Rie Bredow – Rie Care Pty Ltd
My name is Rie Bredow, and I am a married, mother of 2. I have Graves Disease and a few other disabilities that impact my daily life. Unfortunately, these are not visible and so that is why I began to start advocating for all people not only fighting invisible disabilities but the cliché that you have to bear with that, the “but you don’t look sick!”.
I started Rie Care Pty Ltd in February 2020. We started as a Community Nursing and Support Care Company but have developed into so much more. I’m all about breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, challenging outdated laws, policies and procedures and creating not only a better future but a better here and now. Rie Care is Community Nursing & Support Care, Mentoring, Advocating, Fighting for positive change and recognition as well as supporting all the warriors and survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse.
When did you start your business?
February 2020
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
The motivation for wanting to start my own business in this specific industry comes from working as an Assistant In Nursing for 15 years and seeing many things that are not even close to being ok. They also come from personal life experiences, having my own health issues and disabilities and becoming a mother. I want to create a positive change and be positive change.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I get most excited when I see the difference we are making and how it positively effects our clients & our Team. “Helping some succeed or changing something in their life for the better, these are my Goosebumps Moments” ~ Rie Bredow
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
There are many challenges, the biggest ones for me are:
a) when half my business was stolen from me and I had to rebuild my business.
b) I struggle with a few disabilities and because they are not visible it is more of a challenge as you are always faced with the cliché of “oh, but you don’t look sick”, everyday is a new challenge.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
If you are passionate about something, whether it is your hobby, interest or a business idea, then go for it! Be prepared for the business world to be cruel and betraying. Listen to your mamma instincts, stay resilient and always do your research “knowledge is power”. Never agree to anything without having it in writing first and remember that reading the fine print can make or break you! If you can, have a lawyer check everything first.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I was nominated by another amazing Mumpreneur and good friend. It gave me a positive push to keep going.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The greatest thing for me about being a part of the AusMumpreneur Awards was feeling like my hard work finally gets to mean something! Sometimes you don’t realise how far you’ve come until someone else acknowledges it for you.
What surprised you most about the awards?
I was surprised at how many connections I made through the Awards and how truly fun the entire process is 😊
How did the awards help you in your business?
The AusMumpreneur Awards have helped myself and my business by giving me the opportunity to access a broader network, Australia wide, and another fantastic way to advertise what we do.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
The only advice I can give about the AusMumpreneur Awards is, if you are thinking you may want to enter you are right!! Do it!! As soon as you have entered you are already a winner within yourself.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing about starting my own business is that now I can attack the world head on to create a difference. I am not restricted by outdated policies and procedures because now I can tackle them and create new ones. I can break boundaries and create waves for a new and improved now and future.
What’s happening next in your business?
My Team and I are brewing some fabulous ideas that we are implementing onto paper and then making a reality, Watch This Space 😉
What are your big plans for the future?
Creating a difference is difficult, people are afraid of change and new strategies. Pushing boundaries is challenging but my big plans for the future are to achieve that Community Nursing and Support Care becomes more recognised by the Government rather than being forgotten, to ensure that all Disabilities are recognised equally and to advocate for all those invisible disability warriors, to create positive change in the Mature Aged Education Sector and to create greater recognition for Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse survivors.
What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RIECAREAU
