Small Business BIG Stories

Queensland Small Business Commissioner
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Small Business BIG Stories

Small Business Big Stories is the go-to podcast for small business owners in Queensland seeking to thrive in today’s competitive market. Each episode we dive into one owners’ story and discover what was at the heart of their small business success. We hear the strategies that lead to sustainable growth and operational efficiency, and the mantras that have guided them along the way. This podcast is dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform your business and create a positive impact in your life. Small Business Big Stories is brought to you by QSBC and Dominque Lamb, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Magic of Retail: Atherton's Crystal Caves

    Ghis Gallo, manager of The Crystal Caves in Atherton, shares the remarkable story of how a passion for crystals evolved into a unique retail and tourism experience. This episode explores the journey of The Crystal Caves from its humble beginnings as a small shop in 1983 to becoming a must-visit destination in North Queensland. Ghis discusses the challenges of running a family business, the importance of customer experience, and the evolution of their marketing approach. From building man-made caves to showcase crystal collections to adapting to changing customer needs, Ghis offers valuable insights on creating memorable experiences, staff management, and leveraging support in the tourism industry. Her experiences highlight the critical role of embracing uniqueness, continual innovation, and maintaining a genuine connection with customers in retail success. Covered in this episode: The origin story: How Rene’s passion for crystals led to the founding of Crystal Caves in 1983. The evolution from a small shop to a large-scale retail and experiential destination. The creation of the unique "cave" experience and its impact on the business and local tourism. Challenges of marketing a niche experience in a location off the beaten tourist path. Strategies for continually updating and improving the customer experience. The joy of seeing generational visits and creating lasting memories for customers. The benefits and freedoms of running a family-owned business. Tips for small businesses on creating magical experiences and memorable customer interactions. Approaches to staff management and fostering individual strengths within the team. The value of engaging with industry support and resources, particularly in the tourism sector. We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    20 min

  2. JAN 12

    Pawsitive Impact: Kaz Kelly's Doggy Day Care Revolution

    Karagh-Mae ‘Kaz’ Kelly, founder of Doggy Day Care Brisbane, shares her journey from RSPCA inspector and border force handler to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Kaz built a holistic doggy daycare business that goes beyond basic pet sitting. Kaz candidly discusses the challenges of starting and scaling a business, the importance of community engagement, and navigating the complexities of being a value-driven female business owner. From building professional networks to managing empathic staff, Kaz offers valuable insights on leadership, community involvement, and political engagement in the small business landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of purpose-driven leadership, community connection, and the importance of defining personal success in business. Covered in this episode:  The origin story: Kaz's background in animal welfare and the founding of Doggy Day Care Brisbane.  The holistic approach to doggy daycare.  The importance of community engagement and how it shapes business strategy.  Diversifying services in response to community needs and staff expertise.  The challenges and benefits of having a strong voice as a small business owner in the community.  The role of personal values and morals in shaping business decisions and brand identity.  Challenges of managing staff, particularly in an industry attracting empathic individuals.  The importance of self-care and maintaining strong friendships as a business owner.  Experiences with scaling the business and the subsequent decision to downsize.  Reflections on the relationship between growth and success in small business.  The intersection of politics and business, and the importance of taking stands on social issues.  Tips for new business owners on getting involved in their local community.  The importance of finding the right size for your business that aligns with your life goals. Insights on creating a value-led business and the impact on customer relationships. About Our Guest Karagh-Mae ‘Kaz’ Kelly Kaz Kelly is the founder of Doggy Daycare Brisbane, located in West End. With a professional background as an RSPCA inspector and border force handler, Kaz brought her expertise and passion for animals to small business ownership. Her commitment to community, social justice, and purpose-led entrepreneurship sets her apart. When not running Doggy Daycare, she’s actively involved in local advocacy, writing for the West Ender, and campaigning for better community resources. Key Takeaways Engage with Your Community: Your neighbours and local groups are your greatest advocates. Stay True to Your Values: A clear moral compass can attract like-minded customers and build lasting loyalty. Reflect on Growth: Scaling isn’t always the answer; define what success looks like for your life and business. Lead with Empathy: Managing a team requires understanding individual strengths and communication styles. Purpose-Driven Business: Politics and business can intersect to create meaningful change and connection. Links and Resources Doggy Daycare Brisbane: Website | Instagram West Ender: Articles by Kaz Kelly Animal Justice Party: Learn More We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    22 min

  3. 12/06/2024

    Gen Z Trailblazer: Scott Millar's Entrepreneurial Journey with BOP Industries

    In this inspiring episode of QSBC, host Dom chats with Scott Millar, founder of BOP Industries, a young entrepreneur transforming the way Gen Z approaches business, education, and innovation. Scott shares his journey from launching a simple keychain business as a teenager to running an international educational enterprise. He discusses the need for creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability in the future workforce and reveals his unique approach to mentorship, team leadership, and intergenerational collaboration. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, educators, and business owners, highlighting Scott’s commitment to responsible innovation and his powerful mantra: “Great things never come from comfort zones.”

    21 min

  4. 10/15/2024

    Women in Digital: Holly Hunt on Building Inclusive Networks

    Holly Hunt, founder of Hunt & Co and Women in Digital, shares her journey from HR graduate to successful entrepreneur. This episode explores how Holly built a boutique digital recruitment agency and a national membership organization for women in tech. Holly candidly discusses the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship, and navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated industries. From building professional networks to retaining talent in small businesses, Holly offers valuable insights on leadership, diversity, and adaptation in the evolving digital landscape. Her experiences highlight the critical role of community, purpose-driven leadership, and embracing diversity in business success. Covered in this episode: The origin story: Holly's background in HR and international business, and the founding of Hunt Co and Women in Digital. Challenges faced by women in the tech industry and the decision to create a support network. The transition from a side hustle to a full-time business and the importance of family support. Strategies for small businesses to attract and retain talent in a competitive market. The significance of company values and purpose in employee retention and business growth. Building and maintaining professional networks, both joining existing ones and creating new communities. The role of collaboration in business success and Holly's approach to partnerships. Addressing the "boys club" mentality and the importance of diversity in male-dominated industries. The value of diversity in product development, innovation, and market expansion. Balancing multiple business ventures and intentionally allocating time and resources. Insights on creating inclusive workplaces and the benefits of diverse teams. Tips for small business owners on finding their tribe and starting their own networks. Reflections on the challenges and opportunities for women business owners in tech-related fields. Links from the episode Women in Digital: Women in Digital Events & Memberships Meetup: Meetup Networking Platform Hunt Co Recruitment: Hunt & Co Bespoken PR Agency: Bespoken PR Services We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    21 min

  5. 09/24/2024

    Diversifying Tradition: The 150-Year Evolution of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm

    Kay Tommerup, from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in Queensland's Scenic Rim, shares the remarkable journey of her family's 150-year-old farm. This episode explores how their traditional dairy operation transformed into a thriving agritourism destination. Kay candidly discusses the challenges of diversification, the importance of authenticity in business, and how embracing change saved their farm from financial ruin. From weathering natural disasters to navigating family dynamics, Kay offers valuable insights on adapting to market changes, succession planning, and staying true to your values in business.    Covered in this episode: The origin story: The 150-year history of Tommerup’s Dairy farm and its transition from traditional dairy farming to agritourism. Challenges faced in the dairy industry at large and the decision to diversify. The impact of inviting visitors onto a family farm and the importance of maintaining authenticity. Dealing with natural disaster and how tourism helped sustain the farm. The value of community support and networking among farmers in times of crisis. Unexpected opportunities arising from diversification. Navigating family dynamics and overcoming resistance to change from older generations. The process of succession planning and bringing the next generation into the business. The importance of education and training when transitioning into agritourism. Insights on branding, understanding your values, and staying true to your business identity. Tips for small business owners considering diversification or major changes in their operations.   We'd love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au   Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    21 min

  6. 09/03/2024

    Exit – Knowing When It’s Time to Stop

    Arif Memis, founder of Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar, is an entrepreneur who transformed a dessert concept into a popular Queensland restaurant chain before facing liquidation. In this candid episode, Arif shares his journey from ambitious start-up to business collapse. His story is a powerful lesson in risk management, the importance of seeking proper advice, and redefining success beyond business achievements. From navigating the emotional toll of business failure to rebuilding his life post-bankruptcy, Arif offers invaluable insights for small business owners on balancing innovation with stability, recognising when to step back, and the critical importance of work-life balance and the courage required to know when to exit a failing venture.   Covered in this episode:   The origin story: A frozen yoghurt franchise store becomes Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar and finds a gap in the market. Diversification risks: How starting with debt can lead to a cycle of chasing growth to pay it off.  The rise and fall of the business: Location choices, COVID, supply chain issues and an unsuccessful production facility leading to administration and bankruptcy.  Seeking proper advice: Who to contact if you’re business is in trouble, and the importance of consulting with the right experts. Risk management: The importance of balancing innovation with stability, cautioning against unchecked risk-taking. Work-life balance: The personal cost of neglecting family for business. Arif’s key advice for risk taking founders in business. Grieving a business and mental health awareness. Finding a new job after business closure. Resilience and reinvention: Arif’s mantra for life and business, and what the future holds.    We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au   Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    23 min

  7. 08/01/2024

    Circonomy: Divorcing your Business Partner

    Yasmin Grigaliunas, founder of Circonomy, is an entrepreneur who turned a charity garage sale into a thriving circular economy business. In this candid episode, Yasmin shares her journey from corporate success to start-up struggles, including the challenges of running a business while navigating a divorce. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, innovative problem-solving, and redefining success on her own terms. From designing her own divorce management strategy to successfully raising capital as a female founder, Yasmin offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs facing personal and professional challenges.  Covered in this episode: The origin story: Leaving behind a successful corporate career to start the charity World’s Biggest Garage Sale.  How World’s Biggest Garage Sale grew into Circonomy, a business rescuing and reselling idle/damaged goods from major retailers. Hard lessons learnt from being an early innovator. How to be the most coachable founder.   Becoming a solo founder, marriage counselling, and divorcing your business partner.  Designing a strong divorce strategy. Top tips for someone going through a divorce and trying to retain their business.  Top tips for raising capital as a female founder.  Yasmin’s mantra for business. We’d love to hear from you! Send or comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au   Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    28 min

  8. 05/23/2024

    The Happy Lawyer Story

    Clarissa Rayward has two small businesses; Brisbane Family Law Centre and a membership model education platform called Happy Lawyer Happy Life. She is a legal business innovator, who has mastered the art of challenging conventional wisdom, building purposeful businesses and sensible scaling. In this episode we hear her business origin story, and her actionable advice for other small business owners, from rethinking timesheets, to productising like the Wiggles; you don’t need to be a lawyer to get golden business and life advice from Clarissa. Covered in this episode: Business #1 Origin Story: Starting the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Being different in a traditional profession. Digital marketing for lawyers. Burnout, and the path forward. Answering the big question: What does it take to be happy in law?  Starting Business #2:  Happy Lawyer Happy Life. Mental Health and getting off the small business hamster wheel.  How to be purposeful in business. The art of saying ’No’. How to scale sensibly.  Clarissa’s top tip for sole practitioners. Productising your business and uncapping income. Managing a bad risk profile when starting a business.  Clarissa’s Mantra for business.   We’d love to hear from you! Send or comments and business questions to mailbag@qsbc.qld.gov.au   Small Business Big Stories is produced by Queensland Small Business Commissioner and The Podcast Boss.

    24 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Small Business Big Stories is the go-to podcast for small business owners in Queensland seeking to thrive in today’s competitive market. Each episode we dive into one owners’ story and discover what was at the heart of their small business success. We hear the strategies that lead to sustainable growth and operational efficiency, and the mantras that have guided them along the way. This podcast is dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform your business and create a positive impact in your life. Small Business Big Stories is brought to you by QSBC and Dominque Lamb, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

Information

  • Creator
    Queensland Small Business Commissioner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Small Business BIG Stories

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