Two local “mumpreneurs’’ who happen to be business supporters of each other will be vying for the same major award honour next month.
Melissa Woodward of Evolution Health Services and Antoinette Stonham of All About Style have both been nominated for gongs in the 2017 AusMumpreneur Awards.
They were nominated in the Making a Difference – Business Category.
The AusMumpreneur Awards are presented by The AusMumpreneur Network and celebrate and Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.
The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.
Winners of the 2017 awards will be announced at a presentation dinner at Doltone House in Sydney on Friday, August 25.
“We are successful in our own businesses but support one another wholeheartedly,’’ says Mrs Woodward of her business friendship with Antoinette Stonham.
Mrs Woodward launched her business just as she was about to start a family, while Ms Stonham waited until she turned 50 to embark on her venture.
But despite that difference, their stories resonate in the same way, of two women having a crack at their own business.
“At the time of falling pregnant with my son, I was in a corporate job that made me very unhappy,’’ says Mrs Woodward.
“I would often come home upset and realised that when he arrived he deserved a happy mum.
“I also wanted to return to my passion in the health and fitness industry as a remedial massage therapist and personal trainer.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Alongside my husband, also a personal trainer, we decided to create a business that was aimed at helping other parents lead happy, healthy lives and become positive role models.”[/social_quote]
Antoinette Stonham was a mother and a grandmother by the time she launched All About Style in 2013 in Campbelltown.
“I decided it was time to do something that I was truly passionate about,’’ she says.
Antoinette undertook a personal styling course and teamed it up with her skills of pattern making, design and experience running a business.
The result was All About Style and since then Ms Stonham has been on a mission to help people feel confident within themselves regardless of age, body type or budget.
There are many benefits to balancing business and family life, including “the freedom to work the hours I choose so I can spend quality time with my elderly mum and family.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It doesn’t stop there, the flexible hours and financial freedom is only part of it,’’ says Ms Stonham.[/social_quote]
“I want to be an example for my children and grandchildren to show them that no matter what age you are you should follow your dreams and passion and that hard work and dedication pays off.’’
Mrs Woodward says her business gave her the opportunity to be a positive example to her son.
“Be proud to stand up and share your passion. Your passion will be contagious and inspiring to others in business too,’’ she says.
The 2017 AusMumpreneur Awards also have voting for the People’s Choice Categories so if you’d like to support the two local mumpreneurs nominated go online here to vote for them. In question 3, scroll down to number 12 for Antoinette Stonham and number 52 for Melissa Woodward. To vote now click here.
♦ Check out Antoinette Stonham’s business, www.allaboutstyle.com.au
♦Find out more about Melissa Woodward’s business, www.evolutionhealthservices.com.au
