Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

International Women's Day

Joh McCloy

Boho on the Go

Joh McCloy and her daughter Trephina are a business dream team. Joh owns Boho on the Go, providing clients with meticulously crafted picnic and event experience, styled by Stylist Trephina. Boho on the Go was established in 2018 with a vision to offer a one stop shop that can cater for any event from a minimum of two people to large groups. They take the stress out of event planning, so all you need to do is turn up.

“We are passionate about what we do and bringing a smile to our customers faces is what makes us happy and keeps the business growing,” Joh said. “To transform our customers vision and bring it to life is what we do. We pride ourselves on offering a high standard of customer service with attention to detail and we think about the little things. We create everlasting memories for our clients.”

Joh is the one who will liaise with the clients to organise the event, the venue, platters or food (with the help of other local businesses) and anything else the client may need. She keeps the paperwork in order, updates the spreadsheets, handles customer feedback and makes event run sheets and then it’s over to Trephina, who creates the style based on the communication between Joh and the client and brings their vision to life.

“We both believe in great customer service,” said Joh. “All our clients know they will get value for money, quality hired goods and attention to detail.”

Joh’s clear communication and strong organisational skills help her in business and in life. She juggles Boho on the Go with working casually as a Registered Nurse and being a hands-on Nana to three grandchildren. Her and her husband are avid Harley Davidson riders and retired musicians, performing around the Mackay region as Raw Jam until last year. Joh’s passions are felt throughout her life, no matter where she is or what she’s doing.

Maree Franettovich

founder of CareerForce Australia

Maree Franettovich is the founder of CareerForce Australia, a local business that creates opportunities for individuals and businesses to further grow and develop, in alignment with their purpose. Whether you’re an individual returning to the workforce, starting your career or wanting to progress – they are your personal career guide. This includes from students to executives, both men and women, who are seeking support to navigate their career path. For businesses, if your organisation could benefit from developing your team’s potential and improved business structure, their aim is to give you the support you need as well.

Maree has a longstanding professional interest in regional capacity building, with a passion for business and people. Having applied her professional expertise across a diverse range of industries, including education, federal parliament, tourism, finance, health, agribusiness, recruitment, career development, transport and logistics, Maree is a highly sought-after consultant and board member.

Under the banner of CareerForce Australia, Maree spearheaded Leading Effective Action Program for Women in Regional Queensland (LEAP WRQ) – an initiative to highlight career opportunities for women in Bowen, Clermont and Biloela. Through place-based activities, the program showcases local opportunities and creates positive confidence-building experiences for women who don’t always see themselves with the required skills to achieve the career they want.

The goals for LEAP WRQ are to:

● Develop personal skills and capacities for employment readiness.

● Identify local leaders already present but potentially not recognised.

● Build local networks and create opportunities for work readiness activities.

● Provide tools and opportunities for participants to build connections that work for them.

Nearing completion, LEAP WRQ is well on its way to achieving these goals – thanks to a high level of engagement in these initial communities. Building on this pilot program, Maree intends to broaden the reach of LEAP WRQ to further impact regional communities looking for leadership building and professional development – offering a personalised approach to career guidance.

“Given the right tools, living in a regional area does not need to limit anyone’s opportunities. In fact, as well as having an enviable lifestyle, regional living can lead to even greater opportunities for those who have guidance and ambition on their side.”

Katrina Burt

Cherish Hampers & Gifts

Cherish Hampers & Gifts just celebrated its first birthday last month, and Katrina is proud of how far her business has come through working tirelessly to build strong relationships with local artisans and entrepreneurs.

Katrina works with numerous small businesses to fill her hampers with a diverse and unique range of products. She values the time, skills and passion that goes into her range of quality made stock.

"We have made it easy for customers to create their own hamper on our website. We work closely with them and keep them up to date at every stage of their order,” Katrina said.

Katrina wears many hats in her business, from packer to dispatcher and delivery driver. Her passion for gift-giving comes from her love of making someone's day.

As she explains, "Gratification in my career is knowing that I have helped make someone smile that day.

“I love helping my customers create the perfect gift for their loved one and I especially love delivering those items!"

Katrina is proud to be a woman in business, in a society which has grown to value the work women do in and outside the workplace.

“I am extremely proud of what I have been able to achieve so far with the support of so many others in our region,” she said.

“I am lucky enough to be surrounded by so many kind, hardworking and fearless women and I truly believe we can do anything we set our minds to.

“That being said I am also very lucky to have a supportive husband who has backed me through this entire process.”

Katrina loves seeing the joy that gift-giving brings to people. She also manages to balance her home life with her work, attending her little one's school events while running a successful business.

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