These Powerhouse Women In Business Share Their Secrets To Success

This International Women’s Day, we’re turning the spotlight on fearless women rewriting the rules, shattering ceilings, and redefining success on their own terms. These game-changers are proving that business isn’t just for the boys, it’s theirs for the taking. Dive into their stories and get inspired.

Taking The Leap with Ashleigh D’Amico

From finance to fashion, Ashleigh D’Amico, founder of Green Wardrobe turned her passion project into her full-time career.

“Take the leap, but also do your homework to set yourself apart from others.”

At just 13 years old, Ashleigh D’Amico was hustling. Eager to work but not yet old enough to get a job, she started her own business ironing clothes for people in her neighbourhood, spending her weekends and school holidays in front of the TV with the ironing board. It’s this strong work ethic that helped turn Ashleigh’s passion into a full-time career years down the track.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance, Ashleigh entered the corporate world and, having always loved fashion growing up, also started building her own business for a second time: Green Wardrobe. A consignment store run solely on Instagram, she found herself working two full-time jobs at once.“When I wasn’t at my corporate job, I was at home working on Green Wardrobe — early mornings, late nights, and weekends for quite a while,” Ashleigh says. Eventually, she managed to streamline her schedule to be more sustainable and efficient, until three years later last October, when Ashleigh decided once and for all it was time to focus all her attention on her passion.

Now, she boasts over 19k followers on Instagram, selling pre-loved and vintage pieces from luxury and designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, LOEWE, Zimmermann, and Scanlan Theodore. The consignment process is simple: just submit photos of the designer clothing and accessories you’d like to consign, and they will be assessed for approval. Once approved, the process is fully taken care of by the Green Wardrobe team, and once your items are sold, you’ll get a cut of the profits. “It’s a win-win,” says Ashleigh. “Sellers get to clear out their closets, and buyers gain access to high-quality, pre-loved designer pieces at a fraction of the retail price.”

A typical day for Ashleigh involves a dynamic mix of evaluating new arrivals, styling and filming social media content, researching incoming pieces, curating listings, and engaging with both customers and sellers. When it comes to her favourite items to sell, she gravitates toward rare and vintage bags. “I’ve had some stand-out pieces,” she shares. Her personal favourite? The iconic Fendi Baguette Bag.

Ashleigh D’Amico, founder of Green Wardrobe

Making Waves with Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo

The co-founders of award-winning KAILO Wellness Medispa, Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo, share their inspiring stories.

“Be passionate about what you do, whatever that is.”

When Kristy Morris and Kath Merlo met in their sons’ prep schoolyard, they instantly bonded over their shared journey—both seeking holistic solutions for their children’s health challenges. Kristy’s son was struggling with OCD, while Kath was searching for support for her son’s autism. Just weeks after meeting, they packed up their lives in Brisbane and headed to the USA, where they had access to cutting-edge treatments that were largely unavailable in Australia. “We were able to tap into resources we simply didn’t have here,” recalls Kath.

It was in America that the foundations for KAILO Wellness Medispa were laid. Inspired by their experiences, they envisioned a space where people could access a wide range of health and wellness treatments—from nutrition and vitamin therapy to body treatments. Upon returning to Australia, they brought that vision to life, and KAILO quickly became a game-changer in the industry. The rest was history.

Kristy, whose parents became McDonald’s franchise owners in the 80s, developed a passion for people and operations early on. She worked her way up to a restaurant manager position at McDonald’s after high school before pivoting to become cabin crew for Virgin Airlines and later working in Human Resources for seven years.

Kath, on the other hand, grew up on a largely self-sufficient farm, raised by a teacher mother and a farmer-scientist father. Her deep-rooted connection to wellness started young, and after completing a Bachelor of Marketing, she gained firsthand experience in business and branding, working for large corporations in Sydney and Brisbane.

Alongside her husband, Dean Merlo of Merlo Coffee—a fellow entrepreneur who shares her passion for business and marketing—she deepened her understanding of the industry.

Flash forward to today, and KAILO is highly regarded as one of Australia’s best wellness centres, with Kristy and Kath crediting their success to the strength of their partnership.“Knowing each other before going into business together is key,” Kristy shares.“You need to align on values and have a deep connection to your mission and vision.”

The duo’s vision has also caught the attention of major players in the wellness world—most recently, goop. Kristy recalls how the partnership came to be:“While presenting at the Foundermade expo in New York last May, I had the chance to meet goop’s partnership manager. I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I pitched the KAILO Summit on the spot. She loved it, and within weeks, we were working together.”

Now, the highly anticipated KAILO Summit in collaboration with goop is set for May 1 at The Star Convention Centre, followed by the VIP Live Boldly Brunch on May 2 at The Calile Hotel.

Further, Kristy has seen rapid growth since KAILO Nutrition’s launch in 2022. Now expanding into 43 locations, Kristy describes it as surreal.“Our team has a big dream and they are all incredibly committed to this journey. To see everyone’s hard work start to deliver global outcomes is surreal and highlights our passion and mission to empower people to take care of their own health.”

Co-founders of KAILO, Kath Merlo and Kristy Morris

The Power Of Healing with Jen Ravenswood

Shaped by family, hardship, resilience, and a passion for healthcare, Jen’s journey to co-founding her holistic pharmacy, Rays Wellness, is a deeply personal one.

“Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, and nothing easy is truly worthwhile.”

The daughter of Vietnamese refugees who fled to Brisbane in search of a better life, Jen learned early on from watching her parents that resilience and hard work—both physical and mental—are essential to creating your own opportunities. “It instilled in me a deep appreciation for making the most of the opportunities that came with this country in which I was fortunate enough to be born,” she reflects.

For Jen, education was a way to honour her parents’ sacrifices. “I saw it as a way of proving their journey to Australia was worthwhile,” she says.

At 15, she took on her first job working through school holidays at a family friend’s supermarket in regional Queensland, before excelling in business and organisational management in high school and pursuing a pharmacy degree. Her passion for healthcare and entrepreneurship had always been clear, inspired in part by her mother’s unfulfilled dream.“My mother once dreamed of owning a pharmacy before the Vietnam War changed the course of her life — in many ways, this journey felt like fulfilling a legacy.”

Juggling full-time study with hands-on experience in pharmacy, Jen was also balancing the stress of immense personal challenges, acting as her mother’s carer during her leukemia diagnosis and treatment. A year after becoming a registered pharmacist, her hard work paid off and she opened her first pharmacy.

A natural innovator, Jen was an early advocate for digital health solutions, championing accessibility and enhancing patient experiences long before telehealth became mainstream. Over time, she expanded her reach, opening multiple pharmacies across Brisbane and the Moreton Bay area.

But amid her professional success, she herself faced her own health battle—an endometriosis diagnosis that reshaped her understanding of healthcare and deepened her passion for integrative wellness.

“Years in community pharmacy showed me the profound impact of integrating alternative therapies into traditional care,” she explains.“Integrating alternative therapies early in chronic care can reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals.”

This realisation sparked a shift in her approach, and as conversations with patients began shifting toward prevention and addressing root causes, she saw the potential for something greater: Helping people not just live longer, but live better.

That potential became RAYS Wellness. “The name RAYS represents light—shining a path forward for patients and bringing alternative therapies out of the shadows through education and awareness. Just as rays of light illuminate new possibilities, RAYS seeks to guide people toward better health, clarity, and empowerment.”

Through it all, Jen has learned some of her greatest life lessons, like the power of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and being unapologetically yourself:“Own your standard and embrace your obsessions—they are your strengths, not something to dial down,” she says.

But perhaps the most valuable lesson of all? She’s learned her own fortitude.

Jen Ravenswood, co-founder of Rays Wellness

Made To Last with Taiba Ash

From bedroom to boardroom, Taiba Ash – founder of FinerRings – turned her beloved side hustle into an iconic Australian jewellery label.

The best kind of jewellery is designed to be cherished for a lifetime, and for Taiba Ash, her love for the craft has been honed in equal measure.“Coming from a family of 10 kids, it was easy to get lost in the pack,” she said. “I was always the energetic and imaginative one; I could teach myself anything if it meant being creative.”

Her passion led her to make jewellery as a hobby and creative outlet when she was accepted into nursing as a mature-aged student. Starting in her bedroom and growing in craft markets across Victoria on weekends, FinerRings was born from a love of affordable quality and handmade charm.

As a label known for helping women shine, the FinerRings story fittingly reflects the cause.“After one of the bigger markets, a young female commercial agent took a chance on my dreams and helped me get into Chapel Street,” Taiba said, and once the momentum began, it showed no signs of slowing down.

Now, FinerRings has had seven store locations over five years, including a coveted boutique in Chadstone Shopping Centre—aka the largest shopping centre in Australia.

For Taiba, however, her mission remains the same: to create fresh and gorgeous jewellery by hand. “I live and breathe jewellery—it’s what’s covering my explore page, FYP, and suggested accounts,” she said. “Because of this, I see trends as they come to market while also creating pieces that are timeless and everlasting. I have pieces that I designed at inception 10 years ago that are still in our core collection because they remain extremely popular.”

With a newly launched sunglass collection, the reopening of the Chapel Street store, and FinerRings’ first watch ahead, Taiba’s success is a testament to her dedication.“The hardest part about starting your own business is getting over the self-doubt we impose on ourselves. Owning a business is a labour of love, and it will only be as successful as the effort you put in.”

Taiba Ash, founder of FinerRings

Climbing The Ladder with Karuna Mazzocchi

Without a tertiary education, CEO of Coronis Group, Karuna Mazzocchi, is proof that hard work and dedication are the true prerequisites to success.

“Don’t let your background, gender, or anything else define or limit your success. Believe in yourself and take the leap – you can do it.”

Karuna Mazzocchi’s climb to the top of the corporate ladder has been far from linear. Driven by a clear focus on her future, she left the traditional education pathway, moved to Sydney alone at 16, and got a job. Affordability pressures led her to Brisbane, where a retail job uncovered her natural talent for sales.

“People think sales is about the product, but it’s about the people,” she says. With an innate ability to understand and connect with others, she quickly climbed the ranks to become Regional Sales Manager by 19, overseeing 18 stores and 200 staff. Yet she craved more.

“I was drawn to real estate because of its direct correlation between effort and earning—the harder I worked, the more I would earn,” she says. Joining Coronis Group as a sales agent, she spent three years immersing herself in the industry before opening her own Coronis Group office at just 26.

Finding fulfilment in leadership, she took on the role of Area Manager, overseeing up to seven offices and more than 90 staff. Upon returning from maternity leave, she was driven toward greater success and became the Coronis Group’s first COO in 2017. After six amazing years in that position, she was announced as CEO of the Coronis Group.

Reflecting on her journey to the top, she says: “When you put it on paper, it seems like a smooth and linear path, but it wasn’t. I often struggled, felt like an imposter, juggled life, family, relationships, grief, guilt, and everything in between. It’s not easy… what’s important is picking yourself up and moving forward to the next goal.”

She believes connection is key, as success in any industry is built on genuine relationships. “If you don’t have the connection to convey your message, it will never be effective.” She also values surrounding herself with experts. “Just because you’re in a leadership position doesn’t mean you automatically know everything, so put incredible people around you who are experts in areas where you have knowledge gaps.”

Another guiding principle? “Your gut is usually right.”

Since becoming CEO, Mazzocchi has led Coronis to more than double in South-East Queensland, driving growth across both corporately owned agencies and franchisee success. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into a national business, launching 14 new franchise offices and strengthening its industry presence.

Being named the Most Influential Woman in Property at last year’s REA Excellence Awards is a testament to her 20-year journey and impact—one that she hopes inspires other women. “I know from talking to a lot of women that there are still so many of us who hold reservations about how to juggle family and work successfully. I’m here to show other women that it is possible—you can do it.”

Karuna Mazzocchi, CEO of Coronis Group

Keys To Success with Tara Lancashire

Proving there’s no one way to success, Tara Lancashire of TML Advisory now leverages her wealth of experience to help others achieve their property dreams.

“Sometimes the detours lead to even more meaningful opportunities.”

From fashion to finance, Tara Lancashire’s career has seen her navigate both the global and professional landscape, but one thing has remained the same: her passion for guiding others to major milestones.

She’s a woman who’s worn many hats, and she’s rocked all of them. After studying business management and languages at an international school in Germany, she joined the fast-paced world of global retail in Johannesburg, then moved to Brisbane and continued to advance her career at Foot Locker Inc. “The beauty of working for a global brand was that you got to experience not only different cultures but also how businesses operate in different environments,” Tara says.

And while her priorities shifted after she met her husband and started her family, she found a way to combine the valuable lessons she’d learned navigating the property market, with her genuine desire to help clients navigate the complexities of finance.“I can really empathise with the challenges people face when it comes to financing their dream, because I’ve been there myself,” she says. “Buying property in different countries and dealing with various financial systems taught me a lot about the importance of smart financial planning.” Thus began TML Advisory.

By combining her expertise in property with a more personal approach, Tara helps others achieve their goals of owning property—from securing the right loan for a first-time homebuyer to restructuring an investment portfolio.

Her journey is also an inspiration for those looking to make a big career shift, which she says is best achieved by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps and leaning on those in your network. “You might be surprised by how much you can learn just by having a conversation,” she says. “My story proves that career transitions don’t always follow a linear path. Sometimes, the detours lead to even more meaningful opportunities.”

Tara Lancashire, founder and financial specialist of TML Advisory

Home Stretch with Tamara Gannon

For Tamara Gannon, director and owner at TG Property Group, a career in property was a no-brainer.

“Stay determined and trust in your abilities. The property industry can be competitive, but there’s room for everyone who is passionate and willing to learn.”

Born and raised in Brisbane, Tamara Gannon’s passion for property was practically ingrained in her DNA. With a father in commercial developments, two brothers in development and architecture, and a sister in interior design, the industry always felt like home.

While studying at QUT, she balanced two jobs, one of which opened the door to a career in real estate. Working as a receptionist at a family-owned buyer’s agency, she quickly gained insight into the industry’s inner workings.

“It was a great foundation for understanding the behind-the-scenes work in real estate and gave me valuable insight,” she recalls. “A powerful woman by the name of Meighan was the principal at the time, and I knew from working for her that I wanted to own my business one day.” After graduating with a Bachelor of Property Economics, Tamara started as a sales associate before stepping into a lead agent role in 2021.

The idea of becoming Director of TG Property Group stemmed from her desire to do right by people—whether they were sellers, buyers, or team members. “I always strived to make a positive impact, and one day I thought, ‘What if I could make the whole process better for everyone?’” With the guidance of mentors, she made that vision a reality.

Now, eight months into the business, Tamara remains focused on building a strong foundation. “We’re still in the process of adapting and implementing new systems to make everything as seamless and efficient as possible.”

Each day starts with checking in on her team, offering support in sales, negotiations, and marketing. She also ensures clients stay informed and buyers receive timely updates.

While prospecting and client meetings fill her schedule, she always carves out time to reflect on the company’s next steps—whether that’s expanding into property management, growing the sales team, or refining operations. “There’s always something to plan for, but I love the challenge of it!”

Tamara’s approach to real estate is simple: be different. “I’m not your typical real estate agent.”

With a philosophy built on honesty, integrity, and long-term relationships, she prioritises clear, practical solutions—no matter if she’s negotiating or advising clients.“I believe in a quality-over-quantity approach, focusing on fewer, more meaningful and rewarding transactions that truly benefit my clients.”

Tamara Gannon, founder of TG Property Group

Returning To Her Roots with Katey Mandy

From an idyllic childhood immersed in nature to a career that honours the land she was raised on, Katey Mandy, founder of RAAIE, has a deep connection to the world around her.

“Don’t wait for permission. The world needs more women-led businesses, and the only way to make it happen is to take that first step.”

As a child, Katey Mandy reveled in the raw beauty of her surroundings. Raised on her family farm in New Zealand, she and her father spent years dedicated to restoring native plants that had been lost to farming over previous generations.

Shaping her connection to land and nature at a young age, she developed a deep respect for the potency of New Zealand’s botanicals. “I witnessed firsthand how these plants adapt to extreme UV conditions, developing powerful protective and regenerative properties,” she says.

Going on to spend 18 years in the fashion and beauty industries in London and New York, Katey learned from some of the best names in branding, product innovation, and storytelling.Helping to build global brands, she reflects on her experience as “invaluable”.

Over time, however, she realised she wanted to create something personal—something that connected back to her roots. Returning home to New Zealand, Katey found herself standing on the edge of a metaphorical ocean, ready to “just dive in.”

This feeling led her to embark on the journey of building her skincare brand, RAAIE. “There’s no perfect moment, no clear path—just an idea you can’t shake and the grit to make it real,” she says.

It was a lengthy process, but one that couldn’t be rushed. Collaborating with world-class biochemists, sourcing sustainable packaging, and crafting the distinctive brand identity—each step was intentional and uncompromising.

For Katey, transparency is at the core of a successful business, and she firmly believes that: “Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a responsibility.”

This ethos is woven into the fabric of RAAIE’s identity, from ethical sourcing to an incentivised bottle return program. Setting a new standard in age prevention by harnessing some of the world’s most resilient plants, RAAIE is led by innovative science and rooted in nature.

Having evolved in some of Earth’s harshest conditions, such as volcanic soil and high UV, New Zealand’s botanicals have an in-built survival instinct that translates into powerful antioxidants and regenerative compounds.

In a saturated industry, Katey believes that authenticity is key, saying: “When you create something with integrity, it naturally finds its place.”

And with RAAIE, she’s done just that.

Katey Mandy, founder of RAAIE

A Cut Above with Sandra Faiva

Award-winning hairdresser at Toni & Guy Bulimba, here’s how Sandra Faiva went from apprentice to salon owner.

“Be a sponge and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.”

For many girls, styling their Barbie’s hair was a fun childhood pastime. For Sandra, it was practice.

“I loved doing my Barbie’s hair, and I loved fashion,” she recalls. “My friends and I would spend all our money on magazines, only to rip out the pages and cover our bedroom walls.”

Her passion soon turned into reality when she worked as a hair model during high school before landing her first job as an apprentice hairdresser straight after graduation.“As a first-year apprentice, I’m not going to lie—it was tough. The hours are long, the work is hard, and you don’t actually get to do much hair,” she admits. “But working with great staff and clients makes it all worthwhile. You learn how to make people feel good.”

Determined to hone her craft, she set off for London, securing a role at Vidal Sassoon and learning from some of the best in the business. Returning home to Brisbane soon after, Sandra continued her journey with Toni & Guy, where she is now Studio Manager at the Bulimba salon, having been mentored by industry greats like Dennis Langford and Kevin Murphy.

Throughout her career, Sandra has worn many hats—apprentice, stylist, art director, educator, and salon owner—each role adding to her expertise in leading a successful team while still doing what she loves most: hair.

“My role means if the salon is open, I’m there,” she says. “I’m the touchpoint for staff and clients, and I want everyone to feel welcome and a little spoilt while they’re with us.”

Trained in the prestigious Vardering program used by both Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy, Sandra believes in high standards and confidence-building techniques. She takes pride in solving concerns and creating dream hair, whether that means maintaining healthy locks or tackling a bold transformation.

With accolades like the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and a finalist spot for Queensland Hairdresser of the Year at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, Sandra’s proudest moment remains when her team became finalists for AHFA’s Team of the Year.

Sandra Faiva, owner of Toni&Guy Bulimba

The Dream Team with Holly Holub, Lori Pirozzi, and Donna Chan

Meet the powerhouse trio behind Glow Culture, the brand dedicated to future-forward, fermented skincare solutions.

“Let go of your perfectionism. Sometimes it’s better to get started and reiterate as you go.”

Meet the powerhouse trio behind Glow Culture, the brand dedicated to future-forward, fermented skincare solutions.

With decades of experience in beauty, health, and consumer brands, Donna, Holly, and Lori met in the corporate world—but they knew they wanted to build something of their own.

Donna, originally from New Zealand, built her career in marketing with global giants like Johnson & Johnson and Campbell’s Soup before venturing into indie beauty. Holly, a Sydney native, found her calling in marketing while working full-time in the personal care industry, later working at brands like Revlon, Unilever, and Clarins. Meanwhile, Perth-born Lori’s expertise spans pharmacy, health, and international sales, with roles at GSK, Sanofi, and McPherson’s.

Driven by their shared entrepreneurial spirit and love for skincare, the trio uncovered the transformative benefits of fermented ingredients—and from there, Glow Culture was born.

Since launching, Glow Culture has quickly made its mark by delivering high-performance skincare powered by fermented ingredients. Designed to support skin health at a deeper level, the range is dermatologist-tested and formulated with science-backed fermented actives that nourish, repair, and protect.

Their advice for aspiring female founders? Embrace challenges, trust your instincts, and celebrate every win—big or small.

“Let go of your perfectionism. Sometimes it’s better to get started and reiterate as you go.”

Holly Holub, Lori Pirozzi, and Donna Chan, founders of Glow Culture

In Her Shoes with Stacey Head

After a sudden career change, she wear founder Stacey Head is now helping empower women from their feet up.

“Comfort and support shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach.”

After a sudden career change, she wear founder Stacey Head is now helping empower women from their feet up. With a passion for flipping houses—and often getting hands-on with tiling, carpentry, and landscaping—Stacey realised she needed proper work boots that could keep up with her.

When a stray nail went through the shoe she was wearing, she discovered a glaring gap in the market: work boots designed for women’s feet were incredibly hard to come by.

Determined to change that, Stacey launched she wear, crafting footwear to suit the natural shape and biomechanics of women’s feet. Unlike big brands that simply shrink men’s styles, her designs consider key differences like higher arches, narrower heels, and varied foot shapes, ensuring true comfort and support.

What started with work boots soon evolved into functional footwear for nurses, hospitality workers, and retail staff.“Women in these industries spend long hours on their feet, and they deserve high-quality, durable shoes that offer real comfort and support,” Stacey says.

Now, she wear is stepping further into fashion, offering supportive shoes for everyday wear. With a new retail store in Hamilton and an exciting walking shoe range launching soon, she wear continues to help women move through life with comfort, stability, and style. 

Stacey Head, founder of she wear

Best Of Both Worlds with Brodie Lee Tsiknaris

Through hard work and a clear vision, Rokstar Salon’s Brodie Lee Tsiknaris proves you really can have it all.

“Honestly just give it a go. I was told I’d regret leaving school and I was selling myself short… well, I’m still waiting on that regret!”

The salon chair is a sacred place; it’s a dedication to uplifting yourself by putting your trust in someone else. It’s a weight that Brodie Lee Tsiknaris—founder of West End’s award-winning Rokstar Salon—bears with grace and a commitment to enhancing the process for everyone involved.

“I love making anyone who sits in my chair feel beautiful and the best version of themselves, while seeing a team of talented individuals do the same.”

With a glittering portfolio that’s seen Brodie share her expertise on the world’s stage, it’s no wonder Rokstar is lauded as it is; winning AHIA’s coveted QLD Salon of the Year for the fourth time simply represents another milestone year for the talented team.

Instead, Brodie’s true mission is to create a supportive and flexible environment that celebrates working mums like her. “We are raising the next generation to see that hard work pays off, passion and family can coexist, and women don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”

While her sought-after talent means she’ll be jetting off to PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival as a hair director alongside L’Oréal, Brodie’s devotion to her loyal clientele never wavers and is even reflected in the newly renovated salon. “Every touch point has been thought out to really enhance the client journey,” she says, from the calming atmosphere in the spa room to the lumbar support in the chairs. An appointment at Rokstar truly is one for the books.

For Brodie, hairdressing opened the doors to a rewarding career that’s taught her to always keep the big picture in mind. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, consistency is key, and you can never take your foot off the pedal if you want to succeed,” she says. “Pay attention to everything but choose where you give your energy.” Bonus points if you can squeeze a Pilates class in!

Brodie Lee Tsiknaris, owner of Rokstar Salon

When The Stars Align with Cara Barrett