March 8 is International Women’s Day. To celebrate, “CityNews” spoke with some experts across Canberra who have tips, insights and advice to help women be their best selves.

Canberra is home to hundreds of female-run small businesses, whether it is mechanical services, renovation needs, or health and beauty, Canberran businesswomen have something for everyone. 

Kim wants to help create dream homes

Kim Persson was in the renovation industry for more than seven years before deciding to start her own business, Renovation Matters, two and a half years ago. 

“I’m probably one of the longest-running people doing this type of thing in Canberra, where I’ve been project managing it myself,” says Kim.

Kim says that while they do a lot of renovating for people planning on selling their home, they have started doing more renovations for those who are just seeking to refresh their space. 

“If they ask for help with decluttering or cleaning or anything, they might need some rental assistance. 

“We are happy to help with whatever they need help with, to help them move on and get a good outcome,” she says.

Renovation Matters offers a “fix up, profit and pay later” process that allows clients to pay for the renovations post-settlement, says Kim. 

“It’s a win-win situation, with me being able to renovate, and have the possibility of funding it, then that helps them come out with more,” she says.

“Whatever situation they’re in, whether they’re in a good or a bad situation, every little penny can help anyone. 

“So it’s just helping them and also then providing a service where I’m prepared to help with whatever I can, and whatever needs they have. 

“Nothing’s too big or too small.”

Renovation Matters, call 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au

For Raffy, it’s more than just mechanics

Going to the mechanic can often be an intimidating task for women, says Raffy Sgroi, CEO, Car Mechanical Services, with many feeling like they are being talked down to and ripped-off. 

But Car Mechanical Services have been breaking this mould, and Raffy says they have a good percentage of female clients, which she attributes to their commitment to honesty.

“They feel empowered about their choice, they feel there is an honest approach, there is not that looking down on you,” she says. 

“All our technicians explain the work very well, with an honest approach so they don’t feel that ripped-off effect.”

Raffy’s commitment to breaking these industry stereotypes has seen her and the team receive numerous accolades, including the 2023 Australian Women’s Business Champion Award, 2023 Australian Small Business Champion Award Automotive Champion, 2021-2022 ACT Most Outstanding Canberra Automotive services and 2023 ACT Business of the Year.

On top of Car Mechanical Services’ regular auto repair work, Raffy has been running a work experience program that helps high school students to join the automotive industry, with a focus on girls.

“They were very engaged, and they loved the experience,” says Raffy. 

“A couple of girls came back regularly on their school holidays to have a few days with us.

“They feel empowered, they feel part of a team, they feel accepted.”

“Sometimes we think an industry is just designed to be for a boy, but there is no such thing.”

“We’re trying to be a pioneer in the industry and lift our game.”

Car Mechanical Services, 82 Kalgoorlie Crescent, Fisher. Call 6162 4111 or visit carmechanicalservices.com.au

Industry certified body contouring

Total Body Contouring has been established in Canberra for a few years, but new-owner Christy Christensen only recently took over.

“The community and customer base around the brand appealed to me, as we have so much to offer for the next phase of growth and service offerings,” she says, with 15 years of experience backing her up.

“Total Body Contouring is a place to redefine your silhouette. We help people achieve their goals from reducing cellulite and fatty tissue, assisting with muscle growth, through to lymphatic drainage, and facials that reduce acne scars.”

Christy says Total Body Contouring is about building body confidence without surgery.

“We give a personalised experience and journey, everyone is different,” she says.

“First, we set up a consultation to make sure you get the right specialisation for your needs and wants.

“With industry certification for all our services, your safety comes first.

“We give full transparency to everyone so there are no hidden extras or inflated prices.

“Currently we are offering fat freezing from only $320, and up to 50 per cent off some limited services booked before the end of March.”

Christy says as a team, satisfaction comes from the results achieved through the Total Body Contouring services.

“But, most of all, it’s the smile on our clients’ faces when they see the results for themselves,” she says.

Total Body Contouring, Shop 3/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6239 7347, or visit totalbodycontouring.com.au

Volunteers get ready to help PNG children

On March 2, the Esesson Foundation hosted a fundraising event in Canberra where it raised $110,000 towards providing free healthcare for children in the Pacific Islands.

“It takes a tremendous amount of generosity to give this much money and to give your time, when you have nothing to gain from it,” says founder Ajitha Sugnanam.

“The community in Canberra, specifically the Papua New Guinean Peroveta group, The Australian Fiji Association, and Tongan Association really added value to the event.”

Ajitha says that $70,000 of the total funds was donated by philanthropist John Margerison, after he quintupled other donations.

“He wanted to give back to the Pacific Island community through a charity that puts donations to use directly in the community,” says Ajitha.

“I would like to thank Prerana Mehta and Shelby Higgs for building the relationships that have enabled us to start work in PNG, and Dr Geetha Isaac-Toua for organising the event. 

“Without the efforts of these women, we would not be able to start our work in the Pacific Islands in May,” says Ajitha.

“I would also like to thank Sir Mahesh Patel, chairman of the CPL Foundation; George Constantinou Jr, chairman of Constantinou Group of Companies and the Hon Dadi Toka, chairman of Motu Koita Assembly and deputy governor of Port Moresby, for their tangible support in terms of resources to get our PNG project off the ground.” 

The Esesson Foundation will send 21 specialist volunteers to provide healthcare for more than 3000 PNG children.

Ajitha says that Greg Wisbey, CEO of Wisbey Dental, will procure all the dental equipment. 

“This is the first project of many in the Pacific Islands, and a 100 per cent of the donations will go towards future projects in the Pacific Island countries. 

“All administrative costs are paid for by the Esesson board, to ensure that all donations are genuinely used to help the communities we serve.”

Ajitha says any donations over $2 to the Esesson Foundation is tax deductible. 

“So if you want to join us in doing good, please do!” she says. 

Esesson Foundation, esesson.org for more information.