15 minute read
The Rise Award
The Rise Award is for a woman who has had a year of growth in their business - including but not limited to their financials, staff and location. This category is for businesses with a turnover of under $200,000 and with more than two years in business.
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THE RISE AWARD
Raise a glass to Bec! Bec Hardy was the winner of The Rise Up Award in 2021. She is a 6th generation member of and the first female vigneron from one of Australia’s oldest wine families, the Hardys. Her Bec Hardy and Pertaringa brands offer award-winning wines from McLaren Vale and other premium regions, with a modern twist on 170 years of winemaking heritage.
These were the heartwarming words that Bec Hardy's acceptance speech finished on after winning The Rise Up Award in 2021 - a sentiment that had the entire SA Woman team absolutely beaming with pride. We were keen to talk with Bec more about her journey so far, what's on the horizon for her, as well as what advice she has for other women with growing businesses.
// We celebrated the growth of Bec Hardy Wines last year and your star continues to rise – cheers to that! What achievements or moments are you most proud of in your business?
We’re just really proud that we’re still standing strong! We figure that if we can take over a company in the middle of a global pandemic, followed by industrydevastating China tariffs - and not only be standing at the end of it, but actually exceeding all our budgets, we’re doing pretty well! The most significant financial success for Bec Hardy Wines over the past year was a distribution deal into the US in late 2021 - the biggest deal since I took over the Pertaringa brand in July 2020! This comprised a shipment of more than 133,500 bottles of McLaren Vale Shiraz, Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc and South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, shipped to the US in November and distributed nationally throughout major retail chains. // What is your biggest piece of advice you have for other women who are in a growth phase in their business?
My biggest piece of advice would be to focus on building and maintaining a strong and resilient team, and to be ready to change your strategy on the go. Bec Hardy Wines officially launched on 1st July 2020, when we took over the 40-year old Pertaringa as part of my family’s succession planning. Starting from pretty much scratch in the middle of a global pandemic, closely followed by the tariffs imposed by China on the Australian wine industry was a challenge to say the least!
But our small team bonded together and pitched in where help was needed, be it in cellar door, production or packing orders in the warehouse. We became great at jumping on opportunities as they arose, developing a strong capability to quickly source and design products to fit most tenders and customer needs.
At the end of the day, we see our team as an extension of our family and by affording them trust and flexibility to juggle family and work commitments, we know that they’ll work harder, and with more passion and loyalty.
// In five years from now, what would you love to be raising a glass of Bec Hardy Wines to celebrate?
In five years from now, I hope to raise a glass to celebrate our new cellar door and associated restaurant, which we are planning to build on a new vineyard property we have recently purchased in Blewitt Springs. This property is next to our existing Tipsy Hill Estate and will provide the perfect location for a spectacular new McLaren Vale attraction with views across McLaren Vale, the Mount Lofty Ranges and all the way to the sea.
To read Bec's acceptance speech in full, follow this QR code.
Discover more about Bec Hardy Wines at bechardy.com.au
Emily Riggs, Iris & Wool, was the People's Choice Winner of The Rise Up Award in 2021.
THE RISE AWARD
2022 Finalists
It has overwhelmed me. I never thought I would be nominated, let alone be a finalist - it is a surreal moment to be amongst all the amazing woman out there making a difference.
Monday the 8th of January, 2018, is a night that is scarred in my memory forever. Police came to our farm to tell us that my beautiful son Muzz had passed away, he had taken his own life. Then it was my own healing - my inspirational quote is from Maya Angelou "As soon as healing begins, go out and heal someone else."
Believe in yourself, back yourself. Don't let the noise drown out your dreams.
What is the biggest thing you have learnt from being in business?
Focus on what is going right not what is going wrong.
To not be so competitive! Be the woman who straightens another woman's crown without her noticing!
To see my resilience building programs in conjunction with Muzzas Happy Hour in schools around Australia.
SUZI EVANS, KAIZEN BUSINESS SUPPORT
My name is Suzi Evans, I facilitate Mental Health First Aid Training and Resilience building programs throughout regional South Australia – rural communities shouldn’t have to wait once or twice a year or wear the costs of travelling to Adelaide for this kind of training. My journey to find my meaning and purpose in life took a direction into healing and learning how to manage my reactions to my emotions through positive psychology and wellbeing. I found it helped me immensely to cope with my grief and decided to become a certified trainer and help others flourish.
To connect with Suzi Evans and discover more about her business, follow this QR code.
SHEREE BOWMAN, TS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
My Business Mission is to provide high quality environmental consulting services to clients across Australia. The Vision Statement is 'People, Place and Purpose'. Where habitat is at the centre and core of the work we do. Habitat takes many forms - where we live and enjoy time, where fauna and flora flourish, our built environments, the future we are building and the sense of home and connection to country. The work is specialised, drawing upon experience of working closely with communities to deliver environmental projects for more than 20 years. I am often engaged as an Ecologist, Botanist, Native Vegetation Specialist (with due diligence and approvals), Project Manager, Engagement Facilitator and a Change Maker.
To connect with Sheree Bowman and discover more about her work, follow this QR code. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received about being in business?
The best advice I have received about being in business is - never say NO. To not let the 'impostor syndrome' get in the way of the good work I do or could be doing. It's a constant reminder that, with the right structures and tools I am capable of almost anything in my business.
What do you love most about being in business?
I love having the opportunity to deliver high quality services to clients and being personally responsible for the quality of these services. This is important to me. I love that I am gaining exposure to projects, networks and connections through the word of mouth from the hard work and dedication I have put in. I am seeing growth and the recognition of my skills immediately. I have had the opportunity to work with communities in remote SA in some really special locations and opportunities to further refine my knowledge in natural landscapes and demonstrate my specialist abilities far and wide. The flexibility to work around family and volunteering commitments will always be important to me.
Throughout the ups and downs, how have you stayed true to your vision?
My passion for working with people who manage the environment we live in. 'People, Place and Purpose'. I challenge the 'norm' in the environmental industry. I am forward thinking, outcome focussed and I dissect the many parts of the work I do, to get the best outcome for clients. I have a genuine and active interest in behaviour change and the science behind environmental initiatives and delivery mechanisms. I think laterally and openly when providing sound advice to clients and community. I draw from a very diverse expertise and foundation which provides a unique service to agri-business, utilising innovation and encouraging operational and governance efficiencies. I am highly sought after, from a professional perspective as well as a community leadership perspective with many knocks on the door to partner in local initiatives. This has also given me choice, which has not only helped me document my vision clearly, but stay true to it throughout.
THE RISE AWARD
I’d worked nearly 20 years at a large company, from entry level position to specialist supervisory role and after my second maternity leave it became clear that I needed a change. That next year was one of the most stressful years of my life which left me feeling quite uncomfortable about working for another employer, so I decided to look into working for myself. Sadly, I’ve since learnt this is quite common for women after maternity leave and I really do hope this changes. I thought long and hard about my new career. I knew I wanted to feel like I was helping people but I felt so drawn to real estate that I had to choose it. During training, a guest agent speaker asked “So, what is the main thing you’re doing for people when working in real estate?” One other student and I both blurted out “Helping people!” at the same time. It wasn’t until that moment I realised I was actually going into a career where I’d be helping people! So here I am, with my own real estate agency, working from home for that flexibility I need and I’m so much happier.
What do you love most about being in business?
I love the flexibility of working for myself and being able to be present for my family. It’s definitely hard sometimes with late nights, big workloads and deadlines etc, but it still beats my previous working hours. When working full time I worked 7am until 4.15pm or later, and being in a senior role, I was often required to work longer hours. This meant I was dropping babies off at childcare at 6.30am and sometimes not getting back to collect them until nearly 6pm! It makes me want to cry thinking about this now. That’s not the life I wanted and it makes me sad that many women feel the same but have no other option. That’s why my vision for growth involves a team that works from home with the flexibility to work the hours that suit their family.
What has been your biggest triumph in your business?
My biggest achievement is simply getting this business off the ground and to a point where I’m making a profit! One of my favourite sayings is "She believed she could so she did". I have a card with this saying stuck to my work desk. I somehow just knew that I could do this and so I did.
KATHRYN DEAN, DEAN FAMILY REAL ESTATE
Dean Family Real Estate is a boutique real estate agency located in the north-eastern suburbs. Kathryn Dean, the owner and Principal of the agency, is passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to her clients’ needs, which she aims to make as simple and stress-free as possible. Kathryn is passionate about good old-fashioned customer service and providing a professional and affordable real estate service. Kathryn operates the agency from a home office and happily travels to her clients because this reduces the overheads and allows her to operate more cost effectively with better work/life balance for her family.
To connect with Kathryn Dean and discover more about her business, follow this QR code.
What obstacles and opportunities have you found from being a woman in business?
The obstacles for me have also been opportunities. I am changing the way females approach health and fitness and not many people are talking about this the way I am. So, it has been hard to break though and share a new way to do things. But, this has also been a great opportunity as I have now had multiple national publications contact me to know more about this, and this has set me apart from other heath and fitness professionals in the industry.
More women getting the power to do what they thought might not be possible. If I can do it, anyone can. Dedication and consistency is what it takes and we can all start something and do what we love if we only allow it to happen. Also, for women to start to love their bodies and honour their cycles and hormones. It unlocks so many amazing powers and I see all too often women hating on themselves instead of asking the question 'why' and 'how' can I improve this process.
I have been involved with SA Woman since 2019 and not only have they supported my journey but I have loved being involved and supporting the SA Woman journey. Coming out of some low moments lately, seeing the finalist email and the voting open and reading the comments of love and support for me, it has made me fall back in love with the process and honour the ups and downs.
I know I am on the right path and this is only the beginning of my journey. It honestly has been something I am so honoured to be a part of and I’m so excited to celebrate all the South Australian women at the awards night.
JADE LERAY, BEAUTIFUL BODIES SOCIETY
After being in the fitness industry for over 12 years, not once did anyone mention to me how important it was to look after my hormones and cycle and the impact on women’s health short term and long term. After years of study and multiple qualifications, I now teach and support women to look at health and fitness differently. I am changing the way women exercise, eat and live to be more in sync with their cycles. Getting rid of the period talk taboo and showing women how we can actually unlock the power of our periods and hormones rather than regretting them.
To connect with Jade Leray and discover more about her work, follow this QR code.
THE RISE AWARD
AMANDA GAUCI, INFINITE FLOW
Amanda Gauci is the founder of Infinite Flow, and has extensive training and knowledge in psychotherapies and the esoteric arts, and offers numerous transformative self-development programs. The offerings include multiple energy healing programs, professional group sound sessions, psychotherapeutic sessions, light, sound and energy transmissions, business mentoring, meditation, esoteric training and more. Amanda is passionate about assisting and guiding others on their own unique personal and spiritual development journey as well as helping them achieve their dreams without limitations in both life and business. Infinite flow received a Corporate Vision Small Business Award for Most Dedicated Mental & Spiritual Wellness Practice in 2021.
To connect with Amanda Gauci and discover more about her business, follow this QR code. What key moments led you to starting your business?
Through my own self-development journey, working with energy healing, psychology and the esoteric arts. I have literally transformed in this life by making the commitment to myself to heal and expand. This work has changed my life so profoundly and has given me so much passion in life. I now manifest with ease as a creator being, and I have the gift of being able to be a guide and mentor for others. I am so passionate about teaching my programs so that they too, can overcome their perceived limitations and rise. This is my life's work, my calling. May we all be happy and free!
What is the biggest thing you have learnt from being in business?
Oh, so many lessons! The biggest thing for me is balance.
I understand that for me to be able to hold so much space for others, I always need to ensure that my own cup is full. In order to do this, I ensure that I schedule in a healthy amount of time for me, as well as get a good amount of sleep, eating healthy, regular yoga, meditation and exercise.
This way I can be at my best to be of service.
To be embraced by such a wonderful community of women is truly an honour! It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to celebrate the achievements of South Australian women and to also be celebrated for the work that I am so passionate about. I am truly grateful to SA Woman Awards and all who have supported and nominated me, thank you.
