changing societal attitudes, supportive policies, and technological advancements, Australian women are making remarkable strides in the business world. In 2023, these fierce entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules and leaving a lasting impact on various industries. We take a look at five inspirational women in business who have blazed impressive paths in business.
Katie Page (Harvey Norman) Net Worth: $80 million; Harvey Norman revenues – $2.547 billion
Named 4th in ABR’s list of “50 most powerful women in business” 2015.
Katie Page, the CEO of Harvey Norman Holdings, has proven herself as a powerhouse in the retail industry. Managing a network of 277 stores in eight countries, Katie's influence extends far beyond her business. She is an active promoter of women in sports, and her advocacy has made a significant impact on female representation in sports leadership roles.
Janine Allis (Boost Juice) Net Worth: (upwards of) $66 million; Retail Zoo revenues – $350 million
Janine Allis' journey from selling juice from her home to building an empire of 550 Boost Juice stores worldwide is truly inspiring. Not only is she a successful entrepreneur, but she is also the part-owner of Retail Zoo, the parent company of Boost Juice, Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill, Betty’s Burgers, and Cibo Espresso.
Melanie Perkins (Canva) Net Worth: $6.5 billion
Melanie Perkins, the CEO, and Co-founder of Canva has taken the tech world by storm. Canva, an online design and publishing tool, is valued at an impressive $40 billion in 2021. Melanie's vision and leadership have played a pivotal role in Canva's incredible success.
Kayla Itsines (Sweat App) Net Worth: $64 million
In the Times list of “30 most influential people on the Internet” 2016.
Kayla Itsines has gone from being a personal trainer in Adelaide to creating one of the world's most successful fitness apps, Sweat. At just 29 years old, Kayla's entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of leveraging technology to build a thriving business.
Diana Williams (Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs) Net Worth: Turnover more than $75 million/year
In 1989, Diana Williams was a stay-at-home mom in Melbourne when she realized the need for a female-only gym. She opened her first gym in Bendigo, Victoria, and 30 years later, Fernwood Women's Health Clubs has grown to 70 clubs across Australia with 73,000 members. Diana's vision for women's fitness has made her business a phenomenal success.
These five women are just a glimpse of the many remarkable female entrepreneurs in Australia. With their determination, innovation, and leadership, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape in the future.
Janine Allis
Melanie Perkins
Kayla Itsines