Mums Making Their Mark in North Queensland is a series in which we celebrate the incredible achievements of local mums. The power to create and inspire is in all of us.
Here’s a glimpse into what drives and inspires mums making their mark in North Queensland.
There’s no limit to what mums can do, nor is there a right way to do it, and we certainly know that every experience is unique. So, here’s a glimpse into what drives and inspires mums making their mark in FNQ.
Krista Watkins
What do you do for work? 
I am the founder of Natural Evolution, and a group of companies that create sustainable circular economies. We purchase excess produce from farmers, use our patented NutroLock food technology, and create a range of innovative food, beverage and functional food items.
What motivates you?
Creating a change in the supply chain, market offerings and how we think about food. For the first time, farmers have the opportunity for large-scale food transformation of crops that would otherwise be discarded. We purchase that produce and transform it into nutraceuticals for our own brand, but also as bulk products for other food and pharmacy companies around the globe. We do the science and unlock the natural superpowers of fruit and vegetables.
What inspires you?
I firmly believe in leaving the earth in a better condition than when we found it. I’m a proud mum of two wonderful daughters and I want to be part of creating a wonderful future for them.
What do you wish people knew?
The benefit of exercise, healthy nutritious food and heaps of good belly laughs! Looking after yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself, your family and your community.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Be yourself. You can’t please everyone and you actually shouldn’t want to.
What are you doing to make a difference?
Waking up every day with a smile on my face, love in my heart and passion in my mind to create more positive opportunities that benefit the environment, farmers, people and animals.
Brina Keating
What do you do for work? 
Queensland Ambulance Service – Executive Manager, Cairns Operations Centre.
What motivates you?
Without a doubt it would have to be my family. I am a mum of four boys with one very supportive, understanding and patient husband, and one naughty chocolate labrador. I am able to do what I do because they know I love my job, my team and the community I serve.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is to watch others grow and learn. When I see someone deliver a baby over the phone, calm a caller in their greatest hour of need or just be that reassuring voice at the end of the phone.
What do you wish people knew?
It’s ok to show vulnerability, be uncomfortable before you feel comfortable. When I first stepped up as a leader, I thought I had to be a fearless leader that must be strong and resilient at all times. Once I started opening up about my struggles and how I overcame them, it just opened so many positive conversations and I have watched others grow.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Work life balance is so important. It’s ok to take ‘me’ time and not feel guilty. Relationships are key. Staff will do almost anything if you treat them fairly, value what they have to say and take time to know who they are. Make sure you work for an organisation that aligns with your own core values and beliefs as this is where you find true job satisfaction.
What are you doing to make a difference?
I openly share my experiences as a leader from major events such as cyclones, floods and multi casualty incidents so others can learn. I hope to show others that you can be a working mum and find the balance in life, even with significant challenges along the way. I also choose to give back to my community by volunteering as team manager for my son’s AFL team and showing my community spirit.
Gina Hogan
What do you do for work? 
CEO of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
What motivates you?
Working for a larger purpose motivates me. That can be from the people around me, my family, friends, colleagues or the community. Family is where my heart is and I find that I’m at my best when I’m making a difference. Whether it be a positive difference in the quality of my daughter’s lives or contributing to the community.
What inspires you?
Human stories inspire me. Watching my daughters grow, stories as to why people volunteer at the Queensland Hospital Foundation, why people make donations, why people have chosen their career paths or the stories of patients at the Hospital.
What do you wish people knew?
In addition to fundraising, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation operates a number of profitable commercial businesses that cover the foundations administration and operating expenses. Meaning every dollar donated goes where it’s intended.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
I always figured there was a certain formula to being a leader. However, it’s far more important to know who you are and understand your own values. Values are essential to being the kind of person you want to be, and to create a thriving and inclusive environment. One of the things I have learned over the years is that I am a far better person when I allow myself to be myself.
What are you doing to make a difference?
The work we do at the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Each day when I go to work, I know we are working towards the vision of having superior health care in Far North Queensland.
Kay Judd
What do you do for work? 
Mount Sheridan Plaza and Your Wardrobe Cairns
What motivates you?
People! I’m driven primarily by my desire to learn new things—big or small—and take on new responsibilities so that I’m constantly growing. I spent several years working in media and felt most fulfilled when really connecting with my clients. I love people.
Results. I like it when I have a concrete goal to meet and enough time to figure out a strong strategy for accomplishing it. Across all aspects of my professional and personal life, in the role I partake in full time, in the business I run, and as a Mum. I have a deep love for chocolate and dogs.
What inspires you?
Good people, they make me feel like I want to be better. I believe that even the smallest details can make a big difference. A smile can save a life. Be kind and do something nice for someone because it will make you feel great. Let someone in, in traffic and help an elderly person with their bags. You’d be surprised at how truly fulfilling this is. It’s become a kind of a running joke in our house that I will listen to anyone and at this point my husband starts saying, it’s time to leave in order to get some things done.
What do you wish people knew?
I lose my mind when my stomach is empty. Some noises can drive me mad. I have a “sixth sense” about people. I’m a good listener (but it takes its toll) . I have a huge lack of confidence. I would do most things for most people. I cry easily. Empathy is my superpower but also my nemesis.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Take the time and don’t rush. Time goes by so fast. Breathe, reflect and take a minute. You’ll look back and it will all be a blur. If you want to have a good life with a successful career, emotional satisfaction, and trustworthy friends you have to work hard. Luck can take you only so far and the rest is entirely up to you, the amount of effort you put in every day, and the ability to learn from your mistakes. Don’t think for a moment that someone else is going to fight your battles with the same vigour and devotion as you would.
What are you doing to make a difference?
Smile! Being friendly to others is a great way to brighten someone else’s day. Whether it’s whilst you’re doing your shopping, working, or simply walking along the street, a nice gesture like a smile could go a long way for someone having a bad day and you just never know what people are going through. Compassion.
I like to think I’m making a difference, I run local sustainable fashion events and not only saved thousands of items from landfill, supporting local and business, I have also donated over $14,000 to local charities such as The Pyjama Foundation, Ruth’s Women’s Shelter Cairns, Cairns Cupid’s Undie Run, Project Booyah Cairns, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Adopt Me Kittens just to name a few.
Assisting in recognizing women in FNQ in business through the CBWC and CBWC Awards.
Fleur Warner
What do you do for work? 
Managing Director of AdaptAd and Your FNQ
What motivates you?
I love helping businesses achieve and exceed their goals and being part of their team.
Advertising, marketing and communication is an integral but ‘fun’ component of ensuring a businesses credibility and viability.
I thrive on the challenge of creating and enhancing a brand’s image, finding the right words to convey their messages and the best channels to share them on.
Put simply, I love what I do!
What inspires you?
Advertising is a creative industry to work in so inspiration comes from all directions.
Sometimes it is sparked by a random life experience, sometimes it is just a desire to create something really unique. Creativity aside, I find working with a broad range of clients incredibly inspiring.. and educational.
What do you wish people knew?
Really good marketing campaigns take time to conceptualise and develop to reach their full potential. While we are exceptional at working under pressure and achieving miracles week in, week out, when we have the opportunity to give projects time to evolve is when we achieve the greatest results.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Accepting change is inevitable and embracing the ability to adapt is paramount to happiness and success in life, both personal and business.
What are you doing to make a difference?
I believe that opportunities to make a difference are around us each and every day.
Simple gestures like smiling at a stranger or complimenting someone out of the blue can totally change their day. Professionally I try to lead by example, my business is built on honesty and integrity as well as a lot of blood, sweat and tears. At a personal level, I am incredibly proud of my children’s interests in the challenges our planet faces and encourage them to contribute positively to making the world a better place for all.
Rachel Terry
What do you do for work? 
Artists Director of Box Jelly Theatre Co.
What motivates you?
Enhancing my community’s wellbeing through the power of creativity. I am passionate about the positive impact the arts can have on one’s wellbeing. How collaborating, creating and communicating builds connections and a sense of purpose and belonging.
What inspires you?
Seeing people connecting through the arts and being creative and expressing themselves. Bringing joy to people.
What do you wish people knew?
I don’t know what they don’t know, so I don’t want to assume to know more… next question.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Creativity is forward momentum and depression is inertia. I can’t feel down when I am creating.
What are you doing to make a difference?
Facilitating this intention through acting, movement and dance classes. We tour productions to primary and high schools throughout the community that align with this thematically. We create MainStage shows that speak to these values. We collaborate with different organisations in the community to assist them in presenting their agendas in a creative way.
Sarah Hill & Kassia Piva
What do you do for work? 
Creative Agency Directors at Vetta Creative
What motivates you?
Sarah: Ultimately, I enjoy helping people solve problems with creative solutions.
To capture, engage and grow our clients’ audiences through collaboration, strategy and creativity.
I am also passionate about growing the Creative Industries in North Queensland.
Kassia: I find the process of making something better motivating, which is why I was drawn to a creative career and to start my own business. Not only do I get to create something new or better in my work, I also get to provide a better environment for my colleagues.
What inspires you?
Sarah: My children, as they see the world with such fresh, pure eyes, their points of view are thought-provoking. It inspires me and reminds me to connect with my inner child when creating, as it often results in a more authentic creative solution.
My business partner/work wife Kassia inspires me every day in business, creative practice, and life. I am so lucky to work alongside and be supported by my best friend.
My colleagues/team as they are all so talented in their own right, although when we collaborate, the magic happens. They inspire me every day to be a better creative leader. My clients who trust me to help them market their business.
Kassia: My family is probably the biggest part of my inspiration and that is true for my actual family, my work family and work wife (Sarah). I am also very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive clients and business people who make me want to do better. My heart is full when we are collaborating and achieving great things together.
What do you wish people knew?
Sarah: We help clients top the competition by helping them navigate the digital landscape to captivate their audience with winning brand strategies and creative and emotive storytelling. Our creative agency is your full-service brand partner in consulting, content creation, creativity and digital marketing.
Kassia: That North Queensland has a great creative industry! Vetta was our way of employing talent and retaining these skills in the north for the benefit of our region. It’s our goal to educate and let businesses know that quality creative services exist locally.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Both: From the floods in 2019 and COVID in recent years, our biggest lessons have been in resilience and agility. Vetta is very agile, we purposely set up our operating systems to be able to work from home in the event of anything that could be thrown our way. So we have been able to work with clients remotely. We set up Vetta to be an environment where creatives could actually create and the clients could benefit from the collaboration of a whole team of multi-talented and multi-skilled creatives.
What are you doing to make a difference?
Sarah: Giving our clients strategic marketing, production and design services with local knowledge and context.
Kassia: Keeping creatives in Townsville.
Sally Milkota
What do you do for work? 
Recruitment Director, CBC Staff Selection
What motivates you?
I am motivated by setting and achieving goals, whether that is personal fitness goals, personal life goals or goals in business and beyond – I like to have something to work towards, however small that might be in this overwhelming world we live in.
When I had young children living at home, they were my motivation. Now they have left and are driving their own agenda, education, and careers, I have to look at our smaller day to day family unit of me and my hubby John and get my motivation there.
What inspires you?
I’ve had strong role models in my life, my parents and my brothers – and then since being married, my husband inspires me, and as my kids establish themselves and carve out their paths, they inspire me. Living in Cairns – I find inspiration in getting out and about – soaking in the fresh air, the beaches, nature etc It is hard not to feel inspired on a daily basis.
What do you wish people knew?
I wish people realised how their simple actions, both good and bad, really do affect those around you. A simple smile, a good morning, and a thank you – can make a world of difference to others, by being kind to ourselves and others – is so powerful.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
The most important lesson I have learnt is to be a good delegator.
I thought I could do it all, I thought that was how you got through life.
Through watching other successful parents, business leaders, mentors and friends, I realised that being organised is key, and delegating certainly helps.
I focus on what I love to do, I identify what I hate to do and I am terrible at (like ironing, housework, financial management, detailed projects….. and the list goes on) and I outsource as much as I can, which gives me time to focus on fitness, family and work.
What are you doing to make a difference?
My making a difference is not life shattering.
My goal when having kids, was to ensure they were brought up to be warm, caring, positive, respectful individuals – which is on track, then they can go on to make a positive difference to those they come into contact with.
As a business owner, I have always put my hand up to be involved. Years ago, I won an award at the annual Cairns Business Women’s Award Ball – and then I joined the committee to help organise awards – to encourage and support other women to celebrate their successes, I then went on to be President of the CBWC – which I would like to think made a difference to the club in a small way. The purpose of the CBWC is to celebrate women in business, and bring them together to network and be supported.
Since then, I have been involved in the Cairns Chamber of Commerce – recently stepping down after being President for the last two years.
I really love being involved in such organisations and hopefully I make a small difference.
Angela Nason
What do you do for work? 
Provide a gateway to feed our community 100% local fruit & vegetables grown on the Tablelands
What motivates you?
Understanding that the system has been broken for a long time when it comes to our local fruit & vegetables and knowing that we can do better as a community.
What inspires you?
Our local farmers! They are the hardest working & the most resilient people I know, especially when they get knocked down time & time again. The hoops they have to jump through to grow food to feed our population is time consuming, very costly and stressful. The continuous battle they have to deal with when it comes to bad weather events, a crash in the market or competing with overseas imports is terrible but they just somehow get up at the crack of dawn every day and try again.
What do you wish people knew?
The importance of supporting local, as it keeps dollars circulating within our local area, this boosts local businesses to grow and prosper and employ more locals. Food security is extremely important to understand – when the major supermarket shelves run bare there is no need to panic as there are many other local small grocers who can provide food that’s grown on our doorstep.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
That not everyone is going to support our mission and that’s okay. We get a few that order from us and see the ugly skins and completely freak out – they email us and say they had to throw the lot into the bin. It’s shocking that this is what it’s come to when people are used to seeing the pretty produce at the supermarket, that produce has had a lot of chemicals sprayed onto it to keep it looking that good. Real unsprayed produce can look very ugly – but it has a higher nutritional value, tastes better and is far better for your health. #eattheuglies
What are you doing to make a difference?
Well I’ve created a company that supports 100% locally grown produce, we purchase from around 70 local farmers throughout the year with their seasonal produce. We pay the farmers right on the spot and will take their second grade produce first – the stuff that the major supermarkets won’t take a second look at. This produce is premium underneath – the skin just needs to be removed and it’s no different to the pretty premium you will see on that supermarket shelf. This means that the farmer gets more in their pocket rather than sending it to landfill, our customers pay a cheaper price, the produce is fresher, has a higher nutritional value and lasts much longer.
Julie Dore
What do you do for work? 
Teacher, Speaker, Author ‘Prepping for School Success’, Business Owner ‘ListThisProperty.com’
What motivates you?
My children. I want to be better and do better for them. My parents did a lot for me and I pay this forward by doing a lot for my children. I want them to have a good life, full of experiences and fun memories. I don’t want to ever look back and say ‘I wish I’d done that’. I try to live life to the fullest and know that I’ve done all that I could during my time here.
What inspires you?
Working mums. The two words don’t seem to go together as easily as I thought they would, and it’s so hard to be good at both, and at the same time. So I’m inspired by all the working mums out there, just getting s*%# done. From mornings rushing kids out the door, to a day’s work, to rushing kids around in the afternoons, to a home-cooked meal, to night-time routines, then rinse and repeat!
What do you wish people knew?
That just because people look like they know what they’re doing, we’re all just trying to survive most of the time. We’re all human, we all make mistakes and a little bit of kindness and humour go a long way. I think if we all remembered these things, the world would be a much nicer place. It’s the Golden Rule, ‘Treat others as you’d like to be treated’.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
It’s hard to be brave and try new things, to put yourself out there to be judged, but it’s worth it. Nothing comes easy for anyone, and unless you get out of your comfort zone and try new things, nothing is going to change. Change is scary, but sometimes staying the same is even scarier. And also that my over-planning and overthinking always ends with me doing a good job.
What are you doing to make a difference?
Hopefully I’m making a difference in a variety of ways. In my teaching role, I want to make a difference in the lives of the children I teach. To help them become happy, successful and lifelong learners, who enjoy learning. Through my book, ‘Prepping for School Success’ and my presentations, I want to help parents, carers and educators make the most of the Early Years for the little people in their care. And because that’s not enough, through my new business ‘ListThisProperty.com’, I am making a difference in the lives of property sellers, by making the process of finding an agent to list contactless, simple and free.
Donna Mahoney
What do you do for work? 
Principal Practitioner Innate Therapies
What motivates you?
My motivation comes from the belief in the work I do and the children/adults I see that they deserve to live their best life. I see individuals who have been hurt in life by others and it is my role to help them heal, one of my beliefs is that I can not change what has happened to them, but I can change the impact it has on the rest of their lives, this is a big motivation for me.
What inspires you?
My clients inspire me, every day. They inspire me to always show up for work as I walk beside them through their healing journey. I am witness to a transformation of their strength and courage, the change in their view of self and seeing the world they live in as a safer place.
What do you wish people knew?
I wish people and society placed more value on our children as they are amazing human beings and deserve to be nurtured and protected. Through the valuing of children we would value parenting more and support and champion parents in the role in raising our next generation to be their best. I wish people knew to be kind to yourself and to be kind to others as you never know what they have been through.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
To keep going and to believe in yourself, even through those moments of self doubt enter your thoughts as those thoughts will pass.
What are you doing to make a difference?
It is my hope that every child, adolescent, adult that comes through my door feels valued and respected for who they are and that their worth is in no way measured by their past experiences. It is my privilege to help children, adults, and families to heal. My work is to assist clients to get rid of the emotional stuff that no longer serves them, which then in return makes way for them to see their beauty and strength that they hold within.
Rita Zappulla
What do you do for work? 
Financial Planner
What motivates you?
What motivates me is making a difference to the lives of small business owners and retirees. I like to help them achieve a financially secure retirement and help them reduce the stress of retiring and worrying about money and dealing with the mental challenge of no longer working. Love showing small business owners how they can start contributing to super now and make a difference to their future in 5, 10 or 15 years time.
I love being part of our local community and also being able to have a successful business which allows me to give of my time and money to help local charities and organisations.
What inspires you?
Making a difference to people’s lives. Love seeing clients 12 or 18 months later after our initial meeting and seeing how much head way they have made in reducing their loans or increasing their superannuation with only making small changes to how they save and spend money.
What do you wish people knew?
Not to go into debt for lifestyle and trying to keep up with the Jones’. By starting early to understand some simple financial planning strategies, you can reduce your home loan sooner, grow your superannuation and retire earlier than age 65. I like helping clients see they can retire at 55 or 60 years of age if they do the hard work while they are young.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Balance in life. Important to save for your retirement but also enjoy life along the way. Our family has been blessed. We have been able to pay off our home loan early and still have great family holidays overseas and in Australia. No price on enjoying family time and creating memories together. Also don’t stop learning. There is always a tip or trick to work smarter in all areas of your life.
What are you doing to make a difference?
I am trying to make a difference in helping small business owners understand how superannuation works and why it is important they are contributing as a minimum 10% of their drawings every year. So important they start saving early and treat themselves just like they would any other employee. Love helping small business owners achieve their goal of owning their business premises and showing them how to use their superannuation to help make it possible.
Tara Loudon
What do you do for work? 
Self Employed – Property Manager (Real Estate)
What motivates you?
My children. After going through a difficult separation 2.5 years ago, I realised there were two paths I could take. I could choose to be stuck, disappointed that the life I had envisioned had failed or I could choose to become the best version of myself and show my children that anything is possible.
At that time I realised I hadn’t been making my health a priority, both mentally and physically and I knew that in order to give my children and myself the best life we could possibly have I needed to make a change.
I set myself a goal to run Earl Hill in 6 months. I started by walking the hill three times a week, slowly but surely I would add a little bit of running into it. I can proudly say I was running Earl Hill within 5 months and I still run it regularly now.
I also started to think about how as a single mother I could have a career that allowed me to work from home and be there when my children needed me. I had run a successful bond cleaning business for 5 years but it meant that I was often out of the home and it made it difficult to work and juggle school commitments, sickness and all the things that go with being a parent. I had always dreamed of working in property Management but knew committing to a full time position outside of the home would be difficult to manage.
I reached out to a Company (Coronis) that was expanded throughout Australia. They have a vision to change peoples lives, particularly women and offered me a franchise to build a Property Management Business here in Cairns. I have the most wonderful mentors, who took on the challenge of bringing someone new to the industry.
What inspires you?
Learning!
Although I had plenty of experience in running a business, Property Management was still a new industry to me. I thrived in learning as much as I could and am eternally grateful for the amazing mentors who saw my potential and have encouraged me every step of the way. I am also in my final year of a Business Management degree which I have been doing for the past 4.5 year, in between having my children and running a business.
Learning comes in many forms, whether it be studying, reading a book, learning a new skill or simply challenging yourself to become better than the day before.
Another thing that inspires me is being outdoors. I have discovered a love for hiking and try to get outdoors as much as I can. This year I set myself a challenge to complete 22 hikes in Cairns. I started the #22in22hikingchallenge as a way to not only challenge myself but to encourage other people to enjoy the beautiful hikes we have in cairns, and to help foster connections with others and improve mental and physical health.
What do you wish people knew?
I wish people knew just how strong and capable they really are. Taking a leap can be terrifying but it can also be extremely rewarding. Too often we hold off from doing things, we use excuses “I just need to wait until…” etc. I’ve 100% been there, and I get it, it’s the safe zone. I challenge anyone reading this to write down a list of different goals they would like to achieve over the next year, make a poster and put it somewhere that you will see everyday. Start with the smallest one, it could be something as simple as having a green smoothie 3 times a week. Once you have achieved that goal, move onto the next 🙂
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
That my life is my own, I am responsible for my own happiness. Situations, experiences may happen to me but it is I who chooses how to feel or respond to them. This is still a work in progress and sometimes I need to stop and remind myself! (Always learning!). Alongside this I would say that for anyone that struggles emotionally or mentally, reach out to others! Whether that be someone close to you, your GP or the many wonderful services available. The same goes for if you notice anyone who is struggling, listen, point them in the direction of services that could help.
Have a chat with other parents at the playground, you never know who might really be feeling so alone and that chat just made their day. Trust me I’ve been that lonely parent before!
What are you doing to make a difference?
I hope I can inspire others to reach their potential.
I started the #22in22hikingchallenge to not only challenge myself but to inspire others to do the same. Seeing others happy and giving things a go truly lifts me up!
Becoming a mentor is in my 5 year goal plan! I would really love to help others with their business goals and I have started mentoring others who are doing their Real Estate License course.
Nicola Baker
What do you do for work? 
I’m a Registered Migration Agent but have established my charity Moyamoya Australia
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by helping make lives better for people afflicted with Moyamoya Disease. I set the charity up in September 2019 and have had a whole lot of success. We have our Aussie Locums Blue Tie Gala Ball in May, I have some announcements to make and we will find out a bit about what the $10,000 gift to Macquarie Neurosciences has turned into. I have people with Moyamoya Disease all around the country who reach out for help and the ability to provide that assistance and support really fills my cup. Every new person who has heard of Moyamoya Disease is another new set of ears, and the journey has been extremely motivating.
What inspires you?
Anyone who takes on a difficult battle, and turns it from adversity into a super power really inspires me. Being able to watch families doing some really great stuff with their lives, particularly those who face daily challenges, is super exciting.
What do you wish people knew?
I wish people knew that Stroke is not for the old, it can happen to anyone, at any age! I wish people knew what to do in the event of a Stroke. I wish people knew what F.A.S.T means, it could save a life!
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. You have one life, live the SHIT out of it!
What are you doing to make a difference?
With my charity, I have been able to send funds in the sum of $10,000 to Macquarie Neurosciences specifically to look at the genetic links between Moyamoya patients; statistics are vital to the ongoing early diagnosis! I have also been able to send a cash gift of $500 to families who have been going through difficult times because of Moyamoya Disease. The biggest thing I have achieved, though, is to spread the word of Moyamoya Disease. Many doctors have never heard of it, and I have found my purpose in sharing my story. I have recently been appointed as a member of the Childhood Stroke Advisory Panel, and today have found out that I am one of 3 finalists in the National Stroke Awards. I have an awesome story to tell, I bet you would love it!
Jes Panov 
What do you do for work?
SAHM and building a clothing label from the ground up!
What motivates you?
To be able to change my future and that of my kids by taking control of the things I can do now.
What inspires you?
Everyday women do what I call ‘everyday inspirational’ things to make their lives and those of others feel valued, supported, heard and loved.
What do you wish people knew?
That a simple kind gesture really does go a long way.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
That I’ll make so many mistakes but learn so much more by doing so, as long as i keep trying and moving forwards
What are you doing to make a difference?
Create a label with meaning and fill a much needed gap in the women western and workwear fashion industry. I’ve redesigned the common ‘work shirt’ to be more practical and versatile for women and our changing bodies, including the first breast feeding western work wear shirt. I have a few other designs that are a first for this style of clothing in development.
Using clothing as a common thread my vision and intention is simple.
To be more than just another clothing brand, I aim to create a movement of women; promoting connection together as a whole, whilst sharing our stories and knowledge. Doing this with complete compassion, zero judgment and nothing but support for wherever we may be on our journeys. Doing this empowers us as a collective & we are stronger individually.
My hope is that when you wear MummaBear, you feel that support inside of you, no matter distance, beliefs or approach to life, women are unstoppable when we work together.
It really does take a Village- and we see you as a part of ours.
Jana Gorski
What do you do for work? 
Naturopath
What motivates you?
The butterfly effect – knowing that when I help one person be the best version of themselves it flows on to all those around them. Those outcomes beyond what we initially set out to achieve – an opportunity at work, a shared experience with a child – something that was never envisaged at the beginning when things were tough that happened as a result of being in better health, really keeps me going.
I know those moments are on the other side for that person so when I come up against something I don’t quite understand in detail I need to help this person in the best way I can, I am like a dog with a bone – I will find that detail! That’s the approach people deserve when they are unwell and seeking help. I strive to be a trustworthy guidance so people can weigh the pros and cons of various options and make an informed decision for themselves.
What inspires you?
I know how hard making changes can be so when somebody rises to the challenge and they see results from those changes, I am inspired by their commitment to themselves.
The saying ‘you are what you eat’ inspires me to teach others about how to prepare nutritious, tasty food. When I eat something healthy and amazingly tasty, and see that same pleasure on the faces of the people I’ve fed it to, it inspires me to spread that love around! When my clients say “you know what, I never would have eaten/cooked/tried this before but… I actually really like it and the kids like it… and I feel great!” I am ready for the next challenge!
And the baby photos I receive from mothers who I’ve helped toward motherhood. Those little faces inspire me to keep helping women learn about how to connect with their bodies and create life!
What do you wish people knew?
I wish people knew what I know and how easy it can be to implement! All I want to do is teach others about how your body responds to your diet and lifestyle, how this ‘system’ works, how this treatment works. Knowledge is power and a comfort and a motivator! Whatever I know, I seek to communicate it in a way that is factual, easy to understand and usable.
I wish people knew how much money is spent on marketing and advertising to sell them over-priced, sub-standard food and products that do nothing for their health. I wish people knew what I knew so they could discern between dodgy and quality products or advice, so they could make a choice that will really help them.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Stop trying to “fix” people. There are those who surrender that sort of responsibility to you as a practitioner but the ones that make real progress do so because they trust you and feel empowered. Listen to their concerns, connect with them, be the teacher and watch them prescribe their own solutions.
Stay relevant. If you blink, you’ll miss the best way to help the person in front of you who might spawn the next peacekeeper! Commit to research for every client, even if you’re confident you know how to help them. You don’t have to be an expert in everything. If the condition is not your thing, it’s OK to refer.
What are you doing to make a difference?
I pass on my knowledge. Every day, I teach men, women and children how their bodies work, how to best look after themselves and what they need to do to become who they want to be in the world. Then they teach their children… and so on. In being the teacher, the signpost for someone who needs to explore options, with expertise and honesty I am a part of that journey to their best health and all they achieve with their life.
Jennifer Krsticevich
What do you do for work?
I’m a psychic and intuitive healer, spiritual/soul mentor and coach, and energy healing teacher. I help people reconnect back to themselves and their light so they can be who they want to be and live the life they want. I love seeing the transformation energy healing brings to people’s lives, so I don’t like to call it work 😉
What motivates you?
It may sound simple…but, just being with people. Feeling their energy, listening to their stories, admiring their uniqueness, seeing them be who they want to be. It lights me up.
What inspires you?
All the miracles in the universe (did that just sound corny lol). Also my son. He is my daily inspiration.After losing his dad, unexpectedly a couple of years ago, he has been the person that is always there for me, always being himself and wanting to still enjoy life, always wanting to help people and make sure they are okay…and he’s only 7!
What do you wish people knew?
How amazing each one of us are!
It is our uniqueness that is our superpower and our gift to the world. When we embrace our own uniqueness we allow others to do the same and we start seeing how each of us is special.
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Hmmm. that’s a tough one…there’s been a few lol
Definitely one of the biggest, that’s carried through my life time which I feel I’ve finally learnt, is to stop comparing myself to others and stop trying to be what or who other people want or expect me to be. It has held me back a lot in my life, often from some amazing things.
What are you doing to make a difference?
By being me and shining my light with the world, it allows others to do the same. I truly believe we all have something special to bring to this world and I love helping people be who they want to be in this life. Sometimes, it’s helping them through energy healing and providing guidance…sometimes it’s just being there for them, listening to them and giving Jen’s signature hugs. I feel blessed that I can be there and help people all the time, not just at work. xo
Jo Piggott
What do you do for work?
Partner in an Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration business
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my family, community and the environment we live in. We are surrounded by such beauty here in Cairns and are spoiled for choice. I mean who can say today I’m choosing to walk in the rainforest and tomorrow I’ll visit the Great Barrier Reef? Perfect motivation for a positive body mind soul.
What inspires you?
The ladies in Your Tribe inspire me. These ladies inspire me to continue building a community strengthened by connection through walking and talking. I love seeing these ladies’ confidence grow and doing things they never thought that they could achieve. I love seeing those smiles, that sense of achievement, that GOLD moment. When you feel good, when you have that sense of belonging you naturally get into life. Our tag is #positivebodymindsoul
The participation in all activities offered and the need and want has inspired me to continue learning for better outcomes for women’s Mental + physical fitness. I have commenced my journey studying health and fitness and CQ University.
What do you wish people knew?
I am quite quiet. I have days that aren’t great just like everyone. MM not really sure on this one sorry
What’s your biggest lesson learnt to date?
Its’ ok to say No. I am always open to helping and supporting others and sometimes I take on more than I should. I have been working on this by setting firm times of availability and being mindful of time out for myself. People have respected my honesty and appreciate and understand this. We all need that Yin and Yang balance in life. Yang for our endorphin activities and social events, and yin for our calming and relaxing activities or time outs. Although I still have to remind myself it is ok to say no.
What are you doing to make a difference?
I created a healthy supportive community for women through walking and connection in 2019, called Your Tribe. This group started with one weekly walk + talk along the esplanade. We now offer 4 weekly walk + talks, weekend retreats, social activities, hikes and fundraising events. Our group has grown to over 800 members and is continually growing.
I love that we all come from different backgrounds, age groups and yet we all just click.
Last year I took 20 ladies for our first weekend retreat to Magnetic Island. We entered the Great Island Trek, some walking 10km and others 22km. I helped train the ladies so they were ready and could enjoy this great achievement. In winter I organised a fundraiser “Winter Walkers” where it cost $50 per person for 3 months.
All proceeds went to local charity Stay in The Fight, which helps teenage girls on their journey with cancer. They make essential items bags of items needed in hospitals. We raised over $1500. For 3 months we met each Friday for a walk and there were 2 hikes per month. Our final walk was a day out on Fitzroy island. It was so good to see people step up and join in.
Last year I took over the “Let’s Chalk about Mental Health” which is run in the beginning of September inline with Suicide Prevention week. I had been asked by the organisers Zoe and David Strickland who commenced this wonderful community event after their son Elliott dies from suicide. The ladies in Your Tribe helped me organise and run this community event. We will be again running this event in September.
This year 2022 I recently took 24 ladies for our first Walk and talk retreat to the Atherton tablelands. It was a huge success. I am finding that there is a huge need for women in our community. In November I have a small group heading to Punsand Bay in Cape York to Walk + Talk to the Tip of Australia. I love our magical community of connection + support + encouragement through walking + talking
This year I was nominated for the Australia Day awards Citizen of the Year and also a nomination for the Cairns Regional Council International Women’s Day women of the year award. I didn’t think I was making as much of a difference as Your Tribe does.
At Christmas I popped some jars out with pieces of paper for ladies to pop a note in a bottle for the other women. I didn’t put out one for myself, however the ladies made me one. I was blown away by some of the messages. – Jo, Thank you for having me in Your Tribe. A few months ago I knew not one of these ladies, now I can’t imagine a week without them. Thank you for bringing us all together. The ladies always tell me that I do so much for them. I always remind them that they do so much for me too. We certainly have created an incredible inclusive and supportive community.
