Where were you raised and who influenced your career?
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I've lived all around Australia as my father is in mining. I spent a large portion of my childhood in the Hunter Valley and then teen years mainly over in Perth. Most of my family live in the Hunter and a year ago my husband, two kids and I moved from Sydney to be closer to them. I've been influenced by a lot of people in my career. My two biggest mentors have been my husband Daniel, a liquidator, and one of my best friends Erin Meyer, who owns Intelligen Group.
What was your pathway after school?
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce then tried industries including real estate and events management. I learnt so much but knew I wanted to own my business.
How did you get into Pilates?
I came across reformer Pilates years ago after a knee operation and associated complications left me unable to do traditional exercise. I was an exercise junkie, so I tried so many different types of exercise searching for something I could actually do with my restrictions. When I finally came across reformer Pilates, I fell in love with it and have been hooked ever since.
What made you decide to make it your career?
I was really passionate about it firstly and knew the positive effects it had on my own health and wellbeing. Then I also started to think it would be a fantastic business to own and I could share my passion for it with others. I thought it would be something that would be flexible as I had a baby and a toddler and I also thought it could be quite lucrative if done really well.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Bachelor of Commerce, a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Diploma of Event Management and multiple types of Pilates qualifications. I will never stop doing courses and I think learning is the key to success.
When did you open Muse Pilates Studios and what is its business model?
I opened the first studio in Dulwich Hill, in Sydney's Inner West, then a second with a co-owner in Newcastle (in Hamilton) and a third in Camperdown in Sydney's Inner West also, solely owned by me. I license the branding and my operating systems to these studios. I am opening more Muse studios over the next few months in Sydney and Canberra and negotiating on spaces at Strathfield and Warners Bay.
How has COVID changed your operations?
It has forced us to adapt. To support our members, we've put all memberships on hold and offer low cost online classes so that people are still able to keep moving and support their physical and mental health during this challenging time.
Why did you found the We Are Wylde plant protein powder?
At the beginning of 2020 I found out I was dairy intolerant and went about searching for a plant-based alternative in place of a dairy protein powder. I found lots of really bland ones, a few that were so sickly sweet and full of nasties and some that just tasted like cardboard had been blended up and popped in a bag. I knew I could do better. I worked with a dietitian to come up with a blend that would really support busy women and their hormones so it's a two in one product really. I'm the biggest fan and add it daily to support my diet.
There are lots of protein powders. How is yours different?
Wylde is a premium plant-based protein powder, designed for women, with the majority of the ingredients being organic. It has added vitamins and minerals to ensure you're getting everything you need into your diet, as well as extras that are amazing for the health of your hormones, which is gold for busy women like me. I'm not sitting around trying to figure out what to have for breaky to support my health, it's usually just a smoothie with almond milk, ice, Wylde protein (Vanilla Bean Booster is my fave!) and then I might add a bit of peanut butter, strawberries or blueberries... or all 3 if I'm feeling a little crazy!
Why do we need them if we have a healthy diet?
I have a healthy diet and I love protein powder because it packs a punch of varied nutrients in a yummy way in something that is quick and easy. Most people aren't getting enough protein in their diets and protein is so important at a cellular level for our bodies to carry out all of their important functions. Protein powder traditionally has a "gym junkie" vibe or a "diet/meal replacement" vibe and sure those kinds of brands exist, but I think now in the world of healthy eating and nourishment, a healthy protein powder like Wylde is just about nourishing your body.
What drives you?
I love setting really big goals. I find it really stimulating to be doing things I haven't done before and learning how to grow and scale, I love my team and being able to provide them with opportunities, I really want to show my children that women aren't just "the mum" or "the carer" and that they can do anything they set their minds to it. I also love showing other women that's its possible to be a successful entrepreneur. If I can do it, so can they.
What did it mean to you to be a finalist in the 2021 Aus Mumpreneur awards?
It was HUGE. It's recognition of all the hard work I have put into these two businesses that I am so passionate about.