Thinking about starting a small business but not sure where to begin?
Join Michelle from Mint by Michelle and a panel of inspiring local women entrepreneurs for a practical and honest evening about what it really takes to start and grow a successful business.
Michelle is the founder and creative force behind Mint by Michelle — a brand that grew from a kitchen-table idea into an international business with stockists across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, Canada and the US. Within four years, the business reached a million-dollar turnover.
Along the way Michelle learned that successful businesses don’t happen by accident — they follow a pattern.
Over the years she has refined that pattern into a simple framework she calls DACCE:
Define – Attract – Connect – Create – Expand
It’s a practical way of thinking about how businesses actually grow — from the very first idea, to finding your audience, building relationships with customers, creating products or services people want, and expanding in a sustainable way.
During this evening Michelle will share the real-world lessons, strategies and mistakes that helped her build a business from scratch — while navigating the realities of small business ownership and raising two boys as a single parent.
Alongside Michelle, a panel of experienced local entrepreneurs will share their own journeys — the challenges, the wins and the lessons that shaped their businesses.
You’ll walk away with:
• A clear understanding of the DACCE framework
• Practical insights from real business owners
• Ideas you can apply immediately
• Answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask
This is not a textbook business seminar — it’s a real conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and how to get started.
📅 Date: Friday April 10 2026
⏰ 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!