Seven Macedon Ranges businesswomen have been named finalists in the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards.
The Women’s Business School awards celebrate Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success.
Two of those are Gisborne’s Carmen Hofman, an Emerging Entrepreneur title hopeful, and Katrina Buttigieg, who is vying for Creative Entrepreneur and Author/Writer.
Katrina is a writer and proud mum of three, and in 2018, decided to turn her passion for writing into a lifestyle.
She left her job as a teacher and founded Macedon Ranges Writers, a content and copywriting business that focuses on supporting local businesses.
In 2019, Katrina also launched Macedon Ranges Mumma: a blog promoting family fun ideas in the region, including the best playgrounds, walks, markets and kid-friendly cafes.
Since then, her project has expanded to include: a regular column in the Gisborne Gazette; meet ups to give people the opportunity to connect; and a shop local initiative.
Through both her copywriting and blogging work, Katrina enjoys having flexible hours around her family and being able to write for and endorse her local community.
“As mums, I think we can get so used to serving our family that it is easy to forget that our own dreams are still worthy,” she said.
“I absolutely love running my own business because I can do what I love, have the flexibility to be available for my kids when they need me, and can also invest time in my own health and wellbeing.”
Fellow Gisborne entrepreneur Carmen Hofman shares a similar work-life balance as her new business Oakfield Designs thrives.
The 40-year-old mother of two creates stunning and unique epoxy river tables, as well as grazing boards, coasters and other homewares.
Each client experience is tailor made for them: customers can select their live-edge timber slab, resin colour and table-leg base.
Carmen has a passion and appreciation for Australian timber, and works tirelessly with her clients, to ensure they feel confident and excited about their custom piece.
“I absolutely love having a job that is flexible around my children. I also love setting an example for my girls and demonstrating to them that mums can be successful too,” she said.
“I also am absolutely delighted and grateful to be doing something that I love and enjoy so much. I didn’t think that kind of job existed.”
A hammer was the only tool she owned when she decided to start her business from scratch in September 2020, when recovering from ankle surgery.
She now has a shed full of woodworking tools and plans to expand.
“Every cent of profit I make goes back into the business. I am also in the process of developing Oakfields’ very own brand of epoxy that has the potential to go global,” Carmen said.
“My pieces are so popular that there is now a 12-week waitlist.”
Being a successful businesswoman while raising a family can be challenging, but both Carmen and Katrina gave encouraging advice for others dreaming of their own enterprise.
”Take a business course or speak to as many other people in business as you can before you start. But, absolutely go for it!” Katrina said.
“If you enjoy what you do, you will continue to strive to improve, and people will recognise your passion and support you.”
Carmen agreed belief and passion were important.
“Believe in yourself. Believe in your product. Your passion radiates to your clients,” she said.
“And always communicate clearly and honestly with your clients. They really appreciate good service.”
Other Gisborne finalists in the awards include: Katrina Wurn of Stress Free SuperMum, Fiona Farrugia of Art by Fiona Leeann, and Cassandra Zutelia of Artistiek Hair. Riddells Creek’s Kristy Moore of Travel Moore and Romsey’s Amanda Moyle of Country Chic HD were also named finalists.
Winners of the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at an online event in September.
