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1. What was your first job?
My first job was running my own Marketing Communications business in Indonesia.
I worked with some great Australian expats who gave me the opportunity to follow my dream of owning my own business.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to create a business that would help make a difference.
After working with children on an aid program in Indonesia I knew that one day I wanted to work with kids and help contribute to improving their lives.
3. What does your job involve now?
I now run my own business, Whole Kids, Australia’s leading manufacturer of kids organic snack foods. I work with parents, kids and dieticians to come up with snacks that are healthy, free from additives and preservatives and low in calories. Our products have to pass the test for nutrition, taste, texture and fun before they become part of the Whole Kids range.
4. Are you thinking of trying your hand in anything else?
I'd like to extend our business to include charitable activities that support children's projects.
5. What is the biggest challenge you face at work?
The biggest challenge at work is taking time out from the day to day operation of the business to reflect on how things are progressing and to plan for the future direction of the business. Being a small business owner means working very long hours with very little down time. Fortunately I have a team of people who are equally as passionate as I am and are very focused on achieving the goals we set.
6. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with kids to create products they'll love and then receiving feedback from parents who have discovered our healthy, junk free alternatives to feed their children.
7. What is your advice for people starting out in your industry?
Research is key. It took us 5 years to thoroughly research the market and form relationships with suppliers. Everything takes longer than you anticipate and the Organic Certification process is a rigorous process. Patience and persistence is really important. Finding people who are as passionate as you are is also helpful.
8. What makes you happy?
Knowing that I have contributed to making a difference to children's health and that parents can pick up any one of our products and feel confident that what's inside them is exactly what we say it is.
Knowing that I have helped support Australian growers that are facing difficult times with our drought conditions.
Knowing that I am capable of creating a business that can truly make a difference to people’s lives and that I have been able to do this with the full support of my husband and my family.
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