In its annual feature, CityNews showcases some of the city’s leading and successful women in business.

Canberra is home to hundreds of female-run small businesses, whether it is renovation needs, assistance with daily law, entertainment or health, Canberran businesswomen have the knowledge and expertise to help everyone. 

CityNews spoke with some experts across Canberra who have tips, insights and advice to help women be their best selves.

Sage advice for innovative career coaching

The call for diverse and inclusive workplaces has never been louder in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. 

At Sage Advice, we believe that a new way to do business is not just an aspiration; it’s a necessity for fostering environments where everyone can thrive and grow in their careers. 

Our innovative ToDEI (Transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) coaching model empowers organisations to embrace this transformative journey.

The ToDEI coaching model takes a multi-faceted approach to reshaping organisational cultures. It assists small businesses in rethinking their operational systems to create a more productive workplace-centered around the wellbeing and satisfaction of their employees. 

This approach leads to tangible results, enabling business owners to achieve their goals while significantly reducing staff turnover and boosting productivity.

Our offerings extend beyond just consultation. Sage Advice provides strategic workshops to strengthen and equip leadership teams with the tools necessary to cultivate inclusive workplaces. 

We recognise that fostering an inclusive environment requires comprehensive training and support, and our workshops focus on empowering leaders to champion this cultural shift.

Moreover, our program is designed for employees at all levels, providing them with the confidence and resources needed to advance in their careers. We believe every individual should feel valued and empowered, and our programs are tailored to foster this sense of belonging.

My philosophy is straightforward: for workplaces to engage meaningfully in implementing diverse and inclusive policies, there must be a profound cultural change that begins at the ground level. 

Understanding the difference between simply being diverse and being genuinely inclusive is crucial. While diversity can be achieved through hiring practices, inclusion goes much deeper. It requires a commitment to creating a culture where all employees feel heard, respected and valued for their unique contributions.

I believe that customised recruitment practices are crucial for tapping into the remarkable pool of talent represented by the 4.4 million individuals living with disabilities in Australia, especially considering that 90 per cent of these disabilities are invisible. 

I work closely with each business to design tailored recruitment strategies that attract a diverse range of candidates but also foster an inclusive environment where all applicants feel valued. 

By understanding your organisation’s unique needs and strengths, I help employers implement adaptive recruitment processes that focus on skills and potential rather than traditional metrics.

Moreover, I also believe it is crucial to invest in future leaders. Investing time and mentorship in school students is rewarding and essential for building a diverse talent pipeline. 

We can cultivate the next generation of leaders who thrive in an inclusive workplace through these initiatives.

What sets my ToDEI model apart from many others is that it has been designed and perfected in a real-world workplace setting, viewed through both a business strategist and a business owner. 

This dual perspective ensures that my strategies are practical, effective, and rooted in real experiences, uniquely suited to create meaningful change in any organisation. 

By leveraging these insights, my goal is to break down barriers and unlock the full potential of every candidate, transforming workplaces into vibrant, diverse communities.

At Sage Advice, we are passionate about guiding organisations through this transformation. With our ToDEI coaching model, we aim to reshape workplaces into inclusive environments that drive business success and foster a culture of respect and collaboration.

Whether you’re a business owner striving to become an employer of choice, an employee eager to unlock your full potential, or new to the workforce and ready to make your mark – get in touch with Sage Advice today! Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to shine. 

We can create workplaces where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral components of a thriving organisational culture.

For more information about Sage Advice Canberra, Zest Canberra, and Her Zest Canberra, visit their official websites and social media pages on Facebook: Sage Advice Canberra, Her Zest Canberra, and Zest Canberra.

Christy helps restore feel-good ‘body confidence’

“Even after kids, it’s still important that you’re looking after yourself,” says Total Body Contouring owner, Christy Chistensen.

Christy has been successfully running her business, Total Body Contouring for a year after collating 35 years of professional experience. 

Christy is a proud mother to four children, two of which are under the age of eight, and says there’s no such thing as a day off of work. 

“My husband is very supportive of me running my small business,” she says.

“We make it work because it’s something I’m passionate about. He’s been a great help.

“Women power! I’m doing this not only for myself, but for other women to help them feel good about themselves.”

Christy’s clinic uses cutting-edge technology to perform non-invasive surgery that, she says, allows women to leave her clinic feeling good about themselves and seeing results quickly.

“We are an advanced clinic, we don’t do small facials,” she says.

“Instead of going under the knife, all of our services are non-invasive, using advanced technological breakthroughs to help women feel good about themselves.”

According to Christy, it can be tough to feel good body-wise after kids, which is where she can help. 

“I’m giving them back their body confidence,” she says. 

“It’s a pretty special opportunity.” 

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

Lucy and Anna lead a holistic approach to family law

Lawyers Lucy Stramandinoli and Anna Neilan are the all-female directors of boutique firm Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.

“We each bring with us over 20 years’ experience working in family law,” they say.

“We know from being mothers and directors of a busy law firm that it is hard juggling a work/life balance, raising family while also working in the stressful and complicated area of family law.”

Lucy says she studied law while raising her young children – “That was so much hard work.”

“Having two daughters myself, it is important for me to set an example for them,”she says.

Anna’s children were little when she and Lucy set up the firm.

“We have known each other for over 20 years having worked in opposing firms and together,” says Anna.

“We support each other and share the same values and work ethic.”

Lucy says it was hard work setting up the firm from scratch in 2017.

“But choosing the right business partner who shares the same goals and morals as you do makes the load a lot easier,” she says.

“It has also meant that we could create a work environment and choose staff who share our goals and morals, which makes for a very happy, productive and meaningful place to work.”

Anna and Lucy say that it is important to support women lawyers coming up in the profession.

“We had strong role models and mentors and it is important to support our staff as they develop from being young lawyers to more senior lawyers,” says Anna, “it’s about finding your tribe”.

Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, Unit 1, ground floor, 5 Farrell Place, Civic. Call 6152 0493, or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au

Elaine aims to make jewellery dreams come true

Co-owner at Diamonds Manuka, Elaine Hunt says she couldn’t be working in a better job. 

With her gemologist husband Robert, the pair have been in the jewellery business for more than 30 years. 

“Our expert team at Diamonds Manuka can help you choose the perfect engagement or wedding piece to celebrate your unique love story,” says Elaine. 

“We can help you select an exquisite solitaire, trilogy or anything else your heart desires.” 

They can also assist with the creation of unique designs, Elaine says, and stock a wide range of handmade diamond jewellery from which a special piece can be chosen, as well as a wide range of coloured gemstones, including sapphires.

“We specialise in engagement and wedding rings, and are here to help you make your dreams come true,” Elaine says. 

Elaine says she and Robert love working in the jewellery business. “When you’ve got a lovely product, that’s just a pleasurable experience,” she says.

Diamonds Manuka, Manuka Arcade, Shop 4/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6295 6448 or visit diamondsmanuka.com.au

Carole has a passion for dinosaurs

“The National Dinosaur Museum is escapism,” says general manager Carole Arulantu. 

“There are children who can relate to Land Before Time or relate to other dinosaur movies. And you know, of course, the Jurassic Parks.

“It’s always an ongoing topic. It never dies.”

Carole says there are new discoveries made about dinosaurs every day, so they are always modernising and updating their exhibits. 

“I’ve got members, children who come in day in and day out, but they discover something new every day,” she says.

The museum houses one of the biggest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia and offers a close-up look at one-of-a-kind skeletons and fossils.

Carole says the National Dinosaur Museum features a landscaped dinosaur garden, with lifelike fibreglass models, while the upper gallery is home to skulls, interactive replica models, animatronics and fossils that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

But, they do more than just dinosaurs, says Carole, with exhibitions examining the Triassic period through to the Ice Age, complete with 700-million-year-old marine fauna fossils.

People are welcome to bring food and sit on the museum deck while they eat, or Carole encourages them to explore the food options nearby.

The National Dinosaur Museum, 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls. Call 6109 8160 or visit nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

 

Gail & Bethany build confident clients making strong decisions

Gail Freeman, principal and lead chartered accountant of Gail Freeman & Co, says she has spent decades helping individuals and businesses in Canberra navigate their finances. 

“We’ve always been passionate about helping people understand their finances and how to build wealth for the future,” she says. 

“I find that when clients feel informed and empowered, they’re more confident in making strong decisions for their future financial security.”

Chartered accountant Bethany Freeman-Chandler says Gail Freeman & Co utilises technologically advanced processes to move with the times. 

“It is essential that businesses have the right software to streamline their accounting processes,” she says. 

“I always ensure our clients have the tools and systems in place to make managing their finances as effective as possible.”

According to Gail, planning for the future is essential. 

“It’s not just about solving the problems of today but building a strong financial foundation for each individual’s future,” she says.

Gail’s extensive knowledge of Australian tax law allows her to provide strategies to clients that are not only compliant, but are financially beneficial for individual needs.

Gail Freeman & Co, 9/71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston. Call 6295 2844 or visit gailfreeman.com.au

Kim fuses passion and design together

Renovation Matters is more than just a business; it’s a community-focused company, says owner Kim Perssons. 

“[We are] proud to be a woman-owned and operated business,” she says. 

“We support not only women within our team, but also in our client base.

“Through our client services, we aim to empower women who are looking to renovate or invest in property, offering them tailored advice and support to make informed decisions.” 

Kim says it is their personal approach to design that makes working with Renovation Matters so special. 

“I’m driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, whether by improving the liveability of a space or achieving optimal market returns,” she says. 

“Our attention to detail, from the initial design phase to the finishing touches, ensures that every project reflects the client’s vision while also being functional and durable.”

Kim says seeing the transformation process make a positive impact on people’s lives is her favourite part of the job. 

“It’s incredibly fulfilling,” she says. 

“From helping them conceptualise their ideas to watching the outcome come to life.

“My passion stems from the desire to create beautiful, functional spaces that not only enhance the quality of life for clients choosing to renovate their homes but also help those looking to maximise their property’s value when selling.”

Renovation Matters. Call 0427 696 662, or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Julie’s leading the way in indigenous health care

Julie Tongs has been the CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah, an Aboriginal community controlled health service, for more than 25 years. 

She says her vision has always been for Winnunga to be a leader in the provision of primary health care.

“Winnunga is a leader in providing comprehensive primary health care and is pivotal to the overall health system in the ACT and surrounding NSW region,” she says, with the Narrabundah-based health centre providing more than 60,000 occasions of service a year. 

Alongside clinical services, an Australian Family Partnership Program and social health campaigns, Julie says they offer immunisations, testing clinics, telephone consults, walk-in services to GPs, as well as psychologists, psychiatrists, podiatrist, optometry, physiotherapy, dieticians, drug and alcohol help and mental health nurses.

Clients come from all walks of life, Ms Tongs says.

“They come to us because they feel safe here and not judged.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Julia makes a ‘creative difference’ to people’s lives

Julia Landford says, as a “nature lover, artist and environmentalist”, she’s honoured to have her business NatureArt Lab win the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Award for Building Communities.

“NatureArt Lab is a unique, purpose-led arts and environmental education business that, over the past seven years, has made a significant difference to many people’s lives,” she says.

“We are contributing to environmental sustainability, building communities and championing health through our connections with nature and creativity.

“We now have a talented team of around 30 artists teaching a range of high-quality art and photography courses, all inspired by nature.

“We have created communities that are local, national and international to nurture creative connections with nature.

“Next year we are looking forward to sharing some of our amazing nature experiences in Australia and around the world. We are leading tours to Heron Island to see an extraordinary array of marine and bird life with guest artists teaching bird and marine illustration, as well as to wildlife hotspots in Borneo to see orangutan, birds and towering rainforests, among many other nature experiences.

“I’m also passionate about environmental sustainability and ensuring that all businesses in the Canberra region are thinking about how their business can minimise its impact on the environment and biodiversity loss.”

NatureArt Lab, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith. Call 0414 342839, or visit natureartlab.com.au

 

Kirsten steps up with a winning show

“Local theatre is an excellent way to meet people, it’s a place where you can find a community who are always on your side, will cheer-lead for you when you need it, and can be a shoulder for you in [a] hard time,” says  choreographer Kirsten Haussmann. 

She says this is a great thing for women, as it can be an isolating business to be in.

“Theatre is a way to leave everything at the door and just be,” she says. 

“From a mental health perspective I feel there is nothing better.”

Kirsten is choreographing the Queanbeyan Players upcoming production of the classic musical farce Nice Work If You Can Get It, featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

Kirsten says Queanbeyan Players, which has been led by women for the last few years, has paved the way for a “wonderfully inclusive and supportive company” by always being a strong supporter of women.

Set in the 1920s, the musical sees a gang of bootleggers meet a wealthy playboy and con him into hiding 400 cases of alcohol in his basement. 

“It’s fast paced, funny, and you’ll leave with a song in your heart and a smile on your face,” she says. “Come alone and laugh your socks off, we’d love to have you there.”

Queanbeyan Players, Nice Work if You Can Get It, The Q, November 1-10. Visit queanbeyanplayers.com/nice-work-if-you-can-get-it

Rebecca loves changing negatives into positives

“I love what I do, and I love the team and our clients as well,” says Arthritis Australia CEO Rebecca Davey. 

Recently celebrating 10 years working with patients at Arthritis Australia, Rebecca says her background in nursing and midwifery played a pivotal role in her journey. 

Living with chronic pain herself, Rebecca says it is important that people understand that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“It’s our job to show them that their life isn’t over just because they have chronic pain,” she says. 

“At least half of my team live with chronic pain. I think it’s important that our patients are treated by people who know what they are going through and can provide the right level of care.

“It’s important that they know that just because things change in life, doesn’t mean they’re not important.”

According to Rebecca, work doesn’t feel like work when she’s doing something that she is passionate about.

“People come in lost, and I help them unpack everything and give them a path forward,” she says.

Rebecca says Arthritis Australia gives their patients a “toolbox to move forward”. 

For her, the greatest joy comes from hearing back from their patients and hearing that they can “do this now”. 

“It’s the little things that matter,” says Rebecca. 

“Our goal is to turn negative things into positives.”

Arthritis ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Jo helps women with legal aid

“Having been with KJB Law for more than 27 years, I love that [we] continue to be a law firm that helps people through their life journeys,” says principal Jo Twible. 

“People need different types of legal help at different times in their lives,” Jo says. 

“It might be that first home purchase, or it could be making sure you’ve done your estate planning properly to ensure your family is looked after.

“We’re there for our clients each step of the way, and are there for their families too.”

The team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women’s voices are heard and women get their fair share of matter experience, client exposure and their contributions are heard, Jo says. 

“KJB Law plays a vital role in supporting women in business through dedicated client services and initiatives aimed at fostering gender equality,” she says. 

“By providing legal protections against discrimination, offering business advisory services, and promoting women-led enterprises, our team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women’s voices are heard.

“Representation of women in the legal field is crucial; it not only inspires confidence among female clients but also ensures diverse perspectives in legal decision-making.”

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Wanda & Aimee like to put a name to a face

“Starting accounting while raising children was hard. Once the kids grew older, I found the courage to start my own business,” says WW Accounting business owner, Wanda Wojciechowska.

Daughter Aimee followed in her mum’s footsteps, and now helps Wanda manage their small accounting team.

“I’ve worked with mum for nine years,” says Aimee.

Wanda now has more than 20 years experience in the accounting sector.

According to Wanda, her journey of owning and successfully running an accounting firm was fuelled by hard work, determination and support from family and friends.

“I was fuelled by seeing – in my previous jobs – the lack of personal service that the clients deserved. I needed to work in an environment where I could put my heart into it,” Wanda says. 

“Back then, accounting was a male-dominant industry, but here I was, a woman determined not to let anything talk me out of my ultimate goal of owning/running my own business.”

According to Wanda, it was the best decision she ever made and encourages all women of any age and experience to pursue their own goals. 

Wanda says the goal to a good workplace is by upholding old-fashioned service through meeting clients, putting a face to a name and maintaining great relationships.

“The secret of our success is being passionate, reliable and listening to our clients and actually hearing them. It’s the personal touch that stands WW Accounting apart.”

WW Accounting, 17 Esperance Street, Red Hill. Call 0400 083 938 or visit wwaccounting.com.au

Anne-Maree has a special place for young women

At The Women’s College, located within the University of Sydney, young women are supported every step of the way throughout their university days, both academically and socially as well as into their careers, says The Women’s College registrar, Anne-Maree McCarthy. 

“Join a fully supported network of women in your transition to university and enjoy fully catered accommodation, social and extracurricular activities with opportunities for academic assistance, tutorial assistance, mentoring and leadership opportunities,” she says. 

About 280 residents and 50 affiliate (non-resident) students enjoy a dynamic and vibrant experience of university life, says Ann-Maree, while academic assistants and tutors provide advice on time management, exam study and assistance with course content. 

“It’s a welcoming place, a home away from home,” she says.

Anne-Maree says applications for 2025 are now open and advises interested parties of the need to register with the college before they are able to apply for a study position. 

Although applications do not guarantee a spot, Anne-Maree urges all interested parties to give it a go. 

She says the college accepts students studying at USYD (Sydney campus), Australian Catholic University (ACU), University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Macquarie University. 

“There is no need to wait for your university offer to start your application. Apply now,” she says.

The Women’s College, 15 Carillon Avenue, Newtown. Call 02 9517 5018 or visit the womenscollege.edu.au

Tania loves sending messages with flowers

“I’d always enjoyed doing things with flowers,” says Blossoms of Canberra owner Tania Garrett. 

She says she decided to follow her passion in 2010 after her kids were all grown up. She studied floristry at CIT, later opening up her own flower shop.

Six years in business later, she says she loves it. 

Predominantly female run, Tania says Blossoms of Canberra takes the greatest care with its flowers, which has resulted in a longer freshness time for their buds. 

According to Tania, this care and attention to detail is what makes her business so special. 

“We take time to ensure our customers walk away with the thing they were really looking for,” she says. 

The shop delivers fresh blooms throughout Canberra in hospitals, shops and cafes. 

With two florists working alongside her, Tania says it’s a joy to make people happy through flowers. 

“You can convey messages through flowers. Sometimes saying things that words can’t say,” she says.

“It’s something truly special.” 

Tania can be found with her blooms at the Erindale shops.

Blossoms of Canberra, 68 Comrie Street, Erindale Shopping Centre, shop 24, Wanniassa. Call 6231 0822 or visit blossomsofcanberra.com.au

Beth thrives on supporting women in business

Tribe Group looks after the day-to-day finances of businesses of varied sizes, says bookkeeping and BAS manager at Tribe Group, Beth Hinds.

With a team that’s 70 per cent women, Beth says employees are always supported with flexible work hours, to ensure they can manage what is going on at work and home.

“We understand this is different for everyone and strive to achieve the balance for all staff,” she says. 

“We even take time out of work with clients to get the balance right.”

Beth says she loves supporting small businesses and seeing them grow, ensuring businesses are on top of their compliance matters and making sure they lodge and pay on time.

According to Beth, the key to making a difference is staying client focused.

“The team enjoys seeing new business form and grow, we support businesses at all the stages of growth and ensure they are connected with the right resources to succeed,” she says.

“I love implementing new software to make clients’ jobs easier so that they can get back to what they love doing and leave the paperwork to us.”

For Beth, helping businesses succeed in their finances is the best part about being a bookkeeper. 

“You get to talk to the people doing the work. That is the real opportunity of being your bookkeeper,” she says.

Tribe Group, 25/105-119 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6274 0400 or visit tribegroup.com.au

Dale makes dance lessons a fun way to get fit

Teaching a range of classic dance styles, Dale’s Ballroom Dancing offers a fun way to get fit, socialise and compete in a friendly environment, says owner Dale Harris. 

With medal classes every Thursday from 5pm, Dale says she loves to welcome anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says.

“One of the great things about it is the fitness. You don’t realise how much exercise you’re doing, you’re constantly on the move.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including New Vogue sequence dances, standard, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and Latin cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble. 

Backed by more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, she started ballroom dancing at the age of six. 

She’s since received many qualifications in ballroom dancing and is also a championship adjudicator who travels interstate to judge ballroom competitions. 

Adult beginner classes are on every Wednesday from 7pm, and courses are run every seven weeks.

“Anyone can join. You can just rock up on the night and we can get you caught up in the course as we need,” she says.

Social dance is on every Monday from 7pm, “everyone and anyone is welcome”.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street Nth, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com

Renée sees no handicap to enjoying golf

Steeped in history, and nestled on the picturesque grounds of a championship 18-hole golf course adorned with stylish gardens sits Duntryleague, one of the Orange region’s premier golfing venues, says office manager Renée Tom.

The West Orange Motors Duntryleague Classic event will take place in January, and Renée says it is an ideal opportunity to play one of the great golf courses and visit the surrounding cool climate wine region of Orange.

“Entry to the competition includes three rounds of golf on Duntryleague’s 18-hole championship course, registration and cocktail party on Saturday evening, gala presentation dinner on Tuesday evening, green fees and competition fees,” she says.

Duntryleague will also host the Hahn Open Amateur Tournament on November 2-3, where Renée says participants can enjoy two rounds of golf on Duntryleague’s championship course, along with a presentation dinner on November 2.

The guest speaker will be Kerry O’Keeffe, and Renée says this is sure to make the presentation evening entertaining.

“Orange is the perfect destination for your golfing getaway, with a historical mansion offering entrants a unique experience, stay-play packages overlooking the golf course, and a rich food and wine culture,” she says.

“Duntryleague also stocks a full range of golf equipment from all leading brands and provides tuition from four PGA teaching professions to extensive club-fitting technology for the complete player package.”

Duntryleague Golf Club, Woodward Street, Orange. Call 6362 3466 or visit duntryleague.com.au