EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH COLLABORATION

Women have been involved in business for thousands of years, with the first recorded instance dating back as far as 1870 BC, in the city of Assur in northern Iraq. Assyrian women at the time were heavily contributing to the trading networks that flourished in the region, challenging the belief that business was only exclusive to men.

According to the Women’s Entrepreneurship Report, “one third of high-growth businesses worldwide are now run by women”1, and here we introduce just 3 of our AGHA women in business.

Little Joys by Amelie first started in 2019 as a way of raising funds for a school trip to France, but the purpose soon changed after the creator, Amelie’s mental health started to change. Amelie struggled with anxiety and soon her state became worse and escalated into a severe obsessivecompulsive disorder. Due to the severity, Amelie and her parents made the difficult decision for her to leave school to ensure the best chance of recovery. During that time, her passion for art and design soon became the sole focus of her motivation and it gave her a new lease of life.

Little Joys by Amelie has a range of worry stones, each with a unique and special meaning. See the Courage Bunny worry stone and soft toy ranges at stand 1517.

With a new focus on mental health awareness, Amelie continued to make her little joy creations to help with mental health stating that, “I think mental health is not talked about enough - people have no idea what it’s like until they have experienced it. I just want to spread awareness so it can be talked about, and people can get the help they need”2

Her most notable products are her “Courage Bunnies” which she donates to Starship Children’s Hospital, NZ Heart Kids and charity One Mother to Another; and “Worry Monsters” donated to Child, Adolescent and Family Inpatient Services, while 5 percent of her newest products (Mental Health Wellbeing pins and cards) go to charity Voices of Hope.

Amelie is a testiment to the power of woman, despite age or state of health, to be able to achieve business success. Her next step is to write a new book filled with illustrations of characters targeting specific mental health issues.

The Queen of Quartz has an interesting beginning. As a child, Katie was obsessed with gemstones, particularly pyrite and peacock ore. She was introduced to palm reading by her maternal grandmother which then led Katie to learning tarot and exploring the metaphysical properties of gemstones. Her love for gemstones would soon come together to create something unique and beautiful.

Gemstone bracelets made by AGHA member The Queen of Quartz

The Queen of Quartz specialises in a wide selection of products ranging from headbands, crowns, necklaces and bracelets all made by Katie. The process of these gemstones starts from getting handpicked from a select group of suppliers who ethically source them. Then the gemstones are secured by wire wrapping them in place with a high-grade enamel coated wire.

Gemstone headbands made by AGHA member The Queen of Quartz

Katie has donated the majority of the sales to charities including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the RSPCA.

As we celebrate the contributions of women in business, let’s also recognise the power of sisterhood and the unique impact that sisters can have on entrepreneurship! Introducing FLATOUTbear, a business where two sisters work alongside each other to produce soft and cuddly flat teddy bears.

Plush, soothing bears by FLATOUTbear at stand 1133.

In 2001, FLATOUTbear’s sisters Sarah and Prue decided to open their own business inspired by their parents businesses’ as children. They watched as their dad work in his antique shop and then later saw their mum run her homewares shop, which she opened up alongside her friend. Having grown up with flat bears of their own, followed by their knowledge of retail and love of bears, it naturally made them want to start their own business.

FLATOUTbear’s unique collection of products feature flat bears made from 100% Australian sheepskin that are unbelievably soft, irresistibly snuggly and naturally soothing to children.

Over the years, the range of flat bears soon expanded into rugs, bunnies and so much more! Their most notable products are flat bears and every purchase helps out Cambodian families in need. It’s really exciting to see how the collaboration between women in business is making a difference in life.

The AGHA are proud to have provided a platform over the years, that has empowered and supported countless women entrepreneurs in the gift and homewares industry.

The Melbourne Gift Fair, 2023 is free for all retailers. Register at melbournegift.com.au. Visit us at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-9 August. Doors 9-17