I’m Jo Stevens, the quirky mastermind behind Quirky Habits, where I help people turn their unique quirks into hidden superpowers. Through self-awareness and empowerment, I guide women to embrace their quirks and transform them into strengths that lead to personal growth and success.
I’m also one half of the dynamic duo behind Ladies Who Long Lunch, a platform dedicated to connecting women and fostering strong, supportive networks. I believe that connection is the key to unlocking our mental well-being and reaching our fullest potential.
When did you start your business?
I started Quirky Habits about 5 years ago, driven by a passion for helping people embrace their unique quirks. The following year, I launched Ladies Who Long Lunch alongside Kirsty Fields, as a way to connect women and create a supportive community. Both ventures have been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow!
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
The inspiration behind starting Quirky Habits came from my own personal journey of learning to embrace my unique quirks and transforming them into strengths. I realised that so many people, especially women, struggle with self-doubt and feeling held back by their own quirks. I wanted to create a space where these quirks could be celebrated and seen as superpowers. Ladies Who Long Lunch was born out of a passion for connection and community. Kirsty Fields and I wanted to bring women together in a supportive environment where they could connect, network, and grow—because we both believe that strong connections are key to unlocking our full potential.
What are you most excited about in your business?
What excites me most about Quirky Habits is watching people embrace their quirks and transform them into powerful strengths. Seeing those “aha” moments when self-doubt turns into self-confidence is incredibly rewarding. I love that Quirky Habits gives people permission to be authentically themselves and shows them how to thrive in their uniqueness. With Ladies Who Long Lunch, I’m excited about the connections we foster. Bringing women together to support and uplift each other creates an energy that’s truly inspiring. The potential for collaboration, personal growth, and community-building is endless, and I can’t wait to see how far it can grow!
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
One of the most challenging aspects of starting Quirky Habits and Ladies Who Long Lunch has been navigating the rising cost of living. It can be difficult to convince women, who are often juggling work, family, and other commitments, to invest time and energy in themselves. With so many financial pressures, self-care and personal growth can easily take a backseat. That’s why it’s more important than ever for women to take time out for themselves. Prioritising mental well-being, building connections, and embracing their individuality not only strengthens them personally but also empowers them to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Creating spaces where women feel encouraged to invest in themselves, even when times are tough, is at the heart of everything we do.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
My biggest advice to other women thinking about starting a business is to never give up on your dream. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to chase what sets your soul on fire. Don’t let age or self-doubt hold you back—I turned 53 this year, and I honestly feel like I’m just stepping into my greatness!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I have to be honest, I wasn’t planning on accepting my nomination for the AusMumpreneur Awards this year. My original plan was to just attend and hang out with friends. But thankfully, my business bestie Kirsty Fields convinced me to go for it—and I’m so glad she did! The entire process, from filling out the nomination form to being interviewed, has been incredible. It really gives you a chance to reflect on your journey and realise just how far you’ve come. It’s been an empowering experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
What I enjoyed most about being part of the AusMumpreneur Awards was the sense of connection and inspiration. Meeting and being surrounded by so many incredible women, each with their own unique journey, was truly uplifting. The whole experience—from reflecting on my own business journey during the nomination process to hearing others’ stories—was so empowering. It reminded me of the importance of celebrating not just the big wins, but every step along the way. Plus, it was an amazing opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and really appreciate how far I’ve come.
What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me most about the AusMumpreneur Awards was just how supportive everyone is. It wasn’t just about the competition; it was about uplifting and empowering each other. The incredible connections I made with like-minded women who genuinely want to see each other succeed was such a pleasant surprise. The sense of community and encouragement throughout the entire process was amazing, and it really reinforced that we’re all in this together, cheering each other on to reach our full potential.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The awards have had a profound impact on my business in several ways. First and foremost, the increased social media reach has been fantastic—sharing the experience and celebrating the win has allowed me to connect with a broader audience. The video of me receiving my award and dancing on stage, filled with excitement after winning GOLD, was incredible! It sparked so much joy and brought attention to both Quirky Habits and Ladies Who Long Lunch.
I was thrilled to hear from so many people I hadn’t seen in ages, all reaching out to celebrate with me. This experience has not only highlighted my achievements but also showcased how far I’ve come in my journey. It’s been a powerful reminder of the importance of community and support in business!
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
My advice to other mums thinking about entering the awards is to just go for it! Embrace the opportunity and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. It’s a fantastic chance to celebrate your hard work and reflect on how far you’ve come in your journey.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing about starting my own business has been the incredible connections I’ve made along the way. What began as professional networking has often blossomed into genuine friendships. I’ve met so many amazing women who share similar passions and challenges, and these relationships have been invaluable.
What’s happening next in your business?
Next up in my business, I’m excited to be creating online programs for Quirky Habits. These programs will focus on helping individuals embrace their unique quirks and turn them into strengths, making personal development more accessible for everyone. Additionally, we’re planning to host more Ladies Who Long Lunch events! These gatherings are all about connecting women, sharing experiences, and enjoying good food and conversation. Both Kirsty and I can’t wait to expand our reach and bring even more amazing women together for laughter, support, and empowerment. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
What are your big plans for the future?
My big plans for the future definitely include continuing to do what I love at Quirky Habits and Ladies Who Long Lunch. I’m passionate about helping others embrace their quirks and fostering connections among women. But that’s not all—I have another incredible business endeavor in the pipeline that I’m really excited about. While I can’t share all the details just yet, I promise it’s going to be something special! So, keep an
eye on this space; I can’t wait to reveal what’s coming next!
