Melbourne’s Danielle Price is the founder of professional women in business organisation, She Will Shine.
She Will Shine combines the practical, structural business advice needed and offered in formal incubators (on finances, digital marketing, crowdfunding etc.) through seminars with personal support and authentic networking events.
Research shows that this combination is important – a report from the Economist’s Intelligence Unit found connections made via informal communities or activities are a more important form of support for entrepreneurs than incubators, accelerators and government agencies.
Tell us about She Will Shine.
She Will Shine is a membership-based community for all female business owners, providing genuine support and connections through small group sessions, educational workshops, an online support group and co-working.
What inspired you to start She Will Shine?
Through my own business owner journey (as a graphic designer) working from home, I experienced first hand how isolating it can be. I had no support crew in my corner to chat about how the business was going, what my goals were for the future, or how I was feeling when times got tough. I came to realise how much I craved connection with other female business owners who were going through the same challenges, and started a side project, which has now evolved into the She Will Shine community.
Tell us about your career and background.
After working in design and advertising agencies for ten years, I decided I needed career flexibility for the family I was planning in the future. As a graphic designer I started my own business from home. Although the business was doing well, I experienced isolation and disconnection from the outside world. The seed was then planted for a side project to connect female business owners. It began as an online directory but as time passed the evolution began. In person events were added, as well as workshops and an online support group. Two years ago I said goodbye to graphic design, and decided to pursue She Will Shine to its full potential. It was the beginning of a new era with a physical space becoming our community HQ in Melbourne. Since its opening co-working has been introduced, and it’s the very first permanent all-female co-working space in Melbourne.
Describe a typical day for you.
A typical day starts with the morning rush to get out the door and then I get to escape to my work oasis at She Will Shine HQ. Once I’m sitting at my desk with a cuppa it’s time to welcome co-workers and plan for upcoming events. Then there’s always meetings, emails or calling She Will Shine members to catch up and see how they are going.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Have a tribe of people who are not just behind you but also beside you on your business journey. Those who you can be completely honest with when it gets tough, and those that will celebrate your wins with you no matter how small you think they may be.
What’s next for you, and She Will Shine?
She Will Shine is a community for all Australian female business owners. We’ve just appointed a Brisbane Ambassador and are planning an in-person event up there soon, and I’d like to take in-person events into other capital cities and regional areas throughout the country.
