Jorja calls herself a work in progress; a knock down/rebuild post-motherhood. A self-confessed ‘bit of a dag’, firecracker and comedian, Jorja is known for a bold red lip and infectious smile. Mum to a vivacious, high needs three-year-old, and married to her best friend, Jorja is a first-time business owner in an industry completely different to what she studied. She is resilient, tenacious, brave, compassionate, bubbly, kind, honest and creative. Jorja is also chronically ill, navigating secondary infertility, ‘neurospicy’, and finally accepting/embracing her sexual orientation. She grew up on a farm in rural North-East Victoria surrounded by a large family, and attended university on the Gold Coast, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Journalism. Jorja is an admitted lawyer, former federal public servant, and the current ACT Regional Leader for The Nappy Collective. She values integrity, understanding, service to others, and authenticity. Jorja loves music, dancing, good food, comedy, drag performances, dressing up and goofing around with fellow sparkly humans.
When did you start your business?
I became the owner of The Bunched Co. in January 2022.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
In October 2021, I was forced onto medical leave after developing a heart condition post-COVID vaccination. I was 31, and terrified I was going to have a heart attack. I had been juggling working from home and looking after our almost 2-year-old during the ACT lockdown, and hadn’t stopped to grieve the loss of a close friend to brain cancer. I was completely exhausted. The opportunity to buy a local micro business popped up and I agonised over leaving behind the well-paid professional management career I had created and jumping into a completely different world. I had seen my friend six months before she passed, and she was completely free in herself and had encouraged me to stop caring about what others thought. I realised I wanted to stop doing what I thought I ‘should’ do and try something new. The Bunched Co. was centred around giving and edible happiness, and it felt like the right move to make to realign with my values and sprinkle joy in a time of fear and uncertainty.
What are you most excited about in your business?
Where it is headed! I have so much change planned for my little business, and I’m excited to implement it. I’m passionate about thoughtful and intentional giving that sparks joy for both the sender and receiver. And when it comes to food, I love recipes and treats that feel like home – the ones that unlock memories and have a story behind them. These will be strong pillars in the future direction of the business and I can’t wait to bring it all to life.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
So many things for a first-time business owner! It was a steep learning curve to wrap my head around everything, and there was immediate work needed to improve processes and compliance. It was easy to identify the areas for improvement but hard to get the right help – I tried to outsource assistance with priority problem areas and was burned a few times. This has definitely made me reticent to engage external help, which has slowed down progress, but has been the right decision in the long run, as I am laser-focused on what I need and more confident in speaking with those external providers. When I took over the business, my self-worth was low. I had a negative experience trying to re-enter the workforce after maternity leave and was grappling with the change in available attention/energy that comes with motherhood. I was navigating a heart condition and miscarriage, plus the guilt that comes with taking a huge financial risk (like leaving secure employment for small business). I felt like I owed others and that I didn’t belong. I would bend over backwards in a misguided attempt to prove myself, including not charging my worth. However, the hurdles and challenging have shown me there are no medals for running yourself into the ground and not everyone is going to be your customer, and that’s ok.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Be clear on your why, and be authentic in your output. Focus on yourself, your business and your customers/clients, not on your competition and what they’re doing – anyone can copy an idea but no one can copy your energy. Show up as you in everything you do, and cut away the things that don’t align with the values of your business. You are not your business, but your values do need to align with the values of your business. You are capable of more than you think you are, but you can’t always go it alone, and you can’t do it all, all of the time. Find a sound support network that you can call on when things get tough. Seek out quality service providers and professionals in areas that are not your strengths, or that you don’t have time to dedicate toward so you can better focus your energy on the aspects of the business that need you or bring you joy. When engaging service providers, don’t settle for anything less than being a priority. You are paying for their time – they are not doing you a favour; it is the job you have contracted them to provide. Be prepared to push through even when you don’t want to, or when things seem impossible, unachievable or insurmountable. But, check in with yourself regularly, set boundaries and take breaks when you need them.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
Gentle (but persistent) encouragement from my wonderful husband, Kristian, and a beautiful AusMum, Lisa, who saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The opportunity to reflect on where I had been and where I was going, and the ability to connect with so many other incredible mums in business. Attending the conference and awards night was the best thing I have done for myself in years – the level of connection, generosity and energy in one room was electric. It was exactly what I needed, at exactly the right time.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The level of supportiveness amongst nominees and finalists. Everyone was genuinely happy for each other, and provided guidance and advice so openly and generously. It was like a huge hug for the soul!
How did the awards help you in your business?
The process gave me space to reflect on what I had achieved in a short amount of time, despite numerous challenges. Just completing my application form gave me a huge boost of confidence and pride. Attending the conference gave me space to work on my business instead of in it, and provided connections that I couldn’t have even imagined before entering the awards.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Throw your hat in the ring and be authentically you. Don’t undersell or oversell – just be you, and be true to your journey. You are worthy of recognition. As a micro business owner, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of only focusing on the now and the future. Writing your application is a wonderful way to reflect on where you have been and the things you have achieved.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Rediscovering my creative side and confidence, spreading edible happiness and learning something new. There is something exciting and invigorating about reinventing yourself by taking a huge risk and going all in.
What’s happening next in your business?
Change! A LOT of change. 18 months in the making. Keeping the details on the DL for now, but watch this space.
What are your big plans for the future?
For my business? Shhhhh… it’s a secret (I have been working behind the scenes on something special). For myself? I’m in a season of change, so I’m trying not to make any big plans. I’m prioritising reconnecting with myself by granting myself the space to heal and the kindness and understanding that this won’t happen overnight. A lot has happened in a short amount of time – a lot of grief, pain, loss, growth, opportunities, lessons and challenges – and some days I feel like I’m dragging myself along (like Joy dragging Sadness in Inside Out). I’m taking each day as it comes and listening to my gut when an opportunity presents itself. For example, I recently took over another small business (again in a completely different industry) because it aligned with where I’m going and every part of me felt like I was making the right decision. I know it won’t be easy, and I can see the mountain in front of me that needs to be climbed, but I’m always up for a challenge and love an opportunity for personal growth.
