Hear from a Local – Small Business Series

Could you provide a brief introduction to yourself (and any other partner), and your business?

The inspiration for starting Inspired Risk Services came when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter.

Becoming a mother made me reflect on the kind of life and career I wanted to build. I wanted the flexibility to be present for my family while also running a business that I genuinely understood, believed in, and was passionate about.

Having worked in the insurance industry, I saw an opportunity to create a business that helps people and businesses protect what matters most to them. I wanted to build something meaningful—where I could use my expertise to make a real difference for clients while creating a career that aligned with my values as a mother.

That combination of family, purpose, and passion ultimately inspired me to launch Inspired Risk Services.

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff in your business?

I have a genuine interest in people, and I try my best to create an environment which is flexible in terms of working hours and recognise and celebrate staff for their achievements both personally and professionally.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?

Like many businesses, navigating periods of uncertainty and change has been challenging. The insurance industry has seen significant shifts in recent years, with rising premiums, changing market conditions and increasing expectations from clients.

These challenges pushed me to become more proactive, continue learning and focus even more on delivering value beyond the insurance policy itself.

I have recently embraced AI and hoping to use it to grow my business.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?

Ryde has an incredible business community that is both welcoming and collaborative. The area offers fantastic opportunities to connect with other business owners and professionals who genuinely want to support each other's success.

I've also appreciated the opportunities created through local networking events through Ryde Macquarie Park Chamber and community initiatives that encourage businesses to grow and work together.

Being part of such a vibrant and supportive community has been invaluable both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for other small businesses looking to grow to the success your business has achieved?

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start.

What’s coming up for your business that you’re excited about?

I'm excited about continuing to grow my network of local businesses and strengthening my role as a trusted adviser within the Ryde community. There are some exciting collaborations, educational initiatives and community events on the horizon, and I'm looking forward to helping even more businesses protect and grow with confidence.

Could you provide a brief introduction to yourself (and any other partner), and your business?

My professional background was in Chartered Accounting, where I spent 15 years building a strong foundation in business. At the same time, I’ve always had a genuine interest in health and fitness. After years of long hours at a desk without proper ergonomic support, I experienced firsthand the toll it can take on the body, which sparked a desire to find better solutions, not just for myself but for the people around me.

Ergonomic Essentials was established in 1985. In 2011 my father took over the business, and I joined the family business several years later. In 2020, I took over from my father and stepped into the Director role. Combining my business experience with my passion for health has felt like a natural fit.

What continues to inspire me is seeing how the right ergonomic support can genuinely change someone’s day, reducing pain, supporting recovery, and helping prevent long-term injury. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people work smarter and healthier every day.

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff in your business?

Finding the right people is one of the most important parts of our business. We look for team members who genuinely care about helping customers and who value collaboration and reliability as we are a small business.

We support our staff with flexible hours, on-site parking, and a strong focus on team culture. We host team events that include partners, which gives us the opportunity to connect beyond the workplace and get to know each other’s families. Those small touches help build a positive, supportive environment where people feel valued.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?

Like many small businesses, COVID brought unexpected challenges. Demand for our products changed overnight as offices closed and Australians began working from home. We quickly adapted, partnering with new courier companies to deliver directly to homes and expanding our range, even moving from chairs in black to a variety of colours to suit different spaces. It was a time of rapid learning and change, and we were grateful to support people with ergonomic solutions when they needed them most.

On a personal level, becoming a mum while running the business was another defining challenge. When I had my son in 2023, we were incredibly short-staffed, and I returned to the office just six weeks later, bringing him with me three to four days a week. I experienced firsthand the juggle many new mums face, such as breastfeeding at work, managing the guilt of missing playgroups, and trying to grow a team at the same time. I was fortunate to have strong family support while recruiting and building the business.

Two years later, when I welcomed my daughter in 2025, I had an experienced team in place. That allowed me to step back for a period, spend precious time with her, and connect with other mums in the community. It reinforced for me how important resilience, support networks, and strong teams really are; both in business and in life.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?

We chose Macquarie Park/North Ryde for its great location, with easy access to the M2, the city, Parramatta, and Chatswood. The area is home to a mix of thriving businesses, from telecommunications and healthcare to education, and continues to see positive developments, like the new electric bus depot next door to us.

Importantly, Macquarie Park allows us to operate a public showroom, which is becoming increasingly rare in the ergonomic industry. Customers can visit us in person, try products, and speak face-to-face with our team to get tailored advice on the right ergonomic solution. Despite its growth, Ryde still feels like a friendly, close-knit community of like-minded businesses and individuals, making it a great place to grow our business.

What advice do you have for other small businesses looking to grow to the success your business has achieved?

Build your business like you would an ergonomic workstation: set it up thoughtfully, support the people using it, and adjust along the way for the best results.

What’s coming up for your business that you’re excited about?

We’re looking forward to hosting Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Consultants in our showroom for product information and demonstration sessions. We’re always excited to share new products and have people experience them firsthand.

Could you provide a brief introduction to yourself (and any other partner), and your business?

I come from a background in Biotechnology and Biochemistry, and before starting Super Little Scientists I worked as a Research Assistant and Cell Production Scientist. Science has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I took a career break to spend more time with my daughters that I discovered a new purpose for it.

While doing fun, hands‑on experiments at home, I realised how naturally curious children are. They constantly ask “why?” and “how?”, and I wanted to nurture that curiosity in a meaningful way — not through worksheets, but through real experiments, real tools, and real discovery.

That’s how Super Little Scientists was born — from simple kitchen‑table experiments with my own children. What began as small sessions soon grew into structured workshops, school holiday programs, and science incursions for early learning centres and primary schools. Over time, it evolved into a program that blends storytelling, creativity, and hands‑on science to spark confidence and wonder in children aged 3–11.

A milestone that stands out among many proud moments is seeing children return term after term for the Super Little Scientists Science Club. Watching them confidently use real scientific tools and proudly say, “I love science!” is incredibly rewarding. Watching their love for science and confidence grow is incredibly rewarding.

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff in your business?

Although as a sole-trader, I operate the business on my own, I’ve built a strong network of casual assistants and community supporters who help me in different aspects of my business including assisting me during busy periods or in creating marketing material etc. What has worked well is creating a culture of warmth, respect, and shared purpose. I make sure everyone feels valued — whether through flexible hours, clear communication, or celebrating small wins together.

I make sure who joins me understands not just the activities, but the vision, purpose and heart behind them: making every child feel confident, curious, and included. Even small gestures — like handwritten thank‑you notes, picking and dropping off to and from their home, buying a McDonald's ice cream or acknowledging effort, and fostering a fun, collaborative culture, helps to create a positive, supportive environment.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?

One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from being a scientist in a lab to running a business. Managing marketing, finances and logistics was completely new territory.

To build my confidence, I actively sought learning opportunities by attending Local business events in Ryde and enrolling in small business courses such as House to Grow, Sydney Businesses workshops, and TAFE’s Women in Business program. Connecting with other local business owners and learning practical business strategies gave me clarity, direction and reassurance that I was on the right path.  

From these events I learnt to go past my limiting beliefs that I can only do Science in Lab. I gained the confidence to go to people's houses, schools and childcare centres to make science fun for the kids via Science Birthday parties or science Incursions. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I focused on delivering exceptional experiences every single time. Slowly, parents, educators, and councils began to recognise the value of what I offered.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?

Ryde has been home since I first arrived in Sydney, and it’s the community that helped me build both my family, friends and my business. The area is vibrant, diverse, and full of families who value education and creativity — the perfect place for Super Little Scientists to get the opportunity to grow. I started my business from a spare room in my apartment with 2 kids, then with the support of the local community took it to a local church and now I go to schools and day care centres all around Sydney. All thanks to Ryde for nurturing my small business.

I cannot be grateful enough for the support of Council programs hosted by Ryde Council like Business workshops, and networking events, which have helped me develop new skills and connect with other local business owners. From here I learnt about the Service NSW business Bureau and till date I attend webinars and make one on one appointments or calls if ever I am stuck at any point in my business. Whenever I am in the Finalists of Local business awards or Australian small business Champion awards, I get a personal letter from the Mayor of Ryde Congratulating me. I have had the local councillors come and talk about business issues etc when they see me participating in local events hosted by the council. Initiatives like this one make me feel seen, supported, and proud to be part of the Ryde community.

What advice do you have for other small businesses looking to grow to the success your business has achieved?

Start with purpose, not just profit. If you are passionate about what you do, that energy carries you through challenges.

Don’t wait until everything feels perfect — take small, consistent steps. Learn continuously, ask for help when needed, and surround yourself with supportive people.

What’s coming up for your business that you’re excited about?

I’m excited to expand Super Little Scientists with more partnerships with local day care centres and small businesses.

Could you provide a brief introduction to yourself (and any other partner), and your business?
I’m Cassandra Diamantis, Founder and Director of Dream Big Marketing, a female-led social media agency helping Australian businesses grow through strategic, creative, and social-first marketing. My vision was to create an agency that feels like an in-house team, not just a service provider. Dream Big exists to challenge the stigma around agencies by offering genuine partnership, which has enabled us to grow exponentially in the last 12 months. My journey has been built on resilience, creativity, and the belief that small businesses can make a big impact when given the right tools and team.

www.dreambigmarketing.com.au

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff in your business?
At Dream Big Marketing, we’ve built a culture where creativity and trust comes first. Our team enjoys flexible hours and remote work options, allowing them to balance life and passion seamlessly. We are big on celebrations and recognition, offering paid birthday leave and team outings. Every team member has the freedom to experiment, lead, and grow. Our people stay because they feel valued, heard, and inspired to dream big, both professionally and personally.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?
One of my biggest challenges was rebuilding after my first business failure, financially, emotionally, and mentally. None of my friends were business owners, so the journey felt isolating. I battled self-doubt but chose to learn, rebuild, and grow. I sought mentorship, immersed myself in personal development, and created the community I needed. That led me to become a Chapter President for the BOA (Business Owners App) Sydney CBD Chapter and launching a podcast. That experience taught me resilience and shaped Dream Big’s foundation: structure, purpose, and heart.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?
I live in the Ryde Council area and have recently rented and renovated a commercial office in the area! I love the energy, the vibrancy of the people and the buzz of business owners in the area. There's no better place to be based on locality and opportunity. 

What advice do you have for other small businesses looking to grow to the success your business has achieved?
There are lots of ways that you can find support as a business owner. I would highly recommend podcasts for direction / guidance and mentorship. Podcasts from entrepreneurs like Grace Bevery / Alex Hormozi / Diary of a CEO. They provide a lot of free value. For in person support, there are networking groups in every suburb as well as a lot of networking events - communities like CUB (Club of United Business (Australia)) & BOA (Business Owners App) as well as BNI (Business Network International). For mentoring, I'd recommend finding someone you admire on LinkedIn and requesting paid mentorship. There are also a lot of free Facebook groups for small business owners that people post in for advice and to give advice. 

My advice would be to keep going. Nothing worth having is easy, and overnight success doesn't exist. Failure is merely redirection and an opportunity to grow. Thing will go wrong, it's part of life and business, mistakes will be made, it's about how you problem solve.

Could you provide a brief introduction to your business?

Jen Le and Trung Vien co-founded Jaesthetic, Gladesville’s premier beauty and training salon, launched in September 2025. 

Jen, a seasoned beauty entrepreneur, outgrew her back-to-back booked tiny 3mx3m Hunters Hill salon, inspiring Jaesthetic’s community-focused vision. Trung, a Vietnamese-Australian immigrant, scaled a Domino’s franchise, built a $14M property portfolio, and launched the $5M Hair Folli e-commerce brand. 

Jaesthetic blends physical salon services with Hair Folli kits, using AI-driven marketing via Trung’s HiAgency.au to cut ad costs by 80 percent. Our mission: empower clients and train aspiring women in beauty. We’re booked at 90 percent repeat clients, serving over 500 weekly.

Website: jaesthetic.com.au

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff?

To attract staff to Jaesthetic, we prioritise flexibility and growth. We offer flexible hours to accommodate diverse schedules, especially for working parents, boosting applicant interest. Free staff training programs, including beauty certifications, attracting ambitious locals. We foster a welcoming team culture with weekly team-building lunches increasing retention. Partnerships with local TAFEs provide a pipeline of trainees, reducing recruitment costs. We also leverage HiAgency.au’s AI tools to target ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram slashing ad spend by 80 percent while reach is increased. These strategies ensure we attract passionate talent without breaking the bank, aligning with our community-driven ethos.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?

Opening Jaesthetic during economic uncertainty posed challenges. High initial setup costs ($200,000+) strained our budget. We mitigated this by adopting an e-commerce hybrid model, selling Hair Folli kits online to offset overheads, generating $40,000 in direct consumer sales within the first month. Another hurdle was client acquisition in a competitive market. Our solution: HiAgency.au’s AI-powered marketing, targeting local beauty enthusiasts, reduced ad costs by 80 percent and drove a 90 percent repeat client rate. Staffing shortages were addressed by offering training programs, attracting eight hires in six weeks. Supply chain delays for Hair Folli products were resolved by diversifying suppliers, cutting delays by 60 percent. These adaptations ensured Jaesthetic’s rapid growth while maintaining financial stability.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?

Ryde’s vibrant $180M beauty market (IBISWorld 2025) and diverse community made it the ideal location for Jaesthetic. Its proximity to Sydney’s CBD and a growing population ensured a steady client base, with 500+ weekly bookings since launch. This support empowered us to focus on growth and community impact, like our training programs for local women.

What advice do you have for other small businesses?

Start lean and leverage technology. Use AI tools like HiAgency.au to optimise marketing – our 80 percent ad cost reduction proves it works. Focus on community: our training programs built loyalty and attracted talent, saving 40 percent on recruitment. Diversify revenue streams; Jaesthetic’s e-commerce sales cushioned physical salon risks. Network locally – we connected with all the local businesses on the strip. 

Finally, prioritise cash flow over flashy expenses. We avoided high rent by blending online and physical ops, keeping overheads 50 percent lower than traditional salons. Stay adaptable, test small, and scale what works.

Could you provide a brief introduction to your business?

Our dream began more than 25 years ago. Both Joe and I were working in our own fields, when one evening over dinner, we decided it was time to follow our hearts and begin a new journey together. The very next day, we saw a local business for sale in Putney, reached out immediately, and began what would become the start of our story. For me (Rosa), this was more than just business – it was personal. My very first job at 14 was in a deli, and even while studying Business Management, I never lost my passion for that world. Joe, with his background as a qualified chef, brought the skills, vision, and determination to make it all possible. Together, we wanted to bring back the essence of the old-school Italian deli – the warmth, the authenticity, the tradition – but with a fresh, modern touch that would connect with today’s community. This dream is now a reality, and it’s one we’re proud to share with all of you. 

What are some simple, cost-effective ways you’ve used to attract and retain staff in your deli?
Each of our staff members receives a free panino and drink for lunch – a small gesture to show our appreciation. You can read more about our young team and the ways we encourage them to pursue their dreams in our blog. Every three months, we also love to take the whole team out for dinner – a chance to celebrate, connect, and enjoy time together outside of work.

What were some of the key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?
Staffing is an ongoing challenge, and we are always advertising to build a strong team. To help manage this, we have cross-trained our staff so they can step in and support different sections of the store whenever we are short-staffed. This ensures smoother operations and helps maintain the level of service our customers expect.

What prompted your decision to open a business in Ryde area?
Putney, it happened to come up on search, by chance, which was great.

What advice do you have for other small businesses?
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Define your ideal customer and tailor your offerings to solve their specific problems. Build a network of mentors, peers, and advisors. Collaboration often sparks innovation. Be passionate, patient and take in all feedback, may it be positive or negative, it will help you grow.

Could you provide a brief introduction to Ben and Emily, and their business?
Ryde locals Ben and Emily Calabro are the brother-sister duo behind District Eatery, a vibrant new café in Gladesville.

With 14 years of hospitality experience, the pair have launched beloved venues including Quick Brown Fox and Rosa Pasta Bar in Pyrmont. District Eatery is the culmination of their journey, blending trendy design and fit-out with a menu that reimagines Aussie brunch classics.

The Calabro’s got their start at a café in Top Ryde Shopping Centre and have strong community ties, having both attended nearby schools and played soccer at Monash Park, just a stone's throw from their new venue. Now, with Executive Chef Daniel Grey (ex-Aalia) at the helm, District Eatery offers an incredible cafe experience for the community they grew up in. Visit: https://districteatery.com.au. Address: 10 Monash Rd, Gladesville NSW 2111

What are some simple and practical ways District Eatery manages costs effectively?
We use AI to monitor live dish costings and view our roster and labour budget in real time, helping us make quick, informed decisions to stay on target.

What were some of your key challenges you have faced, and how did you find a solution?
Staffing has been more difficult in comparison to our other venues, as many locals are still in school or studying, making it harder to find experienced or full-time reliable staff. On top of that, rising wages and super costs have made things even tighter. To manage this, we’ve focused on building strong systems, setting clear expectations and creating a work environment where part-time team members can still perform well and contribute to the business.

What prompted your decision to return to Ryde area?
There was a clear opportunity to bring a strong, well-executed brunch offering to the area, something locals shouldn’t have to travel far for. The space at District is perfect for mums with bubs, prams and larger family groups. It just made sense.

What advice do you have for other small businesses?
Protect your numbers—it’s crucial for longevity. Too many cafés are still charging less for brunch and coffee, but with rising costs in stock, super and wages, there’s little margin in that.

Ryde has great potential and a big community, ensure you manage your business smart and stay on top of the numbers.

Ben and Genevieve Brittain are the current owners of Macquarie Locksmiths, a business originally founded in 1981.

Could you give a short introduction about yourself, your wife as the business partner, and your business?
Ben and Genevieve Brittain own and operate Macquarie Locksmiths. The business was established in 1981. Ben and Genevieve are the third owners of Macquarie Locksmiths and purchased it in September 2021 while NSW was still in the midst of COVID lockdowns. Having a team of locksmiths with mobile workshops was critical during this time as our customers’ safety and security concerns did not stop despite being in lockdown.

Prior to purchasing Macquarie Locksmiths, Ben owned and operated Britlock Locksmiths and prior to that, was a head chef in many of Sydney’s well-known restaurants. Having a background in hospitality gives Ben a real focus on the customer experience and working well in a team environment. Working under pressure is a skill that was fine-tuned while running large restaurants. Ben’s previous experience also ensures his skill at developing great relationships with suppliers and staff.

What are some simple, cost-effective ways to attract and retain workers in your business today?
Like many businesses, we have found it difficult to attract and retain workers as locksmithing is one of the employment sectors where there is a recognised skill shortage. To attempt to overcome this, we have built good relationships with staff at a number of local high schools, who are able to identify students who may be interested in undertaking an apprenticeship with us.

We have had good success with this, and currently employ three apprentices. Our first apprentice just qualified as a locksmith and we have several staff at varying stages of their apprenticeships. We generally pay our staff above the award and hold regular staff BBQs as a way of building relationships and morale.

We also conduct regular Toolbox Talks with our staff to reinforce safety policies and procedures, promote open discussion about site-specific hazards, encourage a proactive safety culture, and reduce accidents and injuries through awareness.

What challenges have you faced in your business, and how did you find a solution?
One of our biggest challenges is maintaining high-quality workmanship while training young staff and scaling our business. To manage this, we ensure our qualified tradesmen are supported so they are able to pass their skills onto the next  generation of apprentices.

We ensure our apprentices experience a balance of time in the workshop and on the road with qualified technicians, so they gain broad exposure to the industry. Regular Toolbox Talks also ensure our apprentices are supported and educated on the job, in addition to the time they spend at TAFE.

Has Council offered any programs or resources to help support the growth of your business? If so, could you please share an example?
Yes, we are members of the Macquarie Park/Ryde Business Chamber and have attended a number of Council-facilitated networking events. These events are generally hosted by Council or other local businesses in the Ryde/Macquarie Park area, and have been a great way to gain exposure in the local business community. They have also contributed to fostering new business relationships and opportunities.

Ben Brittain, company director, is also a member of the Rotary Club of Macquarie Park, who works closely with City of Ryde in staging the annual Carols on the Common Christmas event. 

The Service NSW Business Bureau staff are very approachable and have made us aware of the wide range of services on offer to small businesses. Their staff has been very proactive with feedback and guidance, and have helped with guidance and local community connections.

What advice do you have for other small businesses?
Taking care of yourself and your staff is paramount. Ensure a good work/life balance is achieved and that staff are supported and part of a positive business culture. Giving staff clear roles and opportunities for growth helps with staff retention.

Being involved in community events, local networking groups and business chambers is a great way to meet people, build business recognition and trust in the local community.

Always prioritise the customer with quick, clear and transparent communication to ensure a good customer experience as word of mouth is gold for small business.

We are one of the increasingly rare locksmith businesses to have a shopfront. This is important to our customers who are able to put a face to a name and to come in and touch and feel the products they are interested in buying. In this day and age with so many online scams, it is refreshing to be able to provide this face-to-face service. We are proud of our shop which includes a display of past staff, historic security products and tools, along with an extensive array of new products that we offer.

James and Fady Daher, the co-founders of SoCreative, run a media technology platform specialising in video content creation and editing services. Launched in April 2024, SoCreative has rapidly grown, with over 10 team members and close to 50 clients within its first year.

Their objective is to empower businesses and creators with high-quality, engaging content that enhances their brand presence. They combine creativity with the latest digital tools to deliver impactful and engaging video content.

In this interview, we explore practical tips and insights to sparking innovation, overcoming business challenges, leveraging Council or external support, and avoiding common mistakes while setting up for success.

What are some simple, cost-effective ways to spark innovation in your business today?
Innovation doesn’t always require large investments. It starts with mindset and placing the client at the centre of everything we do. We are well supported by the Macquarie University (MQ) incubator allowing us to access the PACE program (a Macquarie University intern program), embrace AI-powered tools for content automation, and stay updated with industry trends. At SoCreative, we continuously test new editing techniques and gather client feedback to refine our services.

What challenges have you faced in your business, and how did you find a solution?
One of our biggest challenges was scaling our services while maintaining high-quality output. As demand grew, we built a technology platform to create a more streamlined workflow for our clients and structured process flow for managing every step of the client journey. Additionally, we continue to build a strong network of creative professionals to ensure flexibility with projects we have managed in over 10 countries. Effective time management and clear client communication have been key in overcoming operational challenges.

Has Council offered any programs or resources to help support the growth of your business?
Yes, Council was our starting point. A referral to the MQ incubator helped us locate our office. Additionally, networking events facilitated by Council have helped us connect with potential clients and industry leaders, creating new business opportunities. The team there has been instrumental in our growth with resource and helping prepare a video

What are three common mistakes to avoid and key steps to ensure success from the start?

• Neglecting brand identity: A clear brand voice and consistent messaging helps stand out in the competitive media space.
• Not adapting to industry changes: Trends evolve quickly, so staying informed and agile is essential. Continuous learning and tech adoption is crucial.
• Underestimating client relationships: Beyond delivering great content, maintaining strong communication and trust with clients encourages long-term partnerships.

Key steps for success include setting clear goals, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, and prioritising customer experience.