Sparking Regional Joy

In the next 150 episodes of Sparking Regional Joy, you’ll be hearing from each of the women featured in our upcoming 'Women in Business issue. In these episodes, you'll be hearing about their business, their life, and how they turned crisis pain into crisis fuel and were able to move forward stronger and wiser.
In this episode, you'll meet our first guest Kylie Wilks from Felt and Stone Design in Inverell.
Building or renovating a home is a dream come true for many people. But it is actually much more overwhelming than you might think. The choices that once seemed fun can become daunting as they pile up on top of each other. People begin to wonder if they’re making the right choices; how will they know their choices will look good together or if they are getting the best value for the products they are choosing, and so on.
Kylie and her husband Dan started their own building business 15 years ago, where Kylie worked by his side as CEO of the business and their life. In this role, she learnt a lot about the process of the pre-build stage and the lack of information to help a client through the build process.
She loves the design side of a build as well as taking clients through the never-ending selection process.
If you are embarking on the journey of building your dream home (or even renovating the one you’re in), and don’t have room for another part-time (and sometimes full-time job), then Kylie is here to help you make the process more seamless, less stressful and less time-consuming.
And when you’re making one of the biggest investments of your life, hiring someone with the services Felt and Stone has to offer, is a small price to pay in guaranteeing you, that you will end up with the home you always dreamt of. And as a bonus, your builder will still want to talk to you once it’s all done!

Sparking Regional Joy is a podcast produced by Downtown Magazine and Hosted by Anna Davis.
Sparking Regional Joy is proudly brought to you by Partner Now Property Tamworth. It’s their unique personalised approach that gives their clients comfort in knowing that they understand that it's not just a property decision they’re making but a life decision. Partner Now is a family of passionate individuals with a deep desire to support their community and the people within it. Head over to their website, pnre.com.au, to find out how they can support your property journey every step of the way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this episode. Head to Instagram Sparking Regional Joy or Facebook Page Sparking Regional Joy if you would like to contact us or have any questions or feedback about this episode; we’d love to hear from you.

Til next time, we spark regional joy. Thanks for listening.

In this episode, joining me to spark regional joy is another inspiring woman, Kylie Duncan, the visionary owner of The CosMedic Collective. Kylie, a Sydney native turned Orange local, noticed a gap in the medical cosmetic industry upon her move to regional NSW. With resilience, care, and honest dedication, she established The CosMedic Collective, a pioneering clinic on Byng Street in Orange. This clinic, open for just over 2 years, now offers over 115 services, embodying the spirit of a true collective. It's a space where women entrepreneurs, like Ann from Urban Body and Alisa, a talented dermal therapist, flourish under one roof, providing complementary services to the core medical cosmetic offerings.

The CosMedic Collective stands out for its holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Run by a team of female nurses and diploma-qualified clinicians, it offers a unique, full-face treatment experience. From makeup and skincare to deeper structural treatments, each service is tailor-made for individual clients, ensuring a personalised and empowering experience.

In this episode, Kylie opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the misconceptions surrounding the medical cosmetic industry. Her story is not just about overcoming stigma and financial hurdles but also about creating an empowering and supportive environment for both her clients and her team. She emphasises the importance of medical cosmetic procedures as a part of self-care and the joy of helping clients feel confident and beautiful.

Listeners can expect an inspiring conversation filled with candid insights into the world of medical cosmetics, entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of community support in regional business success. Kylie's journey is a testament to the impact that passion, resilience, and a caring approach can have in transforming a vision into a thriving business that truly sparks regional joy.

If you’re looking for a group of health and beauty professionals who work together to make you feel and look your best, then head to The CosMedic Collective website at cosmediccollective.com.au

And to keep up to date with the new and exciting treatments they offer, follow them on Instagram @cosmedicollective.

Sparking Regional Joy is a podcast produced by Downtown Magazine and Hosted by Anna Davis.
Sparking Regional Joy is proudly brought to you by Partner Now Property Tamworth. It’s their unique personalised approach that gives their clients comfort in knowing that they understand that it's not just a property decision they’re making but a life decision. Partner Now is a family of passionate individuals with a deep desire to support their community and the people within it. Head over to their website, pnre.com.au, to find out how they can support your property journey every step of the way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this episode. Head to Instagram Sparking Regional Joy or Facebook Page Sparking Regional Joy if you would like to contact us or have any questions or feedback about this episode; we’d love to hear from you.

Til next time, we spark regional joy. Thanks for listening.

In this episode of @sparkingregionaljoy we introduce Mel Watson, the trailblazing Founder of 'What Mellie Did Next' and 'The Zest Collective'. Infusing her businesses with intelligence, kindness, and a collaborative spirit, Mel stands out as a dynamic force in the wellness industry. Her journey is not just about entrepreneurial success but a passion for mental health and workplace wellbeing.

What Mellie Did Next is not your typical well-being membership. It's a unique fusion of practicality and indulgence, designed specifically by women, for women. The core of this initiative is threefold: meticulous Planning, Expert Wellbeing Advice, and indulgent Self Care. Each month, members are delighted with new digital resources and a self-care box thoughtfully curated with the input of guest experts, enhancing its relevance and impact.

Mel's journey wasn't always aligned with the wellbeing industry, but her longstanding interest in people, mental health, and workplace wellbeing carved the path to where she is today.

In this episode, Mel will share her insights on balancing work and life, redefining success, and the importance of self-awareness and building a supportive network for female leaders. Her journey will inspire listeners, from navigating early career challenges to launching 'What Mellie Did Next' and earning accolades for her exceptional work.

Additionally, Mel will delve into 'The Zest Collective, ' her latest endeavour to enrich women's lives. It's a multifaceted membership offering diverse levels of engagement, from digital resources and expert masterclasses to indulgent self-care boxes.

It is an episode about a journey that epitomizes joy, celebration, and the remarkable impact of pursuing one's passion with purpose.
If you want to start the new year right with a gift to yourself of ‘self-care’, or maybe you have a friend or loved one who could use some TLC, head to her website whatmelliedidnext.com.au

You can also follow What Mellie Did Next and The Zest Collective on Instagram @whatmelliedidnext and @thezestcollective

** Please note that this episode was recorded in the second half of 2023. Some events may have passed, but you'll find all relevant links above. **

Sparking Regional Joy is a podcast produced by Downtown Magazine and Hosted by Anna Davis.
Sparking Regional Joy is proudly brought to you by Partner Now Property Tamworth. It’s their unique personalised approach that gives their clients comfort in knowing that they understand that it's not just a property decision they’re making but a life decision. Partner Now is a family of passionate individuals with a deep desire to support their community and the people within it. Head over to their website, pnre.com.au, to find out how they can support your property journey every step of the way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this episode. Head to Instagram Sparking Regional Joy or Facebook Page Sparking Regional Joy if you would like to contact us or have any questions or feedback about this episode; we’d love to hear from you.

Til next time, we spark regional joy. Thanks for listening.

In today's episode of 'Sparking Regional Joy', we are thrilled to introduce Tash Davis, Pebbly Path Rocky Road's passionate and empathetic founder. Tash's journey from nursing through the stress of COVID-19 while pregnant to launching her own business is a story of resilience and determination.

Tash's venture, Pebbly Path, offers a unique twist on the traditional rocky road, infusing it with locally grown ingredients and presented in 100% home-compostable packaging. This shift from healthcare to entrepreneurship was driven by her love for food and her desire to escape shift work's demanding nature. Her creation, born out of a dissatisfaction with the mundane offerings in the market, quickly gained popularity, leading her to the Mudgee farmer's markets with her two young children.

Owning Pebbly Path has allowed Tash to immerse herself in the Mudgee community, building friendships and a network that contrasts her isolated life as a nurse. The journey, however, hasn't been without challenges. Transitioning from a structured environment in nursing to the unpredictable world of business, Tash had to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship from scratch, especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Balancing her role as a business owner and mother, Tash exemplifies the modern 'juggler', constantly striving to maintain harmony between her professional and personal life. Her journey is marked by continuous learning and adapting, a testament to her strength and dedication.

Inspired by influential women like Cherie from The Digital Picnic, Amy from Confetti Rebels, and Pip from Jumbled, Tash is driven to create a workplace that values and supports its employees, mirroring her inspirational figures.

In this episode, listeners will dive deep into Tash's inspiring story, learning about her vision for Pebbly Path, her approach to work-life balance, and her aspirations for the future. Her favourite quotes, reflecting her philosophy on life and resilience, perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Pebbly Path Rocky Road. Join us as we explore the journey of a woman who turned her passion into a thriving business while making an impact on her community.
If you’re anything like us and think that life's too short to waste calories on lack-lustre snacks, head to her website pebblypath.com.au, and if you love a bit of food porn, follow Pebbly Path on instagram @pebblypath_rockyroad - it’s pure delight for all those rocky road lovers, but without the boring bits.

Sparking Regional Joy is a podcast produced by Downtown Magazine and Hosted by Anna Davis.
Sparking Regional Joy is proudly brought to you by Partner Now Property Tamworth. It’s their unique personalised approach that gives their clients comfort in knowing that they understand that it's not just a property decision they’re making but a life decision. Partner Now is a family of passionate individuals with a deep desire to support their community and the people within it. Head over to their website, pnre.com.au, to find out how they can support your property journey every step of the way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this episode. Head to Instagram Sparking Regional Joy or Facebook Page Sparking Regional Joy if you would like to contact us or have any questions or feedback about this episode; we’d love to hear from you.

Til next time, we spark regional joy. Thanks for listening.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Jessica Hickman, a remarkable force in the realm of workplace culture and business success. Jessica, who now calls Orange home, originally hails from Wales and has spent the past decade working with businesses across Australia, helping leaders foster positive change and development.

Jessica is the founder of Bullyology and The Upstand Academy, where she has been at the forefront of driving change through professional development, education, and advocacy. Her work has taken her around the globe, delivering impactful training and keynote presentations in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. She's also a published author with two influential books to her name: Bullyology: Breaking the Silence on Bullying and The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture.

We delve into Jessica’s motivation behind starting Bullyology and how her personal experiences with workplace bullying led her to create a business that shines a light on toxic behaviours and promotes thriving, supportive workplaces. We’ll explore her most memorable moments, including the launch of her second book, and the extensive research she’s conducted to develop her unique methodologies.

Jessica shares her insights on self-care and mental health, which are crucial aspects for anyone juggling the demands of leadership. She opens up about her strategies for maintaining balance, from meditation and yoga to seeking mentorship and investing in personal growth.

We also discuss the challenges female leaders face today, with Jessica offering heartfelt advice to the next generation of women in leadership. She emphasises the importance of authenticity, kindness, and leading with heart, alongside a realistic look at issues like gender-based harassment and the pervasive tall poppy syndrome in Australia.

Jessica’s journey is a testament to turning adversity into a superpower. Her mission to build a generation of upstanders and end unnecessary human suffering is nothing short of inspiring.
Visit Jess’s website, jesshickman.com, to learn more about her impactful programs and resources. Follow her on Instagram, @jessicazoehickman, for daily motivation and updates on her latest projects.
CLICK HERE to purchase her books, which are essential reads for anyone looking to foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace.

Sparking Regional Joy is a podcast produced by Downtown Magazine and Hosted by Anna Davis.
Sparking Regional Joy is proudly brought to you by Partner Now Property Tamworth. It’s their unique personalised approach that gives their clients comfort in knowing that they understand that it's not just a property decision they’re making but a life decision. Partner Now is a family of passionate individuals with a deep desire to support their community and the people within it. Head over to their website, pnre.com.au, to find out how they can support your property journey every step of the way.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this episode. Head to Instagram Sparking Regional Joy or Facebook Page Sparking Regional Joy if you would like to contact us or have any questions or feedback about this episode; we’d love to hear from you.

Til next time, we spark regional joy. Thanks for listening.