Women encouraged to embrace opportunities
Embracing opportunities to create the right work life balance was the recurring message of guest speakers and panelists at a recent Women in Business event in Warragul.
More than 160 people attended the Baw Baw Shire hosted event that focussed on inspiring women in business to embrace opportunities and support each other.
Local blogger and entrepreneur Olivia White told the audience that she had learned to "say yes and work it out later."
For the past eight years, Olivia has made a job out of being a social media influencer.
Olivia said the biggest inspiration on her life was her mother. "From day one it was just her and I. She was resourceful, hard working, a problem solver and pragmatic. Because of her, I am where I am today."
"Mum always told me I had to learn or earn...I have three unfinished degrees and a resume a mile long.
At 23-years-old and a mum, Olivia said life was not conducive to her returning to work so she sought a path where she could combine flexibility with motherhood and a career.
Olivia went from being a Racing Victoria fashion blogger to embracing the infancy of a mummy blogging movement. Her articles quickly went viral through media channels including Mamamia, Kidspot and Cosmopolitan.
"It was crazy and from that people reached out to me and wanted to work with me. I invested my time in creating media kits, connecting and networking with people and brands.
"I saw an opportunity to create a job for myself that worked for my family.
"I took a leap of faith. It was scary but I have learnt along the way that scary can be a good thing. When you lean into fear, you make magic happen," she said.
Olivia developed a folio of brands to work with including Disney, Lego, Bonds and Qantas. Her House of White blogging went viral as followers multiplied.
Olivia said social media was a powerful tool that could also be a brutal place.
"It give you access to the world but it also gives the world access to you.
Olivia said while writing and creating content came naturally, she had to learn a lot about business and managing her mental health.
"It can be hard, it can be isolating - you need a village of people to support you," she said.
Olivia encouraged women to work closely with their "work wives" to bounce off and support.
"There is no use being at the top with your crown on surrounded by the women you stepped over to get there. It's better to be surrounded by your village," she said.
Officially opening the event, Cr Jazmin Tauru said the event provided an opportunity for women to build relationships and connections. "We all have something to offer - believe in yourself and stand together."
Cr Tauru said as the youngest ever councillor to be elected in Baw Baw Shire, she had encountered a lot of resistance and negativity, comments about her age and even the colour of her hair.
"But a big shout out to the people who tried to bring me down because you learn not to listen to the negative voices when you know you have something to offer," she said.
Cr Tauru said she wanted to leave the audience with the inspiring message that "a woman's place is everywhere decisions are being made."
The event concluded with a question and answer forum with panel members Cr Tauru, Myli (West Gippsland libraries) chief executive officer Leanne Williams, Deadly Wears founder Hollie Johnson and Door2 founder Jan Clarke.
After being told as a woman, every step of the way that "no you can't do that," Leanne encouraged women to push the boundaries and step out of their comfort zones.
Proud of her indigenous heritage, Hollie spoke about community pride and supporting each other.
"Include indigenous people because it's about them and their community also. It is only in recent years that our First Nation's mob realised it's not our job to educate. We will walk side by side with you, but you have to open the doors yourself," she said.
Jan said the biggest challenges in life were often the biggest learning experiences. She said encouraged women to use the "struggles" in life to reach a comfortable place and find "find great things."
"Unless you use your voice you will not be heard, be brave and speak up. Speaking up enables you to take your next step and you find your followers that way," she said.