Nicola Baker, Founder of Moyamoya Australia, sought to provide support to those patients with Moyamoya Disease, and to raise awareness for Moyamoya Disease. She has invested substantially into research for Moyamoya Disease so that one day, maybe in her lifetime, she will know why her son had his first stroke at 11 months old, and has been surviving with this progressive and rare disease every since.
When did you start your business?
Moyamoya Australia was established in September 2019.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
The inspiration behind Moyamoya Australia stems from the lack of support and information that we experienced when Jed was in the early days of his diagnosis. We strive to ensure that our Moyamoya warriors feel as though they are a part of a family, that they are not alone.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I am most excited about the investment that we have made into research and support, currently over $100,000. Not bad for a small charity sitting in regional and remote Qld!
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
The most challenging thing with running a Not for Profit is finding funds. The charity dollar is very thin and trying to attract our share of the market is difficult. We are not a large charity with lots of people willing to commit to fundraising, and we are extremely grateful for the help we have received from our community.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so if you have a dream, get up, start living it TODAY!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I entered the AusMumpreneur Awards because it gives me the opportunity to achieve a number of goals. Firstly, it gave me a welcoming, encouraging, and supportive network of wonderful women doing wonderful things. Secondly, it allowed me to talk about Moyamoya Disease, to raise the profile and share awareness.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I most enjoyed the community and the feeling of belonging to something. I really love the model that Peace and Katy work to, and am so grateful for ongoing relationships.
What surprised you most about the awards?
I was most surprised by how quickly I felt a part of the community. It can be a lonely experience to be chasing your dreams, but when you meet women who are doing the same thing, it is really satisfying.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The Awards that I have brought home have opened more and more conversations for me, and I can continue to raise awareness through the media attention that the awards attract.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Jump in! The worst that can happen is that you come away having learnt a lot, made many new friends, and have had a wonderful time with likeminded women! What’s not to love!
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best part of starting Moyamoya Australia is the satisfaction that I have committed to the service of others, philanthropy has been in my life since I was a young woman, and to be doing it for my own charity is extremely rewarding.
What’s happening next in your business?
The next stage of the plan is to attract opportunities for public speaking, to share the Moyamoya story, and to help others to understand the journey of a patient and their family with a rare disease.
What are your big plans for the future?
WORLD EDUCATION BABY!