27 Female-Founded Businesses In The Sutherland Shire You Should Know About
Let’s hear it for the girls
The Sutherland Shire is home to many things: beautiful coastline, fabulous food, coveted watering holes and nature-packed pockets. And here, in this little slice of beachside paradise, one category we exceed in is the representation of talented females kicking ass in the world of business.
From marketing to homewares and everything in between, these 27 humble women are out there breaking glass ceilings, climbing the corporate ladder and paving the way for others to follow. In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, we had the pleasure of getting to know them.
27 female-founded businesses in the Shire you should know about
Bronte Leghissa — Shire Scout & Scout Socials
After building a career in marketing and social media, Bronte captured a shining opportunity five years ago - during COVID-19, in fact. “After seeing so many businesses close or pivot during lockdown, I wanted to create a platform to share what was happening in the Shire while supporting local businesses,” she says. And so, Shire Scout was born. “I have learned that the spirit of collaboration not only strengthens our community but propels us forward. No matter your career, supporting other women, sharing ideas, and being open to opportunities will bring you a sense of empowerment that transcends individual achievements.”
Kirby Lago — Pelo By Lago
When asked, Kirby describes her journey in the hair industry as “quite the adventure”, which includes time spent training with industry leaders, directing editorial campaigns, owning salons and as a colourist to the stars, before landing herself Pelo By Lago five years ago. “As a female business owner in the beauty industry, the most valuable and important thing for me is creating a nurturing and empowering environment where women can thrive and break barriers,” she says. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our clients, and I look forward to many more years to come.”
Cony Henriquez — Cony’s
If you’re a fan of Cronulla, or of South American food, you’re probably familiar with Cony’s. But what you may not know is that its founder, Cony Henriquez, was once a manager in a beauty salon and a bilingual executive assistant for the Australian embassy. Then, while spending her days working at Grind Espresso, she found herself in a golden position when she was offered the opportunity to use the space at night. And so, after a renovation, Cony’s was brought to fruition. “I feel very grateful that the Shire community has welcomed me so warmly. Bringing my culture as a South American to Cronulla has been amazing. I'm also grateful to have an amazing supportive group of women around me, I wouldn't be where I'm right now with them.”
Abbey Cadell — Flour
“I genuinely didn’t set out to be a ‘female business owner.’ I simply set out to build something excellent,” says Abbey Cadell, co-founder of the Shire’s beloved Flour. Reflecting on International Women’s Day, Abbey acknowledges the shift happening in the hospitality industry. “Hospitality hasn’t traditionally been a women-led industry, especially at the ownership level, but that’s changing, and it’s exciting to be part of that change,” she shares. For Abbey, what matters most is how we lead – transparency, consistency, creativity, and community. “I lead by example and set high standards, but I also care deeply about the people around me,” she adds. “I’m proud of the women and men who make Flour what it is today. This business only works because of the people behind it. That’s what deserves celebrating.”
Kathryn Batty — We Are Mindful
It began in 2018 with the cheapest space she could find: 30 square metres in Cronulla. “Looking back, I didn’t have much of a plan. Instead, I took it one step at a time, learning as I went,” says Kathryn, who has since expanded and created a brand synonymous with the Shire retail experience. “We Are Mindful is an extension of myself. The more I gain confidence, embrace my style and share my passion with others, the greater the response. Owning a business has taught me that I am worthy, my interests are valuable, and I am deeply grateful for that.”
Elysha Vom Bruch — Oli’s Cafe
“I have always worked in customer-facing roles, but it was time spent studying fashion design that led me there,” explains Elysha, who was fresh out of study when she created her first business, Raw Edge Boutique, five years ago. Seizing the opportunity to embrace her other passion, food, when the sun-filled space next door became available, she and her partner opened local fave, Oli’s. “I love cheering on all the other amazing businesses in the Shire - especially those that are female-led. I think it's so important to always nurture a sense of community, not competition, in the business world.”
Nikki Lancaster - Grams of Health
Accredited Practising Dietitian Nikki Lancaster founded Grams of Health with a simple goal: to help people feel more confident, connected and relaxed around food. After seeing so many clients overwhelmed by rules, numbers and restrictions, Nikki wanted to create a space where nutrition felt practical, empowering and enjoyable.
Now five years in business, what started as a solo practice has grown into a team of five dietitians delivering a mix of dietitian consultations, NDIS-supported cooking and nutrition education, event catering and hands-on social cooking classes. Run from Niche Space in Caringbah, the cooking classes are our personal favourite, with a different theme always on offer, from tacos and tequila to pasta making. Equally fun as they are informative, Nikki says the goal has always been the same: “Food is about more than nutrition — it’s culture, connection and joy. We love creating a space where people can learn, cook, share meals and build a positive relationship with food.”
Laura Cullen — Baked Collective
For Laura Cullen, the journey to owning Baked Collective was fuelled by a lifelong passion for baking. What started in her home kitchen as Cakes by Capes in 2018, has now grown into a thriving business in Caringbah. “What matters most to me is leading with kindness, purpose and authenticity. I love supporting other local female-owned businesses, creating genuine connections within our community and giving back where I can". Starting and growing Baked Collective has had its challenges, but Laura has stayed true to herself. “There have been moments of self-doubt, but I’ve kept showing up and trusting my creativity,” she shares. And her advice for anyone thinking about starting their own thing? “Believe in your ideas, back yourself, and watch how far you’ll go.”
Alyssa Rae Clark — To The Core & Under The Bar
Running one business is a challenge, but for Alyssa Rae-Clark it wasn’t quite enough. “I opened my first training business in my parents’ garage at the age of 19,” she says. After building a client base, her second business, Under The Bar, and third, pilates studio To The Core, soon followed suit. “I have such a passion for training women,” she says. “Being surrounded by women who show strength in so many ways other than exercise is incredible. There's absolutely nothing we cannot do when we all support one another, that's for sure.”
Sheree Knobel — Bixie Colour
For Sheree Knobel, the owner of colour-specialist studio, BIXIE, the decision to build a business was as much a lifestyle choice as it was about career. “I had my second baby so I decided to open a salon closer to home in Caringbah for more flexibility.” Despite moving away from the CBD, Sheree’s client base - and following - went from strength to strength, thanks to a clever combination of social media and sheer talent. “We had people travelling from interstate and driving hours just to visit us. It was a wild and exciting time.” But if there’s one thing she’s learned through it all, it’s the importance of asking for help. “It’s impossible to do everything on your own. I have always outsourced when I needed to, which means that I, my clients and my team are getting the best support possible.”
Kylie Micola — Bobbys and Music Meadow Room
Three years in the making, Bobbys was born from Kylie’s vision to bring something fresh and exciting to Cronulla’s dining scene. “It’s been a long time coming, but the vision was always there — to create a space that stands out,” she says. For Kylie, it’s about more than just running a business, it’s about building something meaningful. “The most important thing to me is nurturing my relationships with my team, leading with integrity and heart,” she shares. Kylie is inspired by the growing number of women making waves in hospitality. “Supporting each other, showing strength, and embracing our femininity while doing it, that’s what it’s all about.”
Phoenix Kinghorn — El Rey
Phoenix Kinghorn, the owner of Cronulla's beloved Mexican restaurant El Rey, knows what it’s like to juggle it all. After spending 15 years in hospitality, Phoenix took the leap into business ownership when her first baby was just 12 weeks old. “Family is at the centre of everything I do. I’m a wife and a mother, and that perspective shapes both my leadership and my priorities. I have a deep passion for hospitality and customer experience, and I believe food has a powerful way of bringing people together.” Despite the challenges of balancing business and family, Phoenix takes immense pride in it all. “Strength isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard”.
Laure Naughton & Allyson Lukic — Ellae Cosmetic
Ellae Cosmetic opened its doors in September 2025, but for Laura and Allyson, the dream started long before then. They wanted to create a space where aesthetic treatments are not only accessible but welcoming and, most importantly, intimidation-free. “We felt the industry needed more warmth and transparency,” they say. “Everyone deserves to feel confident and cared for.” For them, building strong community connections is at the heart of it all. “The relationships we build with our patients mean everything to us.” Reflecting on International Women’s Day, they note, “Visibility and representation are powerful. You can’t be what you can’t see. Seeing so many women building businesses and chasing their goals is incredibly inspiring.”
Kerrie Ann Jones — Kerrie-Ann Jones Showroom
Kerrie-Ann has been bringing her love for interior design to life for 13 years, creating spaces that blend vintage, art, and contemporary style. “I feel most energised when curating spaces that tell a story,” she shares. For Kerrie-Ann, it’s not just about the design, it’s about building a business that reflects her values and vision. “Building a business that aligns with my aesthetic and standards has been empowering,” she says. And when it comes to business decisions, she trusts her gut. “Design is intuitive, and backing my instincts has been a powerful lesson.” With International Women’s Day in mind, Kerrie-Ann believes success isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Women can build businesses that are creative, commercially strong, flexible, and personal. Supporting each other makes us stronger as a whole.”
Elly Offord — El Botanical
“What’s most important to me is showing younger girls that you don’t have to follow the traditional path, like university, to be successful,” says Elly Offord, the face behind El’botanical. Elly’s journey into floristry wasn’t always clear, but after a moment of doubt, she used it as fuel to push herself even harder. “It was a turning point that showed me just how passionate I really am about floristry,” she shares. That spark led her to create El’botanical and, more recently, open The Bloom Bar in Caringbah. Reflecting on the strength of women supporting each other, Elly adds, “I’m proud to be in an industry led by women, building a business that uplifts and inspires others.”
Zoe Wall — Audley Dance Hall & Hazel Kitchen and Bar
“I never imagined I’d be here, but now that I am, I can’t imagine doing anything else”, says Zoe Wall, co-owner of Hazel Kitchen and Bar and Audley Dance Hall. “It’s been such an incredible opportunity to be part of this amazing community”, she shares. For Zoe, it’s all about creating spaces where people come together to enjoy good food and make memories. “Collaborating with and learning from other women has been a huge highlight too.” Recently, Zoe worked with Southern Water Legal to raise funds for The Family Co through events like Women Supporting Women. “Supporting each other is everything.”
Sammy Dorahy — In Balance Wellness
For Sammy Dorahy, the founder of In Balance Wellness and In Balance Education, building a business was about embracing growth, not comfort. “I had more in me. More to create. More to give,” she says, reflecting on her journey. As a mother and business owner, Sammy realised waiting for the “perfect moment” would mean shrinking parts of herself. “This business was born from growth and backing myself,” she shares. On International Women’s Day, Sammy celebrates the strength in supporting each other. “What matters most is how we lead — transparency, creativity, and collaboration,” she says. “Together, we can build powerful, supportive environments where women thrive.”
Brooke Jensen — Jensen’s
Brooke Jensen opened the doors of her very first venture, Jensen’s, way back in 2006. Since then, she’s proved herself a force to be reckoned with. “Leading a growing hospitality group makes me excited for the future. We are constantly building our team, and I’m proud to say that 80% of our leaders are women,” she says. “I am proud of what I have achieved as a woman in hospitality and am even prouder that our industry is now made up of 60% females working as ground level floor service, sommeliers, bar managers, general managers and hospitality business owners.”
Natalie Ettingshausen — Ettingshausens Performing Arts
As the daughter of long-running and much-loved local icon, Shire dance studio owner Kaye Thomas (a.k.a. ‘Miss Kaye’), a flair for performance runs in Natalie Ettinghausen’s blood. A background in primary education met her passion for dance, and Ettingshausens Performing Arts was born, followed by her second venture, Ready Set Dance, which sees her mentor dance studio owners across the globe. “I work to be a positive role model for women in business and mentor the next generation. More than anything, I want to demonstrate to my daughter that she can achieve anything her curious and creative mind can imagine.”
Tiarne Bova — The Yard
Helming a global business is no mean feat, but Tiarne makes it look like a cake walk - and she’s been doing it for 10 years, no less. “I started the fashion label ZALIAH with my mum, before co-founding THE YARD GYM with my husband, Dan,” she explains. Tiarne takes care of the marketing and front-of-house design, but underneath it all lies a passion for the women - and the mothers, in particular - that form a large portion of the pair’s clientele. “I believe in fostering a culture that promotes diversity, equality, strength, and empowerment.”
Bronte Hendricks — Stellar Experiences
“It is insane how fast it has gone by,” says Bronte Hendricks, who co-founded her business Stellar Experiences five years ago. Aiming to give young people with disabilities the same experiences as everyone else via social outings, Bronte started at just 22 years old alongside her business partner, Luke. “We wanted to create a community where young adults - no matter their disability - had the same opportunities to have fun, make friends, travel and try everything that life has to offer. Now we have over 550 guests operate in three states and a have a team of over 70 staff.”
Bree Peters — Bliss By Bree
“I always knew I wanted to work in an industry where I could make people feel good and have a positive impact on someone's day,” says Bree Peters, who founded Bliss By Bree 13 years ago. Although Bree spent years studying and training in Beauty Therapy, what really drives her is the power she holds to give people - women in particular - a break from the everyday. “The human touch is an extremely powerful thing - it's amazing how good you can feel after a treatment. Making someone feel wonderful is what our little salon is all about, and I feel so blessed to be around such amazing, strong women every day.”
Lauren Brenton — One Mama Midwife
Remember the height of COVID? Endorsed midwife Lauren Brenton certainly does. Seeing soon-to-be-parents entering the hospital system during the height of the pandemic without access to education sources fuelled a determination in her. “The inspiration behind One Mamma Midwife was truly just helping families get the support that they deserved - especially during COVID. It originally started as a free resource, but now I run antenatal classes both in person and online.” Despite the fact that Lauren herself is changing the game, it’s the mothers she works with that are her focus: “women are so bloody strong!” she says.
Bec Castle — Bec Bakes
Like many business owners, Bec started small, with a shared commercial kitchen three days a week. But now, settled in her very own Caringbah store, things look a little different. Shedding her background in journalism in favour of her passion for baked treats, Bec now enjoys the sweet life in more ways than one. “From the moment I started Bec Bakes I made a promise to myself that I was going to give this my all until my work spoke for itself and people knew who I was,” she shares. “The value of non-judgmental conversation with like minded ‘sisters’ on this roller coaster we have chosen to be a part of as business owners can never be underestimated.”
Becky Hutley — Hutwoods
What started as a passion for interior styling and home fragrance turned into a pioneering business when Becky Hutley launched Hutwoods in 2013. Drawn to the soothing crackle of wood wicks but unable to find them locally, she set out to create a unique product that could elevate everyday moments. Now, 11 years on and fresh from a major rebrand, Hutwoods continues to thrive, offering handcrafted candles and home fragrances that blend luxury with simplicity. As a mum of two, Becky is also passionate about creating flexible work opportunities for local mothers. “International Women’s Day is a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and strength that define so many women in business,” she says. “Together, we can inspire each other to carve our own paths and lead with confidence.”
Samantha Appel — The Skin Bar
When it comes to skin transformations, The Skin Bar has built a cult following — and for good reason. Founded by Samantha Appel, the brand has become synonymous with cutting-edge microneedling treatments that deliver serious results, all while championing a natural, non-toxic approach to skincare. What started as a single clinic has now grown into a nationwide empire, with Samantha recently opening her 10th location in Newcastle. With plans to expand even further, there’s no slowing down for this female powerhouse.
Raquel Bouris — Who Is Elijah
It’s been seven years since Raquel launched boutique, boundary-free perfume brand WHO IS ELIJAH, and she says it’s been nothing short of amazing. Her imaginative scents and knack for capturing various essences in fragrance form has grown her repertoire from one scent, HIS/HER, to an ever-growing list. “As a female business owner, what I find most valuable is the opportunity to empower and inspire others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Never take no for an answer. If you do get a no, you’re asking the wrong person,” she says.
Posted: March 2026