2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
I have always loved everything handcrafted. I love supporting small businesses and knew I wanted to see more of these small businesses succeed and go on to be a household name. After doing markets myself, as a Vendor, I noticed a lot of Vendors struggling with the social and sales side of markets, not to mention the time they had to put in for little return or the fees they had to pay out for a possible sale.
In March 2022 I embarked on my venture to offer a safe and inclusive space that was also affordable for Artisans. I wanted our focus to be on reuse, repurpose, recycle, eco friendly and sustainability in small handcrafted businesses local to my region of the Fleurieu Peninsula, to allow them the freedom of showcasing and selling their products without them losing downtime so they are free to continue their craft & enjoy their family time.
On the 1st of May 2022 I opened the doors to Harbor Collective on the Fleurieu with 13 small local businesses, we have now grown to our shop capacity of 34 small businesses, 33 of which are owned, created and managed by woman local to the Fleurieu and Hills. As a collective we have seen a huge growth in local support for all things handcrafted. I am proud to be able to share these businesses with our community and visitors.
// Favourite inspirational quote
The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Serena Williams
// Let’s get to know you
I’m a wife and mum or 4 amazing boys, & Meema to 3 grandkids. We live on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula & love the wonderful community we live in.
I grew up in SA & in 1999 we had the opportunity to move to Qld for work where we lived for 16 years. In that time, I worked in several different jobs including childcare, retail, beauty therapy & office management. It was in my years as an office manager that I really grew my skills of marketing & management. The company comprised of 5 business under one banner with numerous international business relations. My role was to manage, organise & oversee these businesses including site management of their landscaping yard and restaurant.
Sadly in this time my husband & I lost 3 boys before they could enter this world. Having no family around was tough, but we worked through our pain together, growing stronger & eventually our family. It was then I knew that somehow, I wanted to help other woman become strong & independent with kind, caring & non judgmental support.
We returned home in 2013 to be closer to my parents & it was in 2021 that the road to supporting others became apparent when I met so many woman struggling to grow their businesses in our region. Markets were not enough to help them grow & I knew I needed to help. In 2022 Harbor Collective on the Fleurieu opened & has made a huge change for so many small business owners.
As of this month we are renovating our shop to offer space for our Vendors to run workshops to help them build their confidence & income. We are excited to be launching our Preloved Style Room early in April 2024.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I don’t believe I stand out, but I do believe that by supporting other small businesses and giving them the guidance to grow as individuals has definitely not gone unseen. I believe kindness is the most important thing we can share and show, and it’s free!
I want to show as many small business owners that if they dream it, they can achieve it. To believe in themselves and not listen to those that place negativity on their lives. I love creating an environment of likeminded people who can come together and collaborate with each other to help raise each other up. After all it’s one of the easiest things we can do and may make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.
// If you could share one takeaway from your business or career journey, what would it be?
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Get in touch with Bridget:
Website: Harbor Collective
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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