My name is Amy and I have grown up in Darwin, I am a solo Mum to four kids. A daughter aged 12, twin boys who are 10 and my youngest daughter is 7. I call my life my happy crazy chaos. I juggle running my own business Darwin Family Life which I started in August 2017, a part time job and life with my four kids. I love a good coffee, getting out and exploring nature, chasing waterfalls and enjoying our amazing sunsets.
When did you start your business?
I launched Darwin Family Life in August 2017.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
Darwin is a very transisent place with a high defence population. I found a need in the community for providing information and sharing, plus creating an online community for families who are moving here and exisiting families. To connect the many new and exisiting familes to each other. I started my own business to have more flexibility around my children and being there for them. I can go to sports days, therapy appointments, school events and more because my business is online and I work the hours, I wish to work. I have realised there is nothing else like Darwin Family Life, I have created a platform that feeds my love for community connection and kids, gives other small business exposure to 1000’s of families and creates and shares information and resources with families. While also generating an income.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I am so proud of what I have created. The essence of Darwin Family life is the connections and the sense of community even in the online space. Many of these connections then filter through to real life. I love that I have become the go to hub for many families new and existing and provide such a wealth of information for them.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Learning to say no polietly and having boundaries when something does not align.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Dream big, never let other people’s fears or thoughts stop you. If you’re thinking of starting a business, trial it, give it a go. You don’t want to have regrets and look back in say 5 or 10 years and think “what if…” and never underestimate the power of your mindset.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I learnt the importance of PR and getting that stamp of approval, recognition and credit from a third party that comes from awards. Entering awards and leveraging off being a finalist and winner has taken my business to the next level.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
One of the awards I have entered now both in 2022 and in 2023, was the People’s choice Making a difference in the local community. With this award the community had to vote for me, in turn it really meant they wanted me to win and gave me the recognition the community validated my business and community connections. I also love being present at the awards gala night as the community of AusMum is so supportive and feels like family.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The impact it can have on your business but also how the AusMum awards feels like being part of a big supportive family. Mums in business supporting and cheering each other on is amazing.
How did the awards help you in your business?
It has helped me take my business to the next level, it gives me authority and professional credentials. Being apart of awards has helped me secure new clients and also major clients doing promotions work with them.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Give it a go, you never know when you will be the winner. Even if you don’t win, just being nominated and a finalist can help you in business if you leverage off it. Use the media template and contact newspapers and radio and other media channels. It will boost your business exposure and name.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Flexibility and being available to be there for my four kids. I am able to find more balance in my crazy life by having a business. I am also able to make time for exercise and my own wellbeing, which would not be as easy if I was working full time in a standard job.
What’s happening next in your business?
My focus at the moment is to continue expanding my website directory of small businesses that have products and services available for families, kids and Mums. If you are reading this and would like to know more, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you. I love promoting and assisting other businesses and increasing their exposure to families in the NT. I am also developing various sections of my website for families to have access to more information and resources.
What are your big plans for the future?
I hope to work with some other big clients like the local councils and Darwin Waterfront Corporation again in the near future on some key promotions. I would love one day to write an Ebook, develop an app and more.
