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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’m Kirby Stott, ‘the builder’s wife’! Together, my husband Klint and I have grown Stotty’s Building from scratch to a leading building company in the Eyre Peninsula. We’re dedicated to helping our clients achieve their visions through innovative design and exceptional customer service. We are a dynamic team, and we are well-known for our distinctive design values and quality workmanship. I oversee the marketing, advertising and personalised service.
In addition to my role at Stotty’s, I am launching my brand-new business venture this year which is called Inspired by Nature SA. This business combines my appreciation for the earth, nature and organic goodness with my passion for bringing a pure, quality product to Australian families. I will be offering a unique line of children’s sleepwear which is 100% certified organic cotton. I have created this product as a legacy to my late mother Marion and I am beyond excited to launch it in 2024.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” Oprah Winfrey
// Let’s get to know you
I have lived my whole life on the Eyre Peninsula, and I am inspired by this region and all its natural wonders. This southern tip of South Australia has incredible amounts of native vegetation, breathtaking beaches, and untouched national parks. I started my career in a marketing role with Calypso Star Charters (shark cage diving) in Port Lincoln. While promoting this tourism experience, I found that I enjoyed connecting with people and offering great service. After marrying Klint in 2011, we started our business together with the aim of providing quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. It’s been immensely fulfilling to see our company grow from 2 to 20 employees and become a part of the incredible Eyre Peninsula community.
You will often find me onsite capturing the carpenters in action with our amazing photographer, running errands for the business or working in our home office to be near our 2 beautiful daughters, ages 9 and 11.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am the proud founder and owner of Inspired by Nature SA. My entire vision and inspiration for this business came after the sudden passing of my mother Marion. I wanted to create a tribute to her and to give back to the incredible earth we live on. A true environmentalist, my mum had a passion for protecting native vegetation. She developed her business Eyre Native Seeds by collecting seeds from native plants. Over 30 years, she replanted the seed into tube stock, bulk seed sales or direct seeding projects. Marion was a well-respected and integral part of replenishing the native vegetation in the region after several bushfires and land clearances. Mum cherished the earth and a favourite gift for her granddaughters was natural, breathable cotton pyjamas which the girls always loved. I later discovered that organic sleepwear is actually hard to find, and a lot of our kids’ sleepwear contains harmful synthetic chemicals. I don’t think this is good for our children or the environment, so I found a gap in the market that I wanted to address. Another aim of my new venture is to be carbon positive by planting native trees across Australia to give back to the earth, thus continuing my mum’s huge contribution to native vegetation over her entire lifetime.
// What is your goal or intention for the year? And how are you going to achieve it?
I am so motivated for life and continually grateful for all the support of my incredible family and friends. I am an advocate of positive change and growth in every aspect. My mum always inspired me with her unwavering love and strong work ethic, and I hope to inspire other women who may have a business idea but are not sure how to begin. This last year has seen me go out of my comfort zone—digging into the world of international manufacturing, starting with an idea and producing a market-ready product, making sure the numbers stack for a viable business. It has been intense and challenging but I have found joy in being able to fill a gap in the market with this authentic product plus continue my enjoyment of marketing and building a strong brand. For the year ahead, I will continue to grow Stotty’s with our award-winning custom homes and work spaces as well as get ready to launch my passion project.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean for you?
I am so motivated by women who are building their businesses, working toward their dreams and giving back to the community. It would be an absolute honour to be recognised as a part of this group. I love the idea of women helping women and inspiring girls in the next generation. I think women have a truly unique perspective that we bring to our businesses and as SA country women, in particular, we have a connection to our state, its history and nature which is distinct from other parts of Australia. I would be so pleased to have the opportunity to reach a broader audience and I would be excited to connect with other SA women business owners through this network.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I would like to see more SA women and girls celebrated for their diversity and their own personal achievements. I would like to see a future with more educational, career and sporting opportunities for women. I believe in the statement, ‘if she can see it, she can be it.’ More women leaders in government, media and business will show our girls what is possible and promote more respect for women and girls. We can all support each other by using positive language, speaking up against gender stereotypes that hold us back, promoting education for girls and encouraging our girls to be independent, confident and to dream bigger than they ever thought was possible!
Get in touch with Kirby:
LinkedIn: Stotty’s Building Pty Ltd
Stotty’s Building Website: www.stottysbuilding.com.au
Inspired by Nature Website: www.inspiredbynaturesa.com.au
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.