Social Entrepreneur, change maker and founder. Tahlia is a mother of 2 young boys, and the founder and CEO of Project:herSELF. The organisations is focused on building up women who have had their lives impacted through incarceration and changing the narrative about women who go to prison.
Tahlia has intersectional lived experiences resulting in contact with the criminal legal system. She has a post graduate degree in criminology and criminal justice and an under graduate degree in business. She is a champion for social inclusion and holds the view that women are the thread that holds our community together; we should remember that without women, families and communities fall apart.
When did you start your business?
The business started in 2024
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
After experiencing incarceration, I realised that there were few organisations that were founded by women who had lived prison experience, supporting women in prison.
What are you most excited about in your business?
Growing, learning, networking and of course seeing the change that happens in women’s lives when we support them.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Funding, being seen as a legitimate leader – rather than my lived experience
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Go for it. the world needs you!
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I was nominated by a beautiful friend – Laura G, I didn’t even know until I got the notification in my emails!!
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Im so sorry I couldn’t attend! work, kids and living in a remote part of the country makes it difficult to be everywhere all the time!
What surprised you most about the awards?
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How did the awards help you in your business?
It’s the first award I have won since high school, and im so grateful for being recognised as a leader in the NFP space.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Why not! being recognised and lifted up by other women is so refreshing!
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Flexibility, the ability to be creative, challenging myself, and seeing it come to life!
What’s happening next in your business?
We have an exciting new storytelling project launching next year IWD – keep your eyes peeled on our socials of the launch events.
What are your big plans for the future?
Reverse the trend of women being the fastest growing prison population in Australia.