A single Melbourne mother passionate about being able to combine her business and family, is celebrating today after winning an Australian Home-Based Business Award.Melissa Khalinsky, founder of the highly successful Business Mums Network, was named winner of the Business Services category at a presentation at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank, on Friday night.
Her sons, seven-year-old Nathaniel and five-year-old Zachariah, were on hand to help their mum mark the occasion when she returned to their East Oakleigh home after the presentation.
“It means so much to me to share this award with my two boys. After all, having quality time to share with them while running my own business was the reason I started the network in the first place,” Melissa said.
“I wanted help and advice when I started out and set about creating the network to support business mums like myself.
“The boys help me out with the network during school holidays, counting stock and shredding, so it’s a real family business!”
“It was such a complete surprise to win, but I’m thrilled we did!” she added.
This award comes just after Business Mums Network celebrated its seventh birthday and proves the importance of such a network in Australia.
Melissa started the network in July 2002 after being turned away from a business networking function because she couldn’t bring her six-week-old baby.
“I was told by ‘experts’ that if I wanted to run a successful business I would have to put my kids into childcare and work 9-5,” Melissa explained.
Instead Melissa grew her network, which now boasts more than 200 members nationally and a database of more than 2000 business people.
Network members support and mentor each other via the website, interactive forum and events. Business Mums Network also holds an annual conference to give members access to great business experts and the chance to meet and network in person. It also publishes Business Mums Magazine, the only magazine catering specifically to the unique needs of business mums.
The Australian Home-Based Business Awards are designed to showcase innovative businesses and are run as part of the Australian Business & IT Expo (ABITE).
For more information about Business Mums Network visit www.businessmumsnetwork.com.au
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us
Congratulations Melissa on winning an Australian home-based business award, and on the seventh birthday of Business Mums Network!!