Carolyn Creswell founded Carman’s in 1992. The then 18-year-old first year university student bought the small muesli business where she worked part-time for $1,000. At the time, they supplied a few cafes and delis around Melbourne. Almost 30 years later and Carman’s is still a thriving business – exporting to over 30 countries and an annual turnover in excess of $100 million.

Fast-forward to present and Carman’s gourmet range is now available in all major supermarkets across Australia, as well as being exported to many countries around the world.

Carolyn’s business acumen has led to a number of accolades including being named the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year and the winner of 2007 Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. As a proud mother of four young children with her husband Peter, Carolyn has a strong commitment to healthy work-life balance which is also reflected in the supportive culture of the Carman’s office.

Carolyn sits on the Boards of The Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Foundation, and the Human Rights Legal Centre.  She is an Ambassador for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and Smiling Mind, an organization supporting the growth of happy and healthy young minds. Carolyn’s business success has also seen her move into the public eye, appearing as a judge on Channel 10’s TV series, Recipe to Riches.

Carolyn’s top three business tips:

1. You have to start – Take the plunge. Everyone has ideas, but not many actually start. It’s not about completely giving up your day job but starting is key.
2. Don’t try to be everything to everyone – Know what you’re good at, know what you stand for and try to build a business with integrity. If you know what the essence of your business is, it will be much easier to make decisions.
3. Make sure you spend your time and energy on moving the business forward –Where do you want the business to be in a year and what are all of the little steps you need to take to get there? It’s about getting off the dance floor and getting onto the balcony.