MEET THE AUTHORS

Alexie Better
www.bettermultisensorylearning.com.au

B.S.Sc, Master of Teaching.  
INPP cert., ABA cert. Adolescent Counselling cert. 
Developmental Educator & Specialist in Dyslexia Education. 
Director, Better Multisensory Learning Centre.

Alexie Better is a committed developmental educator and literacy specialist driven by a dedication to nurturing learning. With a background in teaching and counselling, Alexie has over 14 years of experience as a Specialist Literacy Tutor and Developmental Educator. Her approach is characterised by a distinctive perspective, aiming to cultivate inclusive and captivating learning environments conducive to the flourishing of all students in primary and secondary schools.

Alexie has refined her expertise in developmental education, prioritising a deep understanding of each learner’s individual needs and implementing tailored strategies to facilitate their academic and personal growth and progress. Whether assisting students with learning disabilities and Dyslexia, language barriers, ADHD, autism spectrum or other developmental obstacles, Alexie approaches each person with patience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to finding effective solutions that cater to their unique circumstances.

In her role as a Developmental Educator, Alexie champions literacy and numeracy as essential tools for empowerment and achievement. She tirelessly endeavours to ignite a love for reading and writing in her students, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of the academic world with ease.

Alexie is recognised for her compassionate teaching approach and her ability to forge meaningful connections with her students. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education to shape lives and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of her students, empowering them to realise their full potential and embrace a lifelong journey of learning.

Amy Hall
www.banksiasupport.com.au

Amy Hall is a proud mother to two beautiful Autistic children, wife to an incredible partner and a successful, passionate business owner in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Amy is a teacher, youth mental health advocate and Child & Adolescent Behaviour Support practitioner. She has earned multiple university degrees in Education, Leadership, Youth Work and Mental Health advocacy, and is currently working on her second master’s degree in Disability Policy and Leadership. With a career spanning over 20 years, Amy has established herself as a trusted advocate and leader in supporting vulnerable populations and promoting social inclusion.

Amy is the founder of Banksia Support Services which was inspired after Amy delivered a beautiful baby girl at 26 weeks gestation in the middle of the pandemic. The experience of 107 days in hospital watching her daughter fight to survive taught Amy about resilience and inspired her to follow her passion and be the captain of her own ship.

Since the businesses opening in May 2021, Amy has supported over 300 families across Australia which involved supporting children who live with complex disabilities who demonstrate unsafe behaviours because they are unable to communicate their wants and needs in ways that others can easily understand. While business was never her life’s mission, she has excelled and won multiple awards being recognised as both a business and disability leader in her community.

Amy’s work includes supporting parents and key people in the child’s life to understand how to promote quality of life and safe behaviour, while empowering the child to develop their own unique identity and communication preference. Amy’s mission is to promote understanding about her clients, who they are, why they behave in different ways, and how their community can maximise their quality of life through skill building and proactive supports and reduce the need to restrict or restrain them (in Australia this is known as a reportable restrictive practice).

Amy also consults with multiple government organisations across Australia in best practice approaches to support children with disabilities when they come to hospitals, attend school communities and when they are transitioning to work. Amy is passionate about sector capacity building. She is the clinical supervisor to 45 Behaviour Practitioners nationally. Most recently Amy has developed and implemented a national training program for Behaviour Practitioners which is aligned to the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This is one of the first of it’s kind in Australia to date.

Amy believes in the two degrees. That her work can shift a trajectory of a person’s life just enough that if she succeeds, she can positively influence their future long after they exit her service.

Amy lives with disability and has always needed to work hard to retain information and has learned to navigate significant barriers with numbers and reading, but this effort has been the bridge to overcoming great adversity and modelling for others how disability does not have to be a barrier to success, achievement or being a leader.

Arusha Pather
www.thebabyscene.com.au 

Arusha Pather is a highly skilled medical sonographer with over twenty years of experience in radiography and ultrasonography. She is the founder and director of Roselea Imaging services and The Baby Scene 3D Ultrasound Studio. Arusha is deeply dedicated to the field of sonography, delivering exceptional patient care and top-notch service.

Arusha, the second of three siblings, was born in the UK to a South African Indian father and a Mauritian Indian mother. At the age of 3 months, her family relocated to South Africa where she spent her informative years immersed in the diverse cultural landscape of KwaZulu Natal. In the early 1990s, the family moved back to the UK to pursue work and education opportunities, transitioning to a nuclear family structure. Balancing an eastern cultural upbringing with a western social environment, Arusha navigated her teenage years in the UK, attending Esher College in Surrey before pursuing a BSc (Hons) degree at South Bank University. After completing her degree in Radiography, she made a life-altering decision to move to Perth Australia.

Arusha obtained the challenging Diploma of Medical Ultrasound (DMU) from the Australasian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) in 2008. Throughout her career as a radiographer/sonographer in urban and rural settings, both in private clinics and hospitals, Arusha continued her educational journey, culminating in the completion of her Master’s in Medical Ultrasound from Charles Sturt University in 2013.

In her personal journey and development, Arusha is grateful to be the mother of three wonderful children. She found solace in meditation and Reiki healing during the most challenging times of her life. This experience inspired her to complete Reiki I and II of the Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki practice, becoming a practitioner of this healing art since 2016.

Currently, Arusha also holds a sessional academic position at Edith Cowan University in Perth, where she shares her expertise with future ultrasound trainees and conducts professional development courses. Her commitment to educating and mentoring new graduates is evident in her work as she strives to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Candice Wilson is an award winning entrepreneur, mother of two. The founder and CEO of Bloomingtails 2015, a leading pet care business that was built with passion and purpose, with two locations, offering seven amazing services. Candice loves nothing more than empowering ambitious individuals entering the Pet care industry and mentoring them with twenty plus years in the industry and a strong commitment to animal welfare and ethics,

As a certified emergency and critical care veterinary nurse and certified dog groomer she brings a wealth of knowledge within her industry. Nothing brings her more joy than seeing dogs live their best happiest lives, their owners smiling and leading a team of like minded dog enthusiasts. I opened my doors to provide the highest level of ethical care and commitment to each and every pet and their owner and I am proud to say we achieve this everyday.

Having experienced a life of purpose and passion with animals from a very young age, Candice shares her journey in life, business and being a mum. The magic of mindset to achieve goals including some of her daily practices to living a joyous life.

Emily Mitchell is here to disrupt the motherhood narrative. She believes mothers deserve a better experience and is committed to helping others, help mothers by having open conversations about parts of motherhood, usually hidden. Emily believes that every mothers story is unique and the more we share our realities the less alone others feel, the more we learn and the more we normalise the wide range of experiences in motherhood.

Founder of Motherhood Milestones, Emily creates heartfelt cards for real life mums that promote education and empowerment. She has created a mainstream way to facilitate conversations and change the way people think about motherhood. Every Motherhood Milestones card has a magnet on the back so they can live on the fridge, and an affirmation on the front that she hopes reminds mums, every time they go to the fridge, just how important they are.

Emily is a keen advocate for mothers and has partnered with government to improve their experience. She is the Co-Chair of the Maternity and Neonatal Consumer Reference Group with the Agency of Clinical Innovation (ACI) and member of the ACI Maternity & Neonatal Network Executive Committee, working to improve families experience in the NSW Health System and beyond. Alumni of the inaugural 2023 Kindlab initiative run by the NSW Ministry of Health, Emily pitched the Honouring the Fourth Trimester Program idea because she doesn’t want any other mother having an unsupported and overwhelming postpartum experience like she did. The program was selected, has funding allocated and will be further developed and implemented over the coming years. Winner of the 2023 Women with Altitude On My Way Award, Emily is committed to growing herself and her business and continuing passionately on her journey to remind mothers that they matter just as much, if not more, than their children. Emily believes that while a healthy mum and healthy baby are important, so is a healthy birth and postpartum experience.

After feeling like a burden at her own birth as a mother and wanting no other mother to feel the same way Emily is passionate about reducing the isolation mothers feel. Rejecting societies unrealistic expectations of motherhood, Emily freely shares her experience to normalise the real motherhood and help mothers feel less alone.

Mother to her son Lincoln, Emily is grateful for motherhood as it continues to teach her so much about herself and the world – often bringing up thoughts and feelings that would not have been worked through otherwise.

Emily has worked in local and state government, the not-for-profit sector and private industry. Now an entrepreneur, Emily enjoys leaning into what lights her up and making an impactful difference to women’s motherhood journeys.

Emily is a lifelong learner and has a Bachelor of Communication, Master of Arts in Journalism, and a Graduate Diploma in Ethics and Legal Study. She has also been initiated in the first degree of the Usui System of Natural Healing (Reiki).

Georgina Windebank is a Holistic Sleep Consultant, Qualified Naturopath and mother. Born on the Mornington Peninsula and living in Melbourne for many years. A year ago she and her husband made the country change to Albury/Wodonga to give their family a slower paced life as their son
started school. They took a leap of faith as they didn’t know anyone in the area at all! Georgina’s husband was working almost 24/7 (a business owner as well) and she and her son weren’t seeing him very much while living the busy city life, hence the move to the country.

Georgina has travelled extensively (Asia, Europe, South America, New Zealand+), on her own, with friends, her husband and with their young son. She have several university degrees-Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)/Adv Dip Marketing), Grad Certificate Media Sales and Health
Science Double Degree (Naturopathy/Nutritionist). Georgina has had many careers, each of them a stepping stone to finally discovering the rewarding and successful work she now does as a Holistic Sleep Consultant. She wanted to stay home with her son as long as she could so Georgina started this business in Melbourne lockdown as her 2.5 year old son played at her feet.

Within her business The Holistic Sleep Project, she incorporates her knowledge as a Naturopath into her work as a Holistic Sleep consultant (Australia wide and Internationally). This creates a very unique approach to solving sleep issues for families who are struggling in those first few years of parenthood.

Her podcast The Holistic Baby and Toddler Sleep Podcast is hugely popular amongst parents who have a holistic approach to their child’s wellbeing. One element to the podcast is interviewing professionals who are leaders in their chosen fields and who also have a holistic approach to their work with babies, toddlers or the postpartum health of mothers. Georgina has an online membership which she started 3 years ago, several 1:1 sleep support packages which completely transform the sleep of babies and toddlers (and their families). She runs regular Masterclasses and shows up daily on Instagram to connect with her very loyal followers. She has a fantastic base of referrals & has created a beautiful online community. Georgina has created a life that works around school hours, has made a significant lifestyle move and created all the elements which are necessary for a successful business.

Apart from her unique approach to baby and toddler sleep challenges, it is the trauma and grief Georgina has had to overcome in the same field that she actually works in, that makes her work so profound and unique. Georgina has had to overcome powerful emotions such as grief, jealousy and sadness when working with babies, when she has lost 3 babies during pregnancy herself. It has been very confronting and it would often result in feeling devastated at the end of some days, yet she would pick herself up and go back the next day and face it all again. Time has helped
Georgina, talking about these topics of miscarriage, medical termination, pregnancy, fertility=topics that women deal with each day. Group counselling with other women who lost their pregnancies, individual counselling, being kind to and acknowledging herself for all she has overcome and built in this time despite this trauma, has been therapeutic and enabled her to begin to deal with the trauma of her own situation so Georgina can continue to do the work she adores.

Self belief in her business and capabilities, alongside the support of her husband has all paid off. He has been particularly supportive of Georgina staying home when their son was little in lieu of any family support (both sets of parents have all passed away) as she built her business and stayed home with their son in the early years.

After so much searching, false starts and mistakes in her career, Georgina has finally found what she enjoys and it gets incredible results with the babies and toddlers she works with. She uses all the skills accumulated from other professions that have come together to create this vocation. The maturity she has developed from these life experience and trauma is invaluable and served her in this role when communicating with emotional parents, showing professionalism and being empathetic.

Joanne Caruso is a proud mother to three adult daughters. She is a Colonics Hydro-therapist and the founder of Joanne’s Temple Colonics & Wellness Centre, in Melbourne Australia.

At the age of 51, Joanne made a courageous decision to change careers and study Colonics, as she had seen the benefits first-hand, when her sister, Josephine, used Colonics as part of her alternative cancer treatment to remove toxins from her body.

Understanding the mind-body connection, Joanne knows the importance of releasing negative emotions such as fear, anger, grief, guilt, stress and the effects these emotions have on our overall wellbeing. “We tend to hold on to these emotions which remain stuck until we get to the point of being ready to let go.”

After spending 30+ years in the corporate world, Joanne opened Joanne’s Temple Colonics & Wellness Centre in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Her mission is to create a space where people can come to heal, to be supported, to learn about themselves and to grow into their best authentic versions of who they are meant to be. Joanne is proud of her achievements; where many of her friends are preparing for retirement, Joanne’s new career is just taking off.

Joanne provides a safe environment where her clients can open up and talk – if they want to – and work on releasing those blocked emotions. Whether you chat or sit quietly, during your time with Joanne, you are her priority and her aim is to assist you to achieve your wellness goals.

Joanne is extremely proud of her daughters and seeing them achieve their own goals is rewarding.

Outside of work you will find her cooking, catching up with friends, tending to her vegetable garden, travelling and her never-ending home renovations. She has a thirst for knowledge and continues to study new things, with a short course or two always on the go. She has certifications in Traditional Colon Hydrotherapy, Rojas Technique Colon Hydrotherapy, Diplomas in Human Resources, Accounting and Beauty Therapy, along with many (many) other certifications including Reiki and Transformational Coaching.

Jorja is both a work in progress and a masterpiece. Described by those around her as passionate, courageous, resilient, authentic, determined, creative, bold, and dynamic, Jorja is reinventing herself in her 30s after a long season of winter.

An award-winning small business owner, Jorja believes in leaving a room better than you found it, and pursuing the things that set your soul on fire.

Hailing from a dairy farm in rural North East Victoria, Jorja is currently based in Canberra, ACT, with her young child and husband. She studied a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Journalism at Bond University on the Gold Coast, before completing her postgraduate legal studies at the Australian National University and being admitted as an Australian lawyer in the ACT Supreme Court in 2014.

Jorja sees herself as a firecracker, a chaotic queen, and a bogan with a penchant for nice things. She’s a neurospicy ball of energy juggling several chronic health conditions (psoriasis, endometriosis, adenomyosis, secondary infertility), and is determined to show her little one that there are many ways around the roadblocks life throws at you.
In her spare time, she’s the ACT Regional Leader for The Nappy Collective, a foodie, a lover of drag shows, and a cheerleader for other women in business.

You can connect with Jorja via social media: @theboujeebushpig

Passionate Colon Hydrotherapist and a Leader in Wellness, Kyah Seary is a mother of three, and the Owner, CEO and Founder of both Happy Bum Co and Bayside Colonics. Two of the largest detox and gut health businesses of their kind. She is leading a movement of change in Gut Health Awareness and promotes the benefits of colon cleansing and using colonics and enemas as a part of a healthy lifestyle sharing her own authentic journey back to health using these lifesaving modalities.

After suffering extreme childhood constipation & feeling desperate for relief, Kyah fell in love with the benefits of detoxification. The pain she suffered kickstarted her passion for natural health, via enemas & colon cleansing.

Regular enemas became an important part of Kyah’s tool kit in her gut healing journey as she suffered with colonic inertia. Providing immediate, natural & portable relief anytime, anywhere, Kyah couldn’t believe no one recommended this sooner.

After finishing her degree in business and studying colonics, she opened her own Colon Hydrotherapy clinic called Bayside Colonic in Brisbane in 2018. Kyah could see there was a huge demand for this type of treatment and wanted to share her knowledge with the world.
By simply showing up every day on her social media and sharing her passion, uncovering the taboos of gut health, her story went viral and along with it her business.

After opening her clinic, Kyah saw a huge need for at home enema kits to offer her clients. With nothing suitable on the market already, she was determined to change this and decided to create her own line of at-home detoxification & enema products to offer people worldwide, calling it the Happy Bum Co.

To combat the negative stigma & confusion surrounding enemas, the Happy Bum Co products are designed to provide their users with all the support, guidance and all the tools they need for success. Using only the best quality ingredients and equipment, Kyah’s mission is to shift the mentality around enemas, making them an obvious natural choice to so many of today’s health issues. In the process she has created an amazing community of like-minded people looking to better their health all over the world.

Today, the Happy Bum Co is a leader in the Wellness Industry, winning multiple awards including Best Wellness Product of the Year and now has warehouses in the US, UK & Australia. Her clinic Bayside Colonics has two locations and 15 therapists providing treatment 7 days a week.
In addition to running both of her businesses, Kyah is also a busy mother of three, wife and yogi. You’ll find her at the beach with her fam when she’s not at work! Kyah is also passionate about supporting women through their motherhood journey using her products and she found detoxification and gut health key in her own fertility. After three natural births, two water births at home, she is a wealth of knowledge in this space and knows just how important self care is as Mum!

Lisa Schmelzkopf is a renowned figure in the beauty and wellness industry, celebrated for her outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence. With notable accolades such as being awarded Best Beauty Therapist in South Australia in 2005, Lisa’s
journey as a trailblazer has been marked by a passion for empowering women and fostering growth within the business community.

A mother of two and a finalist for the Mum Entrepreneur Award, Lisa’s expertise is undeniable. She co-founded the first Women in Business
Networking Association for the Southern Business Enterprise, showcasing her dedication to supporting and uplifting women in the professional sphere.

Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her successful ventures, including a thriving day spa in Glenelg and a renowned skin and wellness clinic. Her journey as the owner and director of SC Organics, based in Adelaide, South Australia, reflects over 25 years of invaluable experience and a commitment to redefining industry standards.

Lisa’s expertise in assisting the development of day spas, skin clinics, and salons across Australia is unmatched, with a proven track record of significantly increasing salon turnover within the first year. Internationally recognized as an industry luminary, Lisa’s passion for skincare is evident in every meticulously crafted treatment, tailored to deliver transformative experiences for all skin types and conditions.

As a true nurturer, Lisa ensures each client receives a personalized journey of luxury and rejuvenation, guiding them towards their skincare goals with precision and care. Her commitment extends to cultivating a dynamic team of exclusive stockists, equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive transformative change in every encounter.

Innovation, empathy, and unwavering excellence define Lisa Schmelzkopf’s legacy in the realm of skincare, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the lives she touches. Her story of vision, drive, and dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike, making her a sought – after speaker for public events focused on business, wellness, and women’s empowerment.

Dr. Marie Anderson is a Clinical & Health Psychologist. She has an interest in the natural therapies and takes a holistic view of emotional wellbeing. She has a degree in the Behavioural Sciences (Psychology) with Honours, is a Fellow Member of the Australian
Psychological Society’s Clinical and Health Colleges, and is a registered Psychologist with A.P.H.P.R.A. All through her 20’s Dr. Marie aspired to study psychology. However, her self-defeating beliefs held her back. By her early 30’s, she had embarked on her study journey,
registering as a Psychologist in 2004 and then graduating as a Doctor of Health Psychology in 2012 at La Trobe University, Australia. As a therapist, she is passionate about supporting people to grow their potential so that they learn to live a meaningful and balanced life.
She has a long history in human resources, training, occupational rehabilitation, and health psychology at a leading general hospital. Her doctoral thesis explored the use of motivational strategies to support effective health behaviour change. Dr. Marie also completed additional training through Deakin University to provide Clinical Psychology Services.

Dr. Marie has an established health clinic in Melbourne, Australia, that offers a number of supportive modalities. As a holistic therapist, she believes that the mind and the body need nurturing for optimal wellbeing. She offers in-clinic and online therapeutic support, and her aim is to evolve her practice to offering online programs. She also has a newsletter that offers helpful health hints.

Dr. Marie says that her top accomplishments are completing her doctorate, contributing to the emotional development of her clients and, most importantly with her husband, raising two adaptable, amazing men. After feeling unfulfilled with corporate, Dr. Marie commenced private practice in 2004. She knew that she wanted to make a difference to people’s lives by supporting their emotional growth. Because of her own journey, she feels particularly inspired to help her clients deconstruct well meaning limiting dialogue that keeps them feeling stuck, empty, and unfulfilled.

Using evidence based techniques, she supports her clients to grow their potential by helping them identify what’s possible, as opposed to living a life from who they think they are, based on life expectations. She provides education and strategies to help them cultivate affirming beliefs, nurture their strengths, and live by their principal values so that they can perceive a stronger sense of meaning, purpose, and passion in their lives. The work Dr. Marie does with clients is integrated, eclectic, and strategic inside of the therapeutic model. Despite that many people seek out support because they are unhappy, she often says to clients that if happiness is our goal in life, then we will find ourselves
forever chasing moments upon moments of happy. This searching can be draining and
dejecting because life can be full of down in the dumps experiences.

So, her aim with clients is to encourage them to be adaptable and resilient so that they can traverse life’s ups and downs constructively. In doing so, she believes they move in the direction of fulfilment given that realising one’s potential is often an exploratory journey to who we are becoming.

Melissa’s childhood was predominantly spent in central Queensland, Australia. Moving to the Sunshine Coast with her family to finish year 12, she met her now husband at High School. Melissa married Nicholas in 1995. Forward to 2007, three sons and now living in Melbourne, Victoria, Melissa and Nick purchased their first business, HLS Healthcare.

In 2024, HLS Healthcare has grown from a 3-person business to 38 people. Melissa currently holds the position of CEO at HLS.
In 2015, Melissa drew on her passion from the exposure across the healthcare industry and disability sector and founded Access Advisor Australia. Their mission is to break down barriers that exist by increasing awareness for an improved, inclusive, and accessible Australia. They connect the supplier with the consumer with transparent information about offerings – ‘Know before you Go’.

Melissa enjoys her time providing private business coaching and supporting entrepreneurs who seek growth and success. Melissa is a member of the Forbes Club Australia and regularly voluntarily chairs at networking events in her local area.

Morium Khan’s journey from Bangladeshi immigrant to the Founder of Academis Tuition exemplifies the transformative power of education and resilience. Overcoming racism, financial hardship, and anxiety during her university years, Khan’s experiences fuelled her determination to create positive change.

After earning a scholarship to a top Western Australian school and completing a Law and Commerce degree at the University of Western Australia, Khan’s career took an unexpected turn. In 2011, assisting Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus on a high-profile case became a pivotal moment, igniting her passion to drive transformative change through education, much as Yunus had done with microfinance.

In a bold move, Khan traded corporate security for entrepreneurial uncertainty, armed with 10,000 flyers and an unwavering belief in education’s power to bridge opportunity gaps. Academis Tuition offers an exceptional tutoring service accessible to students from all backgrounds, and embodies Khan’s values of educational equity and youth empowerment.

Academis’ innovative programs nurture academic excellence, well-being, and creativity at affordable rates, reflecting Khan’s belief that “education is the great equaliser.” From ASET preparation and NAPLAN tutoring to ATAR support and university admissions guidance, Academis offers comprehensive educational solutions. Their Creative Writing and after-school tutoring programs offer peer-to-peer learning and have been meticulously developed by Academis’ Dream Team. The company’s impact extends beyond academic achievements to igniting dreams and transforming futures, with initiatives like free trial lessons and scholarship programs ensuring accessibility for all.

Central to Khan’s vision is a deep understanding of impending societal changes driven by technology. She advocates for an education system that prepares students for a rapidly evolving job market. “We’re at the precipice of societal transformation,” Khan explains. “While AI will create new jobs long-term, we face immediate challenges of structural unemployment. Investing in children’s education early is crucial to navigating these uncertainties.”

As a female entrepreneur, Khan champions diversity in business. “We bring unique perspectives, empathetic problem-solving, and a commitment to lasting social impact,” she says.

Through Academis, Khan works towards a world where quality education is universally accessible. Her story proves that with determination and clear purpose, one can overcome adversity and pave the way for others to follow.

Hi, my name is Victoria Howe, and I am the Director and Co-owner with my husband of South West Snails. Yes, you read that correctly snails or Escargot.

We live with our three children on a 40-acre property in rural South West WA, and our dream of working from the farm in a sustainable business has now become a reality.

So, what do we do and how do we do it, well that might take an entire book, but we take the common garden snail and turn it into a high-end restaurant dish, going through processes to clean and purge the snails before sending them live straight to professional kitchens. We work alongside farmers to reduce pests, reduce the chemicals they need to use, and turn those pests into profitable produce.

How did we come up with the idea – We found our dream property and now we needed to find a way to use it. So, I googled it. ‘What to do on my acreage’ – Google result ’50 things to do on your farm’ number 26 was ‘Snail Farming’. I read and read and researched and thought let’s do it, let’s give it a go. We are now the only snail farm in WA, and one of a handful in Australia. Successfully running our business on our farm with our family.

This however is not how I thought my life would end up, originally from the UK I had spent time in Australia as a 5yr old and then again at 18 but yearned to return. To do what, I didn’t know. I joined the police force in 2005 and met my husband at police academy that year, my career as a police officer took me down many exciting paths, but after 10 years, getting married and looking to start a family, we wanted a change. The opportunity to apply to Western Australia Police presented itself and we took the leap. Not realising that opportunity set in motion the next 9 years of my life where I have ended up here, in this book talking to you.

Since arriving in Australia, I threw myself into community life and joined what felt like every community group going from Chamber of Commerce President to Agricultural show Secretary and Member of The Lions Club, from Board of Management to committee for Pony Club, Swim Club and Hockey Club, along with being an active member of the local Bush Fire Brigade.

Our dream though was to humbly work on our farm for ourselves and become financially free, that’s it no thrills, no bells and whistles.
What’s come with that dream and the hustle to get there is much more, with radio, and TV interviews, award nominations, public speaking, event invitations, newspaper articles and blogs. Representing women in farming and agriculture, new industry and choosing to go right not left. Maybe our goal will change, but for now we have hit the ground running and are loving every minute.

Sophia Pallas is an astrologer, copywriter and online business strategist. She’s also the host of the award-winning podcast Cosmic Business BreakthroughⓇ.

After spending more than 15 years working with big brands and entrepreneurs to improve their copy and marketing with mainstream strategies – she’s flipped the script.

Now, Sophia uses the ancient wisdom of astrology to help online entrepreneurs dig deep, understand themselves, and crystalise their message for more growth and satisfaction in business.

Her clients love working with her to craft copy and marketing strategies that vibe with their values, speak to their dream customers, and fit their lifestyle and natural energy cycles.

Perpetually curious about the ‘big’ questions, Sophia started exploring astrology at a young age but her Capricornian skepticism got in the way.

It wasn’t until her life and business ‘imploded’ in 2019 that she was drawn back in and forever changed by what she discovered about herself through astrology.

Sophia lives on the Gold Coast with her three children and her husband – who she met after changing her online dating approach thanks to understanding her astrology chart.

She was awarded bronze in both the Marketing Services and Podcast of the Year categories at the 2023 AusMumpreneur Awards.

Dr Olivia Ong is an esteemed pain and rehabilitation physician, and an expert in burnout and resilience. She is also an international award-winning bestselling author, TEDx speaker, global keynote speaker, award-winning physician entrepreneur and healthcare thought leader.  

In 2008, after a life-altering accident, Olivia was told she would never walk or practice medicine again. After years of recovery in hospitals and rehab facilities in Australia and the US, she won the battle to walk again, and even resumed her medical career. Today, she shares her journey to motivate and inspire others. 

Driven by her experience, Olivia now works as a coach and mentor for doctors dealing with burnout. She has also authored a number of books, including the international bestseller The Heart-Centred Doctor. With her son, Joseph Lee, she published an enchanting children’s book, Jo-Jo the Kind Sloth, which encourages children to cultivate resilience and see the world around them through new eyes.  

With her unwavering determination, profound insights and compassionate spirit, Olivia is sharing her secrets to unlocking the power of self-compassion and overcoming adversity. 

Petria Cumner’s life path has been an intricate tapestry, weaving together diverse experiences that have shaped her unique journey. Her story is a testament to her unwavering determination and the resilience that has carried her through. From her humble beginnings on a farm to her foray into the fashion industry at a young age, Petria’s talents have propelled her into a multifaceted career. Her journey encompasses years of study and the realms of pharmacy, natural medicine, marketing, advertising, including roles at Australia’s leading media companies like ACP Media Magazines and News Corp, Queensland Marketing Manager Harcourts Real Estate, Resident Decorator for Freedom Furniture Fortitude Valley, through to establishing 2 businesses, Petria Liana Interior Design and sustainable award winning brand, Stirling & Truffles.

Yet, amidst this success, Petria experienced the darkest shadows of life, grappling with domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, depression and anxiety. She emerged as a resilient warrior, channeling her energies into the creation of her art and own interior design business. Petria’s entrepreneurial spirit gave birth to Petria Liana Interior Design. Her dedication, attention to detail and expertise garnered recognition, attracting global clientele that spans from Australian celebrities and sporting stars to international businesses. Her designs have left an indelible mark on head offices, shopping centres, clinical spaces and homes. Her influence extends beyond borders, with her work reaching the Middle East, South East Asia, and the UK. Petria’s skills were evident in transforming spaces into works of art that resonated with the personalities of her clients.

Yet her true calling awaited her. Inspired by the birth of her son, Petria’s enduring spirit led her to found Stirling & Truffles, a sustainable lifestyle brand and consulting business. Her tireless study and commitment to sustainability has propelled the business into the limelight now multi award winning, including global accolades such as the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards in London – presented by The Duchess of York, where she won Bronze for Woman in Sustainability. These acknowledgments speak volumes about her steadfast commitment to making an eco-conscious impact. Through Stirling & Truffles, Petria has embarked on a mission to reduce single-use plastic waste not only through the products produced by Stirling & Truffles but also in services, assisting businesses transition to more sustainable practices, event speaking and advocating for legislative change. She was also instrumental as the sustainability partner in making the inaugural Toowoomba Fashion Festival the first sustainably run fashion event in Australia where she and partner Ben also showcased their first sustainable runway collection.

Petria’s busy schedule finds balance in her personal life, where she resides in Queensland, enjoying the company of her partner Ben, their young son, Stirling, Truffles the Dooxiepoo, Mini Dachshund Louis and chickens.

The story of Petria Cumner unfolds with a blend of determination, creativity, and a profound commitment to making a lasting impact on the world through her sustainable endeavours. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.

My name is Sarah MacRae, the eldest of four siblings, born and raised amidst the picturesque freezing landscapes of the Southern Highlands. My journey has been one of resilience and transformation, despite facing personal tragedy, such as the loss of my youngest brother, Keith. Throughout these challenges, I’ve achieved milestones that I am genuinely honoured to share.

I’m a proud mother to two amazing girls, Emily-May and Macie, who are the center of my universe. My greatest achievements are undoubtedly my children, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support from my incredible partner, Rael. Rekindling our high school romance 25 years later, Rael has been my soulmate and my strength. My family and close-knit tribe mean everything to me, especially my youngest daughter, who, at just eight years old, faces challenges with ASD and complex trauma. Her resilience is awe-inspiring and motivates me to keep going through life’s ups and downs.

Balancing motherhood and running my own business isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge I embrace with grace and courage. My dedication to my daughters’ well-being drives me forward, pushing me to overcome obstacles and seize every moment.

27 years of experience in the disability field, advocacy is in my blood. It’s a privilege to speak up for those who often don’t have a voice of their own. I am on a mission to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. Everyone deserves to be valued and empowered, regardless of their abilities.
I have a relentless drive that stems from transforming my emotions of anger and hurt into a powerful force for creating and achieving. societal change or nurturing my daughters’ growth, I give it my all. Each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact .

In my story, you’ll find a blend of resilience, compassion, and determination. I’m here to leave my mark, to inspire others to embrace their journey, and to make a difference in the world. With every step I take, I’m reminded that the greatest achievements often come from the toughest challenges.

Beyond my roles as a mother and advocate, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in various community initiatives. giving back to the community is a core value I hold dear. I’ve seen firsthand the power of collective action and its positive impact on the world around us

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey of growth and impact. Whether expanding, growing my business, or simply being there for my family, I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity. As I navigate the road ahead, I’m grateful for the love and support of those who have been by my side every step of the way.

With love in my heart and fire in my soul, I’m ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead continuing making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Shayla Knipe is the founder and CEO of a 7-figure pet care business, traveling the world inspiring and mentoring pet stylists, business owners and parents about management, leadership and productivity within business and family lifestyle.

As a mother of four, Shayla has taught and inspired hundreds of students globally, to become world leading Pet Stylists and Entrepreneurs. Ms Knipe has founded and managed over fifteen businesses across the country and now teaches others how to be better in business, productivity and pet grooming, all while raising her own family.

She is one of Australia’s most decorated Pet Stylists winning many Royal Best in Shows, Australian Championships and is a current member of the Australian Groom Team, ready to represent our country at the World Dog Grooming Championships in Belgium.

A few of Shayla’s career achievements include: World Grooming Representative for Australia at the European World Grooming Championships; Finalist on a Global reality TV show Pooch Perfect Australia hosted by celebrity Rebel Wilson; Multiple Best in Shows, State Championships and Australian championships within the dog grooming sector; Empire awards; Aus-mumpreneur finalist, and many more.

Sarah Barnbrook

Sarah Barnbrook has dedicated her life to empowering the vulnerable, nurturing communities, and creating spaces where everyone can find belonging. From a young age, she volunteered at her local Women’s Shelter, instilling a deep commitment to compassion and empathy—values that have guided her ever since. 

Throughout her life, Sarah has been actively involved in numerous community organizations, continually seeking ways to contribute and make a difference. However, over ten years ago, she found her true home in the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. (CWA). Since joining the CWA, Sarah’s dedication and leadership have seen her rise to the role of Deputy State President, with the honour of becoming State President next year. She has been pivotal in respecting the Association’s history while driving initiatives that pave the way for future generations. 

The CWA is renowned for its unwavering support of vulnerable women and children, providing essential resources and advocacy that make a tangible difference in their lives. The Association’s efforts extend to lobbying for policy changes that protect and empower those in need, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and community welfare that aligns deeply with Sarah’s values. 

In addition, Sarah is the founder of Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., a not-for-profit organisation that encourages children to disconnect from screens and engage in meaningful, in-person interactions. This initiative is a testament to her commitment to fostering social connectedness and supporting community well-being. 

Sarah’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in the success of her retail shop, Board Games and Battlegrounds, a hub for gaming enthusiasts and a place that offers job opportunities for a neurodiverse workforce. It has become a cherished community space where everyone feels welcome. 

At the core of Sarah’s approach to life and leadership is a belief in the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Sarah advocates for leading with kindness, knowing that it is through kindness that we build stronger, more resilient communities. 

Balancing her professional endeavours, Sarah remains a devoted live-in carer for her family, including a family member who is an incomplete quadriplegic. She supports her three neurodivergent children through the unique challenges they face, from navigating the complexities of the educational system to advocating for their individual needs in a world that often doesn’t understand them. Sarah’s commitment to her children involves being their strongest advocate and providing them with a nurturing environment where they can thrive, celebrate their differences, and grow into resilient individuals. 

Her experience has only strengthened her resolve to be a voice for those who cannot always speak for themselves. Sarah’s journey with her family has deepened her understanding of the diverse needs of living with a disability and the importance of tailored support systems that empower rather than limit them. 

As a role model and friend, Sarah seamlessly blends her professional responsibilities with her mission of kindness and support. Through her public service, leadership in community organisations, growing business, and personal experiences as a carer, Sarah embodies the power of compassion and the significant impact one person can make.