Thinking about starting a small business but not sure where to begin? Join us for an inspiring and practical evening with Michelle and a panel of local women entrepreneurs who have each built successful businesses from the ground up.
Michelle is the founder and creative force behind Mint by Michelle, a brand that grew from a kitchen-table idea into a thriving international business with stockists across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, Canada, and the US. Starting with nothing but a spark of creativity and a lot of determination, Michelle scaled her business to achieve a million-dollar turnover by year four – while navigating the challenges of small business ownership, growth, and all whilst navigating family life as the sole parent of 2 young boys.
She knows first hand what it’s like to start small, to make the mistakes, and to figure out what really works. Michelle has built multiple brands, opened a flagship retail store, managed international wholesale distribution, and fostered a global creative community.
Her workshops aren’t about “textbook theory” – they’re about the real-world strategies, lessons, and practical tools that helped her grow from scratch. If you’re looking to be inspired, to hear honest insights, and to walk away with actionable ideas you can apply in your own business, Michelle’s story and energy will spark your next move.
This interactive session will give you valuable insights into the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way. From branding and marketing to managing finances, staying motivated, and building resilience—you’ll hear real stories, ask your burning questions, and walk away with practical tools to kick-start your own journey.
📅 Date: Friday 24th October 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Mint by Michelle, 68 Mercer Street, Geelong
💲 Cost: $60 per person
👥 Panel Discussion + Q&A
Sophie Anapliotis has been a property manager since 2010 and in 2021, launched Element Property Network, a property management & investor support agency in her home town of Geelong, located at the river end of Newtown. Now with a team of 5, Sophie oversees the portfolio and property management team to drive the values and service that she set out to achieve, while growing a business that she loves.
Kim Bradbury is the driving force behindJoti Financial, a boutique mortgage broking firm deeply rooted in the Bellarine Peninsula. After spending over a decade in Scotland, she returned to Australia and retrained as a mortgage broker — building a thriving business from the ground up. Today, Kim supports clients across Geelong and beyond, offering residential, personal and commercial lending, with ongoing annual reviews to make sure her clients stay on the best terms. Known for her warm, client-centric approach — “How can I help?” is often the first question she asks — Kim recently opened a new office in Geelong underlining both her commitment and growth. Beyond broking, she leads Joti with a vision of community impact, donating a portion of each commission to local charities.
Sarah Page is the dynamic founder behind Fun With Books, a thriving bookkeeping business she launched about four years ago. In that time she’s grown the team to five dedicated staff, offering a full suite of services including payroll, BAS, and financial reporting across Geelong and the Surf Coast. A true serial entrepreneur, Sarah has owned a restaurant in Italy, relocated to Geelong during the COVID years, and now has her fingers in several other ventures alongside bookkeeping. Her boundless drive, versatility, and business acumen make her one of the most trusted and respected figures in the local creative-business community.
Maxine Driscoll is the founder and Principal Consultant at Think Strategic, with more than 35 years of experience leading high-performing teams in Australia and around the world. After founding Think Strategic eleven years ago, Maxine turned her passion for leadership and innovation into a thriving international business. She loves sharing the real stories, lessons, and laughter that come with building something from the ground up — and helping others do the same.
✔️ Honest conversations with women who’ve “been there, done that”
✔️ A safe space to ask questions and gain clarity
✔️ Practical takeaways you can apply to your own business idea
✔️ Refreshments and nibbles provided
✨ Hear real stories from inspiring women entrepreneurs
✨ Learn practical tips for starting and growing your own business
✨ Connect with like-minded people on a similar journey
✨ Leave feeling empowered and ready to take the next step
Whether you’re in the early stages of an idea, or simply curious about running your own business, this session will give you the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to get started.
Spots are limited—book your place today and invest in your future success!