My Business Stars

Julie Woods
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Welcome to My Business Stars, A podcast series featuring conversations with disabled business owners telling their business stories; hosted by the Disability Business Network. IF you are disabled, own your own business and would love to mix with other people who look like you, then join us today at the Disability Business Network. You can find us at disabilitybusinessnetwork.org or contact that blind woman Julie Woods on 021 913 513 or at Julie@thatblindwoman.co.nz

  1. Apr 28

    Series 3 - Ep 30 - Stephen McIvor - Moonshiners Distillery

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Stephen McIvor, founder of Moonshiners Distillery, about turning a lifelong passion for traditional moonshine into a business after sudden vision loss. Stephen shares how he went from running a firewood and demolition operation to losing his sight overnight, and how connecting with other disabled entrepreneurs helped him rebuild his confidence. He explains the science and history behind moonshine, why he uses copper pot stills and natural grains, and how he creates flavours like whiskey, gin, mango shine and watermelon shine. Stephen also discusses discrimination in employment, the empowerment of self employment, and his dream of growing Moonshiners Distillery into a thriving craft brand in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  2. Apr 21

    Series 3 - Ep 29 - Jo Bridgwater - After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Jo Bridgwater, founder of After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio, about building a creative business in Masterton while living with autism and chronic pain. Jo shares how she turned a setback in teacher relief training into an opportunity to create her own art education programme, offering courses in photography, painting, mosaics, beads and buttons, and fibre arts. She discusses managing energy around medical treatments, expanding into pet portraits and studio photography, and adapting her business to what local families want. Jo also reflects on creativity, resilience and the importance of community spaces like King Street Artworks in supporting disabled artists and entrepreneurs. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  3. Apr 14

    Series 3 - Ep 28 - Brodie Williams - Clean My Car

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Brodie Williams, owner of Clean My Car, about building a thriving vehicle grooming business in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Brodie shares how he shifted from developing disability ID cards to purchasing a car cleaning business, and how ADHD gives him the energy and pace to manage long hours and a busy workload. He discusses navigating discrimination, adapting to changing government contracts, using Google Ads and keywords to grow the business, and the importance of hiring based on attitude and life experience rather than qualifications. Brodie also reflects on resilience, identity and the realities of being a disabled and LGBTQ+ entrepreneur in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  4. Apr 7

    Series 3 - Ep 27 - Toni Sharp - Sharrp Kitchens

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Toni Sharp, co owner of Sharrp Kitchens, about building a successful kitchen manufacturing business after losing her sight at age 13. Toni shares how she transitioned from adaptive training at Homai to work experience, and eventually into self employment when traditional employment barriers persisted. She discusses running a busy cabinetry business using accessible systems, the evolution of assistive technology, and the importance of customer relationships. Toni also reflects on her long involvement with Toastmasters, her volunteer work with Blind Low Vision NZ, and receiving the Queen’s Service Medal for services to visually impaired people. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  5. Mar 30

    Series 3 - Ep 26 - Sarah Radley - Stitched by Sarah

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Sarah Radley, founder of Stitched by Sarah, about building a sewing business while living with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and newly recognised ADHD. Sarah shares how she went from being bedridden to creating handmade scrunchies, bags and sleeves that combine creativity with careful design. She discusses the role of adaptive strategies, online tools and “chipmunk brain” ADHD management in running her business, as well as the confidence she gained through the My Business Starter programme. Sarah also reflects on purpose, resilience and finding meaningful work as a disabled entrepreneur in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  6. Mar 23

    Series 3 - Ep 25 - Selwyn Cook - Disability Business Network

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Selwyn Cook, disability employment champion and co founder of the Disability Business Network, about his journey from service station owner to national advocate for inclusive employment. Selwyn shares how one jobseeker changed his entire approach to hiring, leading him to employ more than 80 disabled staff and reduce turnover across his business. He reflects on the business case for disability inclusion, the importance of leadership driven change, and the strengths disabled people bring to both employment and self employment. Selwyn also discusses his work with Workbridge, the My Business Starter programme and the wider disability community in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  7. Mar 16

    Series 3 - Ep 24 - Joanne Wooding - K9 Kookies

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Joanne Wooding, founder of K9 Kookies, about her journey into business after vision loss caused by intraocular lymphoma. Joanne shares how she adapted her baking skills to create natural dog treats using simple, healthy ingredients, and how her dogs help her test every new flavour. She discusses resilience, adaptive techniques, and the role of assistive technology in running her business, as well as the support she’s received from the Disability Business Network. Joanne also reflects on her dream of offering healthy alternatives to supermarket dog treats and encouraging other disabled entrepreneurs to “grab life by the horns.” This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

  8. Mar 9

    Series 3 - Ep 23 - Frances Duncan

    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Frances Duncan about her work with neurodiverse entrepreneurs and creative clients. Frances discusses how ADHD and autism shape her coaching style, creativity and approach to business, and how her involvement with the Jane Austen Society of New Zealand and the Amateur Austenite podcast connects to her wider mission of supporting disabled business owners. She reflects on identity, strengths and the realities of navigating self employment as a neurodiverse entrepreneur. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

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About

Welcome to My Business Stars, A podcast series featuring conversations with disabled business owners telling their business stories; hosted by the Disability Business Network. IF you are disabled, own your own business and would love to mix with other people who look like you, then join us today at the Disability Business Network. You can find us at disabilitybusinessnetwork.org or contact that blind woman Julie Woods on 021 913 513 or at Julie@thatblindwoman.co.nz

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Woods
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C)Otago Access Radio
  • Show Website
    My Business Stars