My name is Deanna Bugalski and i am the Founder/CEO of Suggesterfy. Suggesterfy is a social discovery mobile app for sharing suggestions and recommendations with your trusted network! I am also a mum to three kids aged 13, 12 and 8! I am a dog lover, a humorist, an eternal optimist and i’m passionate about travel!
When did you start your business?
I started Suggesterfy in the middle of the second coronavirus lockdown! After exhausting every puzzle and diamond art creation in my kids’ playroom, it was time to make my business idea a reality!
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
During the many Melbourne lockdowns, the world moved almost entirely online to do everything. From shopping to communicating, search engines and social media became the way people sought out connections, and also as a way to find the things they needed. I was noticing a huge increase in the aount of negativity online, but also how much time it was taking in my day just to find the simplest things.
I was inspired to spark social change by creating a social discovery platform where there were no negative reviews, but where people could share the things they love, and the places/businesses/goods and services that they have tried and tested, so that they could recommend these things to the people in their life that were searching for the very same experiences.
What are you most excited about in your business?
Im excited to see how Suggesterfy will grow. Im excited to see our users, utilising our platform to recommend local businesses, and in turn help those businesses receive word of mouth promotion and grow!
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
The most challenging thing was finding the balance between being a mum and getting the business off the ground. It turns out the demands of a family are just as all consuming as the needs of a growing business!
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Jump in! Do it! If you truly believe in your business, and you are really passionate about doing it, then do it. Women need to find fullfillment for themselves in the areas that will fill their cups. There will never be a good time to get started, and there will always be challenges or excuses why you shouldn’t. If you don’t try, you’ll never fly, and somehow along the way you will figure out your routine, or find your groove!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I was actually nominated, i didn’t know much about the AusMumpreneur Awards! But when i received my nomination i was so chuffed to be recognised for the work that im doing, and the more i learned about the awards, the more motivated i became to be apart of it all, and i’m so glad i did!
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I enjoyed meeting so many other inspirational women and mums who are busting their bums every day just to contribute or spark positive change in their respective fields!
What surprised you most about the awards?
I was most surprised by how warm and caring every single person i met through the awards process was. It really is such an inclusive and supporting community, where everyone really cheers each other on, and in this world that is so special.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The awards have helped me gain more awareness around my business, Suggesterfy becoming known. Suggesterfy is only a few short weeks away from launching on the app stores and our key to success is acquiring as many users as possible. The awards have also given me as a business owner even more drive to succeed!
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Again, just do it! If you have ever struggled with imposter syndrome, or felt alone in your entrepreneurial journey, the awards is the best place to find a community of really special women that will help you feel connected and validated.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
For me, at this stage the best thing has been that i feel in myself that i am finally living up to my potential that i knew was always there. Being a stay at home mum for 10 years, i was using my barin for remembering what each kid liked in their lunchbox, now i am using my brain for marketing strategies, and advertising campaigns and so much more! It feels great!
What’s happening next in your business?
Now is the most exciting time for Suggesterfy. We are currently beta-testing the app, which means we have a large group of people who have early acces to the app and are testing it for any issues/bugs. After this stage is completed, we will be launching on the Apple and Google Play App stores!!!
What are your big plans for the future?
The sky’s the limit! Our vision at Suggesterfy is to be the first destination for anyone to use to find anything they need, and it’s right on their smart phone. We want Suggesterfy to go into international markets where people can find and share travel advice, showcase hidden gems, and for small businesses to promote themselves!
What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Website: https://www.suggesterfy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/suggesterfy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuggesterfyApp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/suggesterfy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suggesterfy/
