Small Business Saturday: Shop Local

Small Business Saturday is an annual event that was created to encourage customers to shop locally in person and online at small businesses.

It is a day dedicated to supporting all kinds of businesses – from the corner store to your favourite restaurant and everything in between.

Since we are celebrating, here are just some of the amazing businesses that have come through Self-Employment Assistance over the years.

Nuthin Fyshy

Attention vegetarians and vegans, we have a business you will love! Kylie Pogorzelski and Erin O’Brien have opened the doors to a plant-based fish and chip shop in the heart of Leederville.

This Co-owner and best friend duo, have a passion for serving delicious, fish-free “fysh and chips” with the taste and texture of the real thing, whilst leaving the fish in the ocean and helping our planet.

You can learn more about Nuthin Fyshy here.

Blissbaby

There are not many more heart-warming sights than a baby sleeping peacefully. Sascha Hentz has experienced newborns struggle through the night and searched for solutions and found them.

BlissBaby is a family run business offering baby health products that help infants and parents sleep peacefully, so they can stay happy and healthy. Blissbaby stocks Relievers, Aspirators, and postnatal tea online, on Amazon, eBay, and selected pharmacies across WA.

You can learn more about Blissbaby here.

Italiana – The Mediterranean Deli

What do you get when you combine a passion for food and all things Italian culture? An Italian gourmet shop that features all the sounds, smells, colours and all! Ersilia Festa wanted to share the taste and joy of Italy and opened her doors right in the heart and soul of Fremantle.

Her business, Italiana – The Mediterranean Deli serves Italian specialties (such charcuterie, olives, bread, a small selection of Italian cheeses), traditional and gourmet rolls, Mediterranean salads, gourmet grocery and Italian rosticceria.

You can learn more about Italiana – The Mediterranean Deli here.

Ocean Ridge Tennis Club

Glen Popovsky has represented Western Australia in tennis on multiple occasions, as a junior player. His playing career lead him into coaching and creating his very own business, Ocean Ridge Tennis Club.

A tennis coaching business in the northern suburbs of Perth. They offer hot shot classes for children, adult classes, cardio tennis, development squats and private lessons. Glen has been coaching in WA and overseas for 25 years.

You can learn more about Ocean Ridge Tennis Club here.

Gallant Gift Co

After discovering that there is a large gap in the market when it comes to men’s gifting, Tess Malland and Brooke Ewens launched Gallant Gift Co. A business that creates fun and easy gifting solutions for only men with Australian based products that delivers straight to their door.

Their aim is to focus not only on men’s gifting made easy but to create important conversation around men’s health, community projects and the environment.

You can learn more about Gallant Gift Co here.

STACK’D KITCHEN

Ben Meek and Shatika Woolman have always been foodies, but a sudden redundancy in the midst of a pandemic gave them the push they needed. The duo decided to take the plunge into a life long dream of starting a food business.

STACK’D KITCHEN is a catering business that specialises in seasonal, gourmet, bite-sized bruschetta. Ben and Shatika thoughtfully craft each canape and are putting their twist on the classic Italian dish.

You can learn more about STACK’D KITCHEN here.

Sound Legal

Having a knowledgeable legal professional in your corner is hugely beneficial! One who understands potential challenges and can easily steer you in the right direction. Gemma Nugent launched her own business Sound Legal, as she is passionate about approaching commercial challenges in a structured, collaborative and pragmatic way.

Sound Legal is a contract and commercial law practice, delivering practical legal answers to engineers, construction contractors, consultants and SMEs. Sound Legal is a cut above the rest, offering efficient and practical legal solutions.

You can learn more about Sound Legal here.

Didier Walks

Ever wanted to walk part of or complete a world class long-distance trail? Didier Walks offers real guided hiking, consulting and mentoring experiences on the Bibbulmun Track. Western Australia’s 1000km trail between Kalamunda and Albany.

Didier Walks is a genuine backpacking experience, your life in your back. Providing the opportunity to breath in the fresh air, admire the scenery and experience an intense feeling of achievement whilst walking towards your perfect self.

You can learn more about Didier Walks here.

If you would like to find out more about self-employment and how we can help you start a business, check out our free Self-Employment Assistance program here.