Mum's the word for business ideas

Both from central Queensland, Capella’s Sonya Comiskey and Marlborough’s Krystal Caton are vying for the top gongs in their nominated categories.

The 2014 AusMumpreneur Awards, presented by the AusMumpreneur Network, celebrate and recognise innovation in business in both Australia and New Zealand, and are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

Sonya Comiskey, of Old Mount Stuart, near Capella, is nominated in the retail category for her business Born Country Baby.

Producing 100 per cent Australian-made baby and children’s wear with a country flavour, her inspiration for the clothing label came along after the arrival of her two sons, Victor and Roman.

Sonya said she found it difficult to get good-quality, Australian-made clothes that weren’t covered in sticky plastic print.

“You know the kind of print which inevitably peels off after a few washes or smudges if the iron even thinks about touching it,” Sonya said.

“I did my homework and identified that there was a real gap in the market for good-quality, Australian-made wardrobe staples.

“Garments with a country flavour, sporting images like ponies, tractors and windmills.

“Little people love their printed tees, and the conversations that go along with choosing what to wear and getting dressed provide a valuable learning opportunity for parents to teach them where food and fibre come from.”

Krystal Caton, of Oakleigh Station, Marlborough, who has been nominated for both the product innovation and emerging AusMumpreneur category, said it could be challenging to be a successful business woman while raising a family.

Some six months ago, Krystal founded an internet business, Zestio, a reusable food pouch, as well as a flexible silicone attachment, and is marketing these products through her website.

“This was something I have been thinking about for the past three years,” Krystal said.

“These reusable fill-yourself food pouches allow people to have home-made food, and makes on-the-go food storage and feeding easy and convenient.

“Part of my reasoning was my husband Paul and I manage an organic property, and I wanted to give my children home-cooked food, and not the store-bought variety.

“These pouches now have many uses including in my husband’s smoko and lunch box.

“And there are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood while raising a family.

“Due to my rural location, young children, home and work life commitments, a home-based business gave me the opportunity to manage it all.

“I can proudly work for my own business while having the freedom to plan my time around my children.”

The winners of the 2014 AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at a glamorous awards event in Melbourne in October 2014.