When I first began my entrepreneurial journey more than 13 years ago, I could never have imagined the path it would take me on. Today, I am the proud owner of five brands across the arts, education, and entertainment industries, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and, most importantly, a devoted mother of three boys.
Like many of you reading this, my business journey has been far from linear. It has been filled with triumphs, setbacks, lessons, and growth. Yet, one of the greatest challenges I have faced has also become my greatest strength: my dyslexia. For years, I viewed it as a barrier. Now, I call it my superpower.
Building Business With Dyslexia
Growing up, dyslexia meant I experienced learning differently. I often struggled with reading, writing, and traditional education methods. These challenges could have easily closed doors for me—but instead, they shaped me into the creative, resilient, and out-of-the-box thinker I am today.
Running multiple businesses while being neurodivergent hasn’t always been easy. There are moments when the overwhelm is real—spreadsheets that feel like foreign languages, or long documents that require triple the time to process. But I’ve learned to reframe these struggles. Dyslexia has given me extraordinary problem-solving skills, empathy, and a creative vision that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I use it as fuel. It forces me to approach challenges differently, and that difference has become my competitive edge in business.
Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Of course, being a mum adds another layer to this story. Raising three boys while building five brands isn’t something that happens without chaos, compromise, and a whole lot of coffee! But my boys are also my biggest motivators.
They have grown up watching me chase big goals, fail and get back up, and celebrate the wins along the way. I want them to know that life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance. I want them to see that their mum didn’t let labels define her, and that they too can turn struggles into strengths.
Motherhood has also made me a better business owner. It taught me to multitask at Olympic level, to lead with compassion, and to build businesses that are flexible, creative, and human-centred.
Why We Need To Reframe Neurodiversity
One of my proudest projects to date is Artea Play & Artea Minds, a new initiative dedicated to transforming how we support and educate neurodiverse children. Too often, kids who think differently are made to feel “less than” in traditional education systems. I know that feeling deeply, and I am determined to change that story for the next generation.
Through art, play, and creativity, we can nurture children’s unique ways of thinking and learning. Instead of trying to “fix” them, we can celebrate their gifts. Imagine the world we could create if every child felt seen, valued, and empowered to use their differences as strengths.
As mums, we hold so much influence—not just over our own children, but in the wider community. By reframing neurodiversity as something powerful, we can change the trajectory for countless kids and families.
Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Your difference is your strength. Whatever it is you feel holds you back—whether that’s dyslexia, anxiety, or something else—there’s a way to turn it into your unique advantage.
You can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Building multiple businesses while raising a family means I’ve had to learn to delegate, ask for help, and let go of perfection. Progress beats perfection every time.
Community is everything. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of mentors, peers, and networks like AusMumpreneur. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher.
Resilience is a muscle. Every setback has made me stronger. Each time something didn’t work out, it prepared me for the next big step.
Your children are watching. The example we set as mothers in business is powerful. Our kids see us working hard, dreaming big, and navigating challenges—they learn courage and creativity just by watching.
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
As women and mums in business, we often carry so much silently. We juggle family, finances, employees, and expectations, often without showing the world what it really takes. But sharing our stories—especially the messy, imperfect parts—has the power to inspire others.
If you’re reading this and you’re feeling like you’re not “enough,” I want you to know that you already are. Your journey may not look like anyone else’s, but that’s the point. There’s strength in difference, and there’s magic in persistence.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to grow my businesses and launch Artea Play & Artea Minds, my mission is clear: to inspire, to create, and to make the world a more inclusive place for neurodiverse children. And as a mum, my mission is just as clear: to raise kind, curious, resilient boys who know that they too can turn their struggles into superpowers.
To every mum out there navigating the messy middle of business and family life—I see you. Your dreams are valid. Your challenges are shaping you into someone extraordinary. And your story has the power to inspire more people than you’ll ever know.
Please don’t hesitate to know my other businesses!
Melbourne Event Florals
https://www.
Roxy’s Event Space, South Melbourne
Party Corp