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Today we are joined by Kendyll and Liv, the charismatic founders of The Cake Club, a boutique bakery, and we get a delicious taste of their business journey. From starting individual businesses to merging into a bakery marvel that reshapes Melbourne's boutique bakery landscape, their story is inspiring for any budding entrepreneur.They met through Liv's partner and found an instant connection. What started as a casual coffee conversation evolved into a grand plan - a cake shop that encapsulates their mutual love for baking. The bakery quickly became more than just a business; it morphed into an extension of their personalities.The duo shares their expertise and insights, including the importance of doing as much work internally as possible to save costs. They also emphasize the importance of outsourcing work beyond your expertise to ensure the highest quality. However, striking the perfect balance is key to managing costs while delivering a superior product. We then discuss the importance of building a strong community with your customers. Kendyll and Liv make a conscious effort to engage interactively with their audience on social media platforms, making the brand feel relatable. They then share their exciting expansion plans, including potential franchises and multiple locations to bring their delicious cakes closer to their customers. They hope to run cake decorating workshops, host kids’ parties and are even discussing a children's picture book that imparts positivity and inclusivity.Kendyll and Liv's energetic approach, industry know-how, and genuine passion for baking make The Cake Club a delicious success story. Their journey reinforces the age-old adage, 'Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.' Few businesses serve such delightful servings of entrepreneurial inspiration, along with lip-smacking cakes!LINKS:Connect with Kendyll & LivWebsite:thecakeclub.coInstagram:@thecakeclub_auKendyll’s Instagram: @kendyllvandevenLiv’s Instagram: @livglenConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In an insightful episode of The Founder Hub Podcast, we caught up with Lydia Kirkland, the brain and heart behind the hip jewelry brand, Gimme. A young mom and business-savvy go-getter, Lydia shares her intricate journey of building a successful brand while maintaining a harmonious balance with motherhood.Lydia gets candid about her journey, discussing the ups and downs of running a successful business. She details the impressive trajectory of her business, the strategies that contributed to its growth, and the incredible momentum that brought GIMME into the limelight.  She then opens up about navigating motherhood while managing a thriving business. The key, she says, lies in the constant support system around her. She acknowledges the importance of using her “village”, and is grateful for the help she received from her husband, family, and friends.Lydia also highlights the importance of being present for her children, while simultaneously driving business growth. This might sound like a demanding balancing act, yet Lydia pulls it off brilliantly with her sheer will, dedication, and strategic planning.We also discuss the marketing strategies she has employed to make her brand visible, Lydia listed a few marketing techniques, including social media marketing and using influencers for targeted product placements. She also emphasized the power of consistency in content and showing up regularly through Instagram and being accessible to her audience by responding to comments and messages.Lydia Kirkland is not just creating beautiful jewelry but also inspiring women entrepreneurs on how to balance their dreams with the beautiful journey of motherhood. As she strives to grow Gimme, she sets an example for many others to follow their passion with unflinching dedication and perseverance.LINKS: Connect with Lydia KirklandInstagram: @gimmestore__Website: https://gimmestore.com/Connect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Today I am joined by Sophie Marshall, founder of This Is Incense and its overarching company Gentle Habits. Sophie is an entrepreneurial powerhouse, with a lot of experience including a role in global product development at Rip Curl Group. It was here that she demonstrated her ability to execute ideas, bring to life innovations, dominating in a challenging environment.Sophie's story begins in the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a busy working mom seeking a way to decelerate her life and find an equilibrium between being a professional and a nurturing parent. She developed rituals to ground herself in the chaos and was eventually inspired to turn them into a business, launching This IS Incense and the Gentle Habits brand.Valuing both mental health and sustainable living, her incredible journey serves as a beacon of success, inspiration, and resilience.Sophie's extraordinary journey has not been without obstacles. However, her passion and determination have propelled her to success. She posits that embarking on a startup is akin to signing up for the hardest job you will ever do. But, with intense dedication and a love for your work, success is attainable.Sophie doesn’t shy away from sharing her insights and learnings. Transparency and honesty are the heart of her business, something she recommends to everyone stepping into entrepreneurship.She advises start-ups to:- Set up a business correctly from the start, investing in branding and trademarks even when they seem costly initially.- Make sure any product or idea is market viable through thorough research and testing.- Invest in mentorship in every avenue (Bookkeeping, business coach, supplier help, etc.)- Have a working side job until the new venture is viable to avoid potential financial stress.She also encourages everyone to delve into the ‘dark art’ of digital marketing. In today's time, when most of the eyes are fixated on digital screens, having a unifying and consistent digital presence is essential for any business’s success.Take a moment to get comfortable and tune in to an incredibly inspiring discussion about pursuing one's passions and dreams to create a business that not only achieves remarkable success but also brings immense fulfillment.LINKS: Connect with Sophie MarshallInstagram: @thisisgentlehabitsWebsite: https://www.gentlehabits.com.auConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In today’s episode, we are delighted to be joined by Belinda Agnew, co-founder of X Enabler Digital. In this conversation, we explore her journey in the tech industry, the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges in the tech realm, invaluable tips for budding tech entrepreneurs, and the evolving role of women in technology.Drawing from her early experiences, Belinda sheds light on the formative moments that set her on the entrepreneurial path, and she shares her motivations behind co-founding X Enabler Digital. Belinda underscores the importance of innovation in the tech sector and how X Enabler Digital maintains a competitive edge by facilitating innovation. We discuss the common hurdles encountered by tech entrepreneurs. Belinda reflects upon her personal journey, offering insights into surmounting obstacles and drawing invaluable lessons from setbacks. Furthermore, she champions the quality of resilience and the significance of cultivating a robust support network, including mentorship.Belinda then shares her advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs. She highlights the merit of starting small and iteratively developing ideas. Validation of concepts with potential users and responsiveness to customer feedback emerge as critical aspects. Understanding market dynamics and regaining adaptable to change stand out as essential tenets.She also shares her experiences and perspectives as a woman operating within the predominantly male tech industry. Belinda extends her encouragement to women considering careers in tech and offers advice on breaking down barriers.Belinda’s journey is super compelling and she offers a lot of invaluable wisdom in this episode. We know you’ll find it enlightening and empowering. Enjoy! LINKS: Connect with Belinda AgnewXEnabler Digital: https://xenabler.digital/Belinda Agnew's Website:  https://belindaagnew.com/Connect with Belinda on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/belindaagnewConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Subscription boxes are all around the world! They’re huge in places like the UK and USA, and are taking off here in Australia. In this podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Michelle, the founder of Aussie Biz Chic, to dive into the world of subscription box businesses. We start off discussing Michelle’s journey into entrepreneurship, from leaving traditional employment to where she is now. She shares her previous business ventures, why they didn’t work out, and how Aussie Biz Chic came to be. Michelle emphasizes the significance of starting with a single product or offering and excelling at it before expanding, citing Amazon's success story as an example.We then dive into the challenges that businesses face during slower economic periods and how Aussie Biz Chic navigates through them. She highlights the significance of customer retention and effective marketing strategies during these times. Aussie Biz Chic introduced a rewards program to keep existing members engaged and happy, and leveraged email marketing to reconnect with former customers.It’s important to keep our eye on the future in business and Michelle shares her potential strategies for further scaling her subscription box business. Michelle's plans to leverage word-of-mouth marketing and implement affiliate marketing. Additionally Aussie Biz Chic has made its first steps out of Australia, recently expanding into New ZealandMichelle then shares how she works with Luke, her partner, to run the business. She’s open about how they divide their responsibilities, focusing on marketing, finance, and operations. She emphasizes the importance of separating business conflicts from personal life and the benefits of constructive criticism.Michelle’s journey of building and scaling Aussie Biz Chic is an incredible one. From the inception of her business idea to strategies for future growth and working effectively with a partner, her insights offer valuable lessons for all aspiring entrepreneurs.LINKS: Home decor subscription box: https://www.thehometasticbox.com.au/Connect with Michelle Smith Website: https://www.aussiebizchic.com.au/Instagram: @aussiebizchicConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Today we’re joined by the incredible, inspirational Sophie Doyle, the founder of The Fable, a brand known for its luxurious silk shirts. Sophie shares her journey of building a successful fashion brand that focuses on quality, sustainability, and timeless design. From the challenges of finding ethical manufacturing partners to the importance of email marketing and adapting to changing market dynamics, this episode has valuable insights for every entrepreneur.We discuss the importance of ethical manufacturing in the fashion industry. She highlights the challenges of finding quality factories willing to produce smaller runs, emphasizing the need for long-term partnerships. Sophie's insights shed light on the difficulties that emerging fashion entrepreneurs face in their quest for ethical production.Sophie shares her experience of adapting to unforeseen challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes how The Fable pivoted its strategy to focus on countries with open markets during lockdowns, demonstrating the agility needed to survive in the fashion industry. We explore how The Fable manages its fashion collections for both local and global markets. Sophie explains how seasonality plays a crucial role in the color palettes they offer, ensuring they cater to the preferences of customers in different parts of the world. Despite regional variations, the primary colors consistently outperform others, emphasizing the importance of timeless designs.Sophie emphasizes the significance of email marketing in driving sales and customer engagement. She underscores that email marketing is the only marketing channel you truly own, providing a direct line to your customers. With the right segmentation and personalization, email marketing can be a powerful tool for any business.Don’t miss this great conversation with Sophie Doyle, her insights into ethical manufacturing, email marketing, and adaptability offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry. LINKS:Connect with Sophie Doyle Website: https://www.thefable.com.au/Instagram: @thefablearchiveConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Today we’re joined by the super talented and energetic fragrance queen Hannah Drury, who shares her inspiring journey as the founder of Peppermint Grove and Moss Street Fragrances. Hannah takes us from her early days of starting her humble business in her parents' house to growing it into the empire that it is today. Finding her passion for business early on in life, Hannah studied business at uni while also working full time in a fragrance business. Her love for the world of fragrances was sparked, and combined with her experience in managing brands, she eventually took the leap into creating her own fragrance brand. Seeing a gap in the market, where other fragrance brands’ vessels weren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing, Hannah determined to create something that was beautiful as well as functional. Her idea to bring the concept of personalisation into the home fragrance space was born, and Hannah's resilience and determination shine through as she talks about the early days of building her brand.Building relationships can be crucial to the success of your business, and Hannah emphasises the importance of fostering strong connections with her factories, retailers and customers. We hear about her transition from wholesale into ecommerce following the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she navigated the learning curve of expanding into a brand new space. Hannah also talks about how moving online gave her the power to leverage digital marketing to build overall brand awareness. Hannah is a true pioneer in her industry and shares so much wisdom on being clear on who you are, the value in what you have to offer and what sets you apart from your competitors. There’s no point in trying to emulate what someone else is doing - believing in your own unique strengths is what will support you in taking your business dreams to the next level. If you’re starting up your own business, this conversation with Hannah has so many nuggets for you to takeaway and implement into your own business strategy for success.Happy listening! LINKS:Connect with Hannah Drury:Website:  www.peppermintgrovefragrances.com Instagram: @peppermintgrovefragrancesConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In today’s episode we dive into the world of entrepreneurship with a remarkable guest, Monica Upton,  an entrepreneur extraordinaire, and the brilliant mind behind Vestirsi, a brand that specializes in high-quality, affordable leather goods. Throughout our conversation, we uncover key insights and advice for startups and businesses alike.Monica's journey into entrepreneurship was no accident. Her formative years at Mecca taught her invaluable lessons about building a brand, understanding the importance of quality, and cultivating relationships. She share’s how her time at Mecca helped shape her entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.The birth of Vestirsi came from a personal pain point – the quest for a high-quality, affordable leather bag. Monica recognized a gap in the market where women wanted luxury quality without breaking the bank. She shares her vision for Vestirs  and how it addressed this demand by providing top-notch leather bags at accessible price points.Every entrepreneur faces hurdles along the way. Monica discusses the challenges she encountered when launching Vestirsi, from sourcing quality materials in Italy to finding the right suppliers. Her candid insights shed light on the realities of starting a business, offering valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs.Monica imparts three crucial lessons for startups and businesses. First and foremost, knowing your numbers is paramount. Understanding your costs, profit margins, and financial health is key to sustainable growth. Second, brand identity and a clear point of difference are vital in a crowded market. Finally, embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Fail fast, fail forward, and continually improve.Monica Upton is an entrepreneur who's not only created a successful brand but continues to innovate and address consumer needs. She shares so much wisdom in this episode and we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it!  LINKS:Connect with Monica UptonWebsite:  shopvestirsi.comInstagram: @shopvestirsiFacebook: shopvestirsiConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

As we approach some big and wonderful changes in our personal lives, we’ve decided to take a little break from the podcast. So today, we’re wrapping up an amazing first season by taking a look back at what we’ve learnt and achieved so far, and the incredible guests we’ve had the privilege of hosting. Being new to the podcast game when starting The Founder Hub, we’d been unaware just how much goes into the process of creating one. Needless to say, with all the different aspects to learn, there was a fair bit of overwhelm. We talk about our first stumbles, and how we quickly learnt the ropes with the help of a supportive production team. Our vision had always been to inspire and connect with people on subjects like building brands and products, and looking at the psyche behind finding success. Of course, moments of doubt and even self-sabotage crept in, but were short-lived once we saw the impact we were having on listeners. We talk about stepping out in faith in our offer, and how it bred the confidence to push forward. While it’s impossible to choose favourites amongst the amazing guests we’ve hosted, we run through some highlights and key takeaways from some very special episodes. We discuss the powerful insights we’ve learnt around self-belief, inspiring teamwork and persistence in the face of adversity. We’re so grateful to everyone who has been a part of Season 1, whether as a listener or guest, and thank you for helping us take the podcast to such amazing heights so early on. Season 2 is already shaping up to be even bigger and better, and we’re so excited to bring you more conversations with experts in their field, to support you to learn and grow in business.Until then, we encourage you to check out the incredible episodes we mentioned today via the links below. Happy listening! LINKS:Previous episodes mentioned:Episode with Tory ArchboldEpisode with Julia ScottEpisode with Melissa Trafford-JonesEpisode with Christina ExieEpisode with Leah BettsEpisode with Victoria CurtisEpisode with Amy CastanoEpisode with Jono CastanoEpisode with Deanna DepetroEpisode with Ashli TemplerEpisode with Elke WesterveldConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Support the Show.

Today on the podcast, we're delighted to introduce Sienna Jovcevski, a remarkable 14-year-old entrepreneur who has taken the skincare world by storm. Sienna is the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed force behind Tweeny Skin, a skincare line specifically designed for tweens and teens. She shares her journey of starting her brand at just 12 years old, and what it takes to create a successful startup business.Sienna's entrepreneurial journey started with a humble experiment on TikTok, where she shared homemade mask recipes using natural ingredients like milk, honey and turmeric from her mother's pantry. The response was astonishing – tweens and teens from around the world were captivated by her homemade skincare solutions. As a result, Sienna decided to delve deeper into skincare and discovered the power of turmeric as a hero ingredient. This revelation led to the birth of Tweeny Skin, a skincare line focused on combatting acne, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin. Sienna’s success saw her named Australia’s junior small business champion entrepreneur at the Australian Small Business Championship Awards 2023. For Sienna, community is everything. She understands the importance of creating a space where her target audience can relate and connect. Being a teenager herself, Sienna brings a relatable factor to her brand that older entrepreneurs might struggle to achieve. This personal touch, coupled with education and empowerment, allows Sienna to foster a strong community of supporters and customers who resonate with her mission.We explore the challenges of balancing work and life, and Sienna emphasises the importance of making time for friends, family and personal goals outside of work. She talks about the strong partnership with her mother, and how as a team they continue to grow Tweeny Skin into what they hope will become a globally recognised brand. We talk about social media as not only an incredible marketing tool, but a powerful way to communicate your brand and connect with your audience. Sienna's creative and informative videos have contributed to her brand's growth, and she highlights consistency as being key to maintaining engagement. Sienna attributes her success to her persistence and resilience, refusing to back down when others doubt she could start a business at such a young age. Her story is incredibly inspiring, and a testament to the power of passion, persistence and authentic connection. So tune in and get ready to be inspired by this young dynamo’s unique journey to becoming a successful teenage entrepreneur. LINKS:Mentoring program mentioned: Bianca and Bridgett ConsultingConnect with Sienna:Website:   https://tweenyskin.com/ Instagram: @tweenyskinTikTok: @tweenyskinConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Crawford, one of the innovative minds behind Harlow Harry Fragrances. At a very young age, Rachel identified her entrepreneurial skills and dreamed of being a business owner. She dipped her toe in several pools before realising she needed to combine her talents with something she was passionate about. Alongside a close friend, Rachel has now channelled her enthusiasm into the exciting world of scents. Unable to find exactly what they wanted from pet sprays within the market, they set to work to develop a premium fragrance line like no other. Harlow Harry offers a range of pet fragrances and grooming products that are safe for pets and pleasant for the human nose! Rachel shares with us the difficulties faced while carving out this niche and creating brand awareness. As well as how they were able to thrive and foster a powerful community of pet-lovers. She also emphasises what sets Harlow Harry Fragrances apart and how it offers a refreshing twist to the industry.The episode is filled with insights, inspiration, and practical advice. Rachel's journey illustrates how passion can turn into a thriving business. For those looking to venture into similar spaces, there's a wealth of information to take away and implement.LINKS:Connect with Rachel CrawfordWebsite:   harlowharry.com.auInstagram: @harlowharryTikTok: @harlowharryConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Elke Westerfeld, the founder of Social and Staple Advertising and Marketing Agency. Elke's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.Social and Staple was established in 2016 as a full-service marketing agency specialising in paid advertising, email marketing, and content creation. Elke's vision for the agency was clear from the start - to prioritise mental health, learning, and growth, and to create a culture of collaboration and innovation. In 2018, she took a leap of faith and left her secure job to focus on her own business. The timing was challenging, as it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Elke's determination and resilience propelled her forward.In this episode, Elke shares how staying up to date with the latest trends is crucial in the constantly evolving digital marketing landscape. Elke emphasises the importance of diversifying content and staying true to your brand's unique voice. She advises businesses to focus on building an organic community, leveraging the platforms they use to engage with their target audience.We also explore Elke’s journey and the valuable lessons that have shaped her approach to business. She emphasises the importance of understanding your numbers and having a solid financial foundation. Additionally, she encourages entrepreneurs to stay true to themselves and their vision, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty.Elke shares so much wisdom in this episode that is invaluable no matter what stage of  business you’re in. Enjoy! LINKS:Marketing Gurus Elke FollowsAdriaan Dekker  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriaan-dekker-93b048a9/ Martin Ellis https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinellisheadhunter/ Jessica Hatzis https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hatzis-2b06a22b/Connect with ElkeWebsite:    https://www.socialandstaple.net/Instagram:@socialandstapleConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ashli Templer, the trailblasing founder of Yours Only, an allergy-friendly skin and hair care brand. We dive into Ashli’s journey and how it began with a personal struggle - her own allergies and intolerances. Frustrated by the lack of suitable products on the market, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create a brand that would cater to the needs of people like her. But Ashli's journey didn't stop there. She had to navigate the challenges of product development, sourcing manufacturers, and building a brand from scratch. It was a two-year process that required extensive research and a lot of hard work. But Ashli's determination and passion kept her going.Ashli also shares her approach to marketing, one that’s all about authenticity and connection. She talks directly to her customers through Instagram stories and reels, and she responds to every comment and DM personally. She believes that having a strong purpose is the key to success, and her passion for helping people be happy and healthy shines through in everything she does.We also talk about the resilience Ashli found in the face of immense difficulties. Earlier this year, her warehouse was set on fire, resulting in the loss of her stock. But instead of letting it defeat her, she turned it into an opportunity to connect with her community even more. She shared updates, offered personalised advice, and took pre-orders to keep her business going. It was a testament to her strength and the loyalty of her customersYou won't want to miss out on this super inspiring story and the lessons Ashli has learnt along the way! LINKS:Connect with AshliWebsite:    /yoursonly.co/shop/Instagram:@ashlitemplerConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In this episode, we’re talking all about full force feminine power, and how building community amongst women helps them smash through the glass ceiling and reignite their internal flame. Today we’re joined by Shani Chantal and Chiquita Searle, the dynamic duo and powerhouse behind FemmeCon. A self-made community by and for women, FemmeCon provides a platform and vehicle for women to embrace their full feminine force, sharpen their self-love toolkit and flourish in the best relationship of their lives - the one with themselves. With multiple businesses under their belts including modelling, guest speaking, PR and digital marketing, Shani and Chiquita are on a mission to engage and inspire, with no sign of slowing down. The journey of self-love and personal development is a long one, and can be particularly difficult for women who struggle to break free of societal expectations. However, getting to know yourself - what makes you tick, what makes you blush - can make self-discovery a joy. Chiquita and Shani share their individual attributes, as well as their differences that bring strength to their endeavour of lifting up women. Through their events with FemmeCon, they aim to create a space where women can be themselves and connect with like-minded individuals. They emphasise the importance of showing up in the world unfiltered, and explain just how contagious living in authenticity can be.Shani shares about her troubled upbringing and struggles with depression, and the path she took to finding self-forgiveness, acceptance and overcoming self-doubt. We hear about Chiquita’s lifelong commitment to never conforming to the cookie-cutter, and how her ‘go big or go home’ attitude has contributed to FemmeCon’s reach and success. As influencing extraordinaires, the ladies share their valuable insights on the changing landscape of influencer marketing and the challenges that come with it. As the market becomes saturated and brands are no longer seeing the desired results from paid partnerships, they emphasise the need for brands to shift their focus and begin exploring new strategies.Shani and Chiquita are absolute firecrackers and we know you’re going to be so inspired by the wisdom they share. So tune in and learn how you can begin your own journey to uncovering the many mysteries of your divine feminine form. LINKS:Connect with Shani and Chiquita:Website:https://www.femmecon.co/ Instagram:@femmecon.coConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

In today's fast-paced world, where health and fitness have become a top priority for many, building a strong community that thrives on connection is more important than ever. Today we’re joined by Jono Castano, a Colombian-born professional athlete, personal trainer and entrepreneur who understands the value of community and has successfully built one through his fitness empire, Acero. With three successful companies under his belt across fitness, fit tech and apparel, there is simply no stopping Jono. He operates at light speed and utilises every moment in generating results, which is evident as his business and community expand at a rapid rate.In our conversation, Jono shares his journey to becoming a personal trainer, which surprisingly began with the pursuit of a more stable career in accounting. Soon realising that career path didn’t inspire the feeling of fulfilment he was chasing, he next applied for the police force in hopes to gain a sense of power in his life. However, when a personal training job suddenly came along, he took it. And upon finally experiencing the satisfaction he was after, gave up all other endeavours and has never looked back. Having experienced bullying in high school, Jono is a strong believer in having a positive support network to be able to share life’s ups and downs with. He brings this belief into his work in hopes that his clients and those in the Acero community can achieve their goals with confidence.Jono shares the challenges that the personal training world can present, from managing clients’ emotions to navigating the dog-eat-dog nature of the industry. And while the current economic landscape has forced many to cut back on health and beauty expenses, Acero is dedicated to finding ways to support its community. This includes offering sessions packs versus subscriptions, and launching an app that provides affordable access to fitness and mindfulness resources. Speaking about the unconventional business partnership he has with his ex-wife and bestie Amy, Jono shares his belief that collaboration can be powerful when understanding one another’s strengths. He emphasises that working with someone you trust is more important than conforming to societal norms, and the success he and Amy have been able to achieve so far speaks for itself.  Jono’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world shows no signs of slowing down, with Acero expanding into a second location and unveiling a new app. In addition to this, Jono shares about the upcoming release of his own book. To tune in and get ready to be inspired by Jono’s determination, grit and passion for growing the vision he has for his life and the community he has built around him. We know you’re going to take away so many valuable lessons from this absolute powerhouse on adapting to uncertain times, perseverance and trusting one’s own instincts. LINKS:Connect with Jono Castano:Website:https://www.acerogym.com.au/ Instagram:@jonocastanoaceroConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

Embarking on a fresh start and establishing a business in a foreign country would typically be an overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable task. However, our guest today not only possessed the bravery to chase her dreams but has also achieved remarkable success along the way.Melissa Obeid, co-founder of the internationally renowned luxury skincare brand, LA Fervance, comes from the dynamic city of Melbourne, Australia. Raised in a Lebanese family, Melissa's upbringing was infused with the vibrancy and richness of her cultural heritage. Even prior to the establishment of La Fervance, Melissa fostered a profound admiration for French culture. Her entrepreneurial journey commenced with the creation of her first business endeavour in the United Kingdom, which eventually led her to broaden her horizons by enrolling in the esteemed Paris Fashion Institute. It was during her time in Paris that Melissa became captivated by the city's enchanting charm, laying the foundation for her eventual relocation and the outstanding success of LA Fervance.Melissa shares her epiphany in France that led to her creating her Australian French brand. She candidly talks about her time with Jean Paul Gautier and her extraordinary journey to creating La Fervance. In order to embrace the luxury label, the products had to be made in France. Melissa shares how they found the best of the best to work with to create high-end, natural, and clean products that looked incredible.There have been challenges along the way and Melissa never shied away from any of them. Being an unknown brand, unknown person and unknown company whilst not having French as a first language while trying to establish relationships and find connections in a different country would have been enormous hurdles for anyone, but Melissa cleared every barrier and shares how she accomplished it.Melissa’s passion for sustainability shines through in our conversation and her dedication to finding packaging that is not harmful to the environment was lengthy and difficult. She displayed unwavering dedication and exercised patience, ensuring that she achieved 100% confidence in her creation before introducing it into the realm of high-end luxury. Her meticulousness paid off, as she knew her product would effortlessly captivate the attention of 5-star vendors, relying on its merits and her own charm to make a resounding connection.Listen in as Melissa shares her journey through development, working with vendors and suppliers, overcoming obstacles, her qualifications, the support of her husband, finding the courage to start over and so much more.You’ll find so much value in Melissa’s story, experience and words of wisdom. So, settle in and listen in to a truly impressive and inspirational conversation about following passions and dreams to establish a business that is not only wildly successful but highly rewarding. LINKS:Connect with Melissa Obeid:Website: https://lafervance.com/ Instagram: @lafervanceskincareConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for businesses around the world, with many forced to shut their doors. However, for today’s guest Amy Castano, the pandemic presented an opportunity to build something new and exciting. Thus, Acero was born - a fitness and beauty community that has become a beacon of hope for those seeking a supportive and empowering environment to achieve their goals.With a passion for fitness, beauty and marketing, Amy created community built on passion, perseverance and a shared desire to achieve greatness. More than just a gym, Acero is a place where members can achieve their goals confidently, in an environment that embraces change and welcomes adversity.Amy talks about the unconventional business partnership she has with her ex-husband Jon, and how their deep knowledge of one another was instrumental in bringing both their dreams to life. Together, they have built four successful companies across apparel, fitness and personal brands. With an unwavering dedication to their community and the exciting vision for Acero, Amy and Jon persisted through the many challenges of building a fitness empire. We hear about the blood, sweat and tears they poured into their business and the rewards they’ve seen in return. Amy’s mindset of trusting the process and believing that things work out despite the setbacks is an inspiring reminder to us all. Tune in to this amazing conversation to hear how the power of passion and perseverance can not only make dreams come true, but turn the impossible into a reality. LINKS:Connect with Amy Costano:Website:https://www.acerogym.com.au/ Instagram:@amycastanoConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

This week we’re bringing you the one-of-a-kind Deanna de Petro. Deanna is a Melbourne-born and bred fashion powerhouse entrepreneur, co-founder of super cool label Mossman, self-confessed gym junkie and perfectionist. Deanna’s enthusiasm and passion for fashion began at a young age and was heavily influenced by her mother, a seamstress who designed and created all of the family’s clothes. Deanna and her business partner Ben, started running Mossman 10 years ago and are so proud of the journey they’ve been on with the brand and releasing amazing, beautiful, bold and incredibly successful campaigns.Listen in as Deanna shares her story of the risks, challenges, triumphs and how the business has evolved over the years. She originally found it difficult and uncomfortable to be the face behind the designs in Mossman but learned that people really respond to it so has started embracing it on social media.  Deanna and Ben have built a fabulous partnership built on trust. Together they have connected with local and overseas manufacturers and Deanna encourages you to persevere, stay positive and keep manifesting to the universe when you’re finding it so hard to put yourself out there and start something new. Jump over to Mossman here to check out all of the exciting styles, designs and bold colours that Deanna has in store for you next! LINKS:Connect with Deanna Depetro:Website:https://www.mossman.com.au/ Instagram:@mossman @deannadepetroConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.

We are joined by the incredible Beauty Queen herself, Victoria Curtis. Victoria is the founder of Curtis Collection Cosmetics, a luxury cosmetic brand that uses only the finest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients that improve the condition of the skin. Victoria and her Curtis Collection team are absolute industry experts and have grown exponentially to now be available in 300 stockers across Australia and 150 stockers in New Zealand.Victoria shares the passion that was burning inside her when she started her career in beauty. She had a vision from the beginning for what she wanted her business to be and she has surpassed it and grown far beyond her expectations.She grew her brand by performing like one of the big brands from day one. She began with humble beginnings but never acted like it and built her own platform to sell her amazing products in stores.When Victoria became a mother, she recognised that she was starting to feel burn-out at the level she was working in her business and being a mum. She reignited her passion by taking her motivation from different areas in her life, like her children and family, and feeding it back into the business. This has been her secret for the bounce in her step and the enthusiasm she brings to each day, 10 years on from when she started. Victoria shares exactly how she performed as one of the big brands, addressing imposter syndrome in business, learning how to engage with your audience through public speaking, beginning at L’Oreal, pitching to salons, her wins and losses throughout her career, the importance of believing in yourself and so much more.We’re so lucky to have Victoria on the show today and we know you’ll be full of inspiration and motivation after listening to her incredible story. LINKS:Connect with Victoria Curtis:Website:https://www.curtiscollection.com.au/  Instagram:@victoriacurtiscosmeticsConnect with Alana and Sonia: Website: https://www.myfounderhub.com/Instagram: @myfounderhubSupport the Show.