inspiring Aussie Female Founders
Happy International Women's Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the talented and successful faces behind some of our favourite vegan businesses.
Julie Mathers, Flora & Fauna
Leading the change is purpose-driven entrepreneur and leader, Julie Mathers. After 20+ years working in retail, Julie founded Australia’s largest eco store, Flora and Fauna and 3 years later started her own zero-waste brand, Green + Kind. Julie is passionate about building better businesses and being a force for good, and we LOVE her for it!
Pam Ahern, Edgar’s Mission
It’s cool to be kind and Pam Ahern, founder and director of Edgar’s Mission is proving just that. In 2003, Pam gave up her full-time job and equestrian career and dedicated her life to the protection of farmed animals. Pam and her team have rescued over 450 animals and given each a life truly worth living. What a changemaker!
Heaven Leigh, Bodhi Restaurant Bar
Entrepreneur, mentor, wife and mum, Heaven Leigh does it all! For the last 20 years, Heaven has been continuing her family legacy at Australia’s longest-established vegan restaurant, Bodhi Restaurant Bar. Thank you Heaven for feeding us, inspiring us and supporting all women!
Danielle Egan, Sienna Byron Bay
Danielle Egan’s sustainability journey started with a side hustle nail polish business in her lounge room. Nearly a decade on and this female entrepreneur is an international trailblazer in the eco-beauty world. Sienna’s non-toxic nail polishes are stocked in 20 countries worldwide and Danielle is continually looking for ways to do better. Thank you Danielle for showing us how it’s done!
Sina Klug, Nutie
Introducing baking queen and boss lady of Nutie, Sina Klug. From selling GF donuts at Bondi Farmers Market to owning two stores with 40k+ loyal fans, Nutie is the ultimate success story. Sina puts love into everything she does and we love her for making our lives all sweeter!
Lara Young & Sue McCarthy, VEats
VEats is the brainchild of two vegan, female leaders with a passion for a more sustainable, nutritious, and ethical way of life. Lara and Sue created Australia’s first exclusively plant-based food platform with the hope of making plant-based eating easier and more accessible for all. They’re now focusing on building a strong female team and expanding nationwide. Go team!
Jessica Bailey, Vegan Grocery Store
An inspiration to many, Jessica Bailey has helped make cruelty-free living easier for all! She’s the founder of Vegan Grocery Store, which stocks Australia’s widest range of vegan products (3500 and counting)! We admire Jess’s genuine desire to help people and animals and value the positive, tangible impacts she’s having in our community.
Lisette Armstrong, Treat Dreams
Life wouldn’t be so sweet if it weren’t for Lisette Armstrong. Vegan chocolatier and founder of Treat Dreams, Liz is an inspiration to all. She turned her side hustle into an award-winning chocolate brand and has won 25+ international awards!. What would we do without you Liz?!
Hannah Jones, Hanami Cosmetics
Making money was never the intention when Hannah Jones started The Vegan Box (which she’s now sold). Hannah simply wanted to help people discover new cruelty-free products and embrace a conflict-free lifestyle. Along the way, she founded Hanami Cosmetics, a proudly woman-run brand featuring non-toxic nail polishes and make-up. Thanks to Hannah, we no longer have to compromise ethics for style.
Kait & Jorgie, The Green Chef
Country girls turned entrepreneurs, Kait and Jorgie prove that anyone can transform their passions into a career. They create seasonal and dietary friendly ready meals at The Green Chef that are inspired by their own health journeys and desire to prove that sustainability doesn’t have to be hard work. Dream team right there!