Two out of three Bega finalists won silver at the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards, with all three finalists feeling enriched by the experience and gratitude for the recognition.
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Mia Maze from Mazey Consulting and Coaching won one silver award and Kay Saarinen silver awards in three categories.
The awards ceremony was held online on Wednesday night, September 8, where mothers in business countrywide gathered to support and celebrate each other's achievements.
Ms Saarinen won silver awards in the three categories of Sustainable Business, Handmade Business and Regional Business.
"It's not just a win for us, it's a testimony and a win for the whole community in the region, because without the local support, we wouldn't be able to afford to implement such sustainable practices," Ms Saarinen said.
Over the last 20 years, Ms Saarinen has been building up her business, Saarinen Organics and Skincare, on her permaculture farm in Wyndham.
She said it was the biggest awards ceremony for her yet and that it was an honour to be in a room "filled with inspirational women, hearing about their journeys".
Ms Maze said she felt honoured for receiving a silver award in the category of Professional Services.
"Bringing this award home for the region, is a legacy to the amazing talent that we are creating and building within our region," she said.
Ms Maze said being a solo entrepreneur up against larger organisations and other inspirational women in business had been an amazing experience for her.
Receiving the award has encouraged Ms Maze to continue shining the light on local women in business in the Bega Valley Shire.
"I encourage every single woman out there to consider just giving themselves the opportunity to enter these sorts of awards.
"So that they can also be recognized for all of their talents, and all of the amazing things that they do."
Meanwhile, Bega Valley healer Amanda Harris also attended the AusMumpreneur awards as a finalist, and although she didn't win she felt filled with gratitude.
"Being nominated and named a finalist in these awards has been a wild ride, I've been gifted with so many opportunities to share my story, to raise awareness about the importance of healing and mental wellness and I am so grateful," Ms Harris said.