local biz love
NOW MORE THAN EVER, BUSINESSES NEED OUR SUPPORT! CHECK OUT SOME GREAT LOCAL TRADERS TO GET BEHIND
Beetogether Celebrant - Gabrielle Quigley
How did you establish your business?
In 2021-22, I did the Celebrancy course, rebranded my beeswax candles, laid the foundation for BeeTogether and then started to do what celebrants do best - help people celebrate being together. I was keen for my initial weddings to be in person and not via Zoom, so I waited for a perfect time. Of course there is no perfect time. A few days out from launching the website, I get a call to step in to do a wedding for a fellow celebrant. Talk about divine timing kick starting a new chapter. I’m now making the most of my professional skills in public speaking, the arts and event planning in this new role.
What does your business pride itself on?
I help you create your personal ceremony, so that together we create a celebration to fit your perfect moments. Attention to detail, a love of writing, blending modern and/or traditional elements and rituals to get the best juice for the client. I factor in the design of the space to help the photographer secure the best shots for their clients. The bee is symbolic of harmonious communities and is known for the strength in working together. Here lies the heart in what I love to do.
Tell us about your biggest successes/challenges?
Three weddings within six weeks of launching and very happy clients. I loved the quick change of hats when I performed a garden ceremony where I work at Nan Tien Temple. Biggest challenge - I’m a sole trader blending both service and product in a business. Say no more! Creative challenge - managing my serious crush on beeswax candles; I offer candles for gifts, table decor, ceremonies, photobooth decor, commissions and parties and workshops. Give me instant aromatic and romantic ambience.
What do you enjoy most about running your business in the Illawarra?
There are many underutilised beautiful places for weddings and other ceremonies in our region and so much creative talent around to help style special occasions. Lifting the veil on these places and people to clients is rewarding. It solves problems and offers inspiration. Having lived here for 30 years, the close community connections across the sectors makes the people so open to support each other and try new collaborations.
Photo credit: @billlielikes
Revolution Consulting Group - Sally Dillon
How did you establish your business?
After 20+ years in Human Resources roles, I decided it was time to follow my heart to leave the corporate world and open my own business. I have worked in all kinds of industries - manufacturing, aged care - and corporate environments including private, not for profit and government roles so I knew that I had a lot to offer the diverse businesses of the Illawarra and surrounding areas. Initially I was being engaged by word of mouth from people that knew me from the industry or I had worked with before, but now I am getting more known through the amazing networking groups of the Illawarra and local client referrals.
What does your business pride itself on?
Integrity is my number one value. I'm also a straight shooter, so I like to get in and ask the questions that I need to get to the real heart of the issue or challenge. Then I can provide simple, practical solutions to help solve and prevent HR issues, such as finding and keeping great staff, dealing with time consuming staff issues, or having ineffective or non-compliant processes.
Tell us about your biggest successes/challenges?
My biggest success would probably be becoming a number one Amazon best seller for the multi-author book ChangeMakers which was released in 2019. Myself and 19 other amazing women got to share our stories about our lives and how we have overcome challenges and tried to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
My biggest challenge in the last year or so has been the transition from being an employee to business owner. There is a lot to learn outside of your core skills like marketing and creating a business strategy for your own business. Also staying on the path as a small business owner is challenging, it's much easier to go and work for someone else, so getting the right business coach and mindset is the best thing I have done this past year.
What do you enjoy most about running your business in the Illawarra?
It's the people! People from the Illawarra are kind, hardworking and friendly. They are also generous with helping others in business, and you can really get to know them and their business and work in partnership together to achieve great outcomes.
If you would love to have your business featured in our next issue, reach out to Kate editor@coalcoastmagazine.com, to secure your spot.