Our Story

Winning the 2024 Australian Small Business Champion Influential Woman Award has been one of the most emotional and proudest moments of my life. When I heard my name announced, I was filled with pride, gratitude, and pure joy - not just for me, but for my husband, family, my amazing team, and every single customer who has supported Bella Venezia over the years. For me, this award is so much more than a trophy. It’s proof that passion, resilience, and hard work really can create something extraordinary. To all the incredible women running small businesses - take the leap, back yourself, and share your story. You never know who you might inspire or how far your journey might go. Believe in what you do, trust your vision, and don’t be afraid to step into the spotlight - you’ve earned it.

I am truly honoured to be named the 2024 Small Business Champion Woman Icon. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of female entrepreneurs who dare to dream and persist. I’m deeply grateful to my community, colleagues, supporters and family for their encouragement, and remain committed to empowering others and championing the spirit of small business. Thank you Steve Loe of Precedent Productions for this incredible honour. It motivates me to continue striving for growth, inclusivity, and excellence in all that I do.

I am truly honoured to have been recognised as the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Entrepreneur of the Year. Winning this award is not only a personal milestone but also a powerful reminder of the resilience, dedication, and passion that women in business bring to their work every day. The journey of running a business is filled with challenges, and at times it can feel overwhelming. That’s why being surrounded by such an inspiring community of women and receiving this recognition means so much - it’s a celebration of all our efforts. My hope is that this award inspires more women to back themselves, aim high, and know that even through the struggles, their hard work and vision can make a real impact.

Winning the 2024 Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur award was an overwhelming and unexpected honour. What began as a personal mission - deeply inspired by my sister, who lives with a disability, has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. Becoming an occupational therapist was never just a career choice; it was a calling to make a difference, to educate, empower, and help people ‘rise up’ beyond the barriers they face. Starting this business in 2020, while raising three beautiful children under the age of five, has certainly come with its challenges. But those challenges have shaped me and made me more resilient, more determined, and more passionate about building a future where people with disabilities and mental health conditions are seen, supported, and truly included. To have this work recognised on such a prestigious platform is not just a personal milestone - it’s a celebration of every individual and family we’ve supported, and a reminder that purpose-driven business can truly change lives.