in China, has seen her business flourish since winning the 2013 National Business Innovator Award in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

The Murwillumbah-based business was a forerunner to the current organic, gluten-free and dairy-free boom, springing from Ms Brownjohn’s desire to cook healthy and tasty food for her family members with dairy, gluten and additive intolerances and allergies.

Anni Brownjohn: “Don’t risk the farm, but be confident.” Picture: Jonathan Ng

Ozganics employs 20 staff in Murwillumbah, with offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Hong Kong.

Ms Brownjohn, 55, said she trusted her instincts when deciding to start the business, even though she had no formal qualifications in either business or food retail.

And her advice for others thinking of starting their own business: Go for it.

“I really think you should just go and have a go,” she said yesterday.

BROKEN: ROSS REVEALS ARM SCARS

FIFI BOX SHOWS HER CLASS BY STAYING MUM

“Don’t risk the farm, but be confident, understand your market and have absolute belief in yourself. Don’t over think it. Provide a product that people want, at a price they are prepared to pay for it.”

Ms Brownjohn said winning the Telstra Businesswoman award had changed her business dramatically.

“It has opened doors for me like you wouldn’t believe,” she said.

“I’d like to see more women enter these awards, particularly from the regions because it puts you in touch with those in the city who you wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.”

Entries and nominations for this year’s awards can be made at www.womensawards.com or by calling 1800 817 536 until June 29.

Originally published as Telstra Business Award winner Anni Brownjohn recognised for work with organic products