Last Friday at lunchtime, a group of us gathered around a table at a café in Chatswood. Over lunch, we talked about things that don’t always get said out loud.
Several women entrepreneurs shared the challenges and pressures they face in their own businesses. As stories from different industries came up, there were moments of surprise—realising that although we’re on very different paths, many of us are carrying similar stresses. As the conversation went on, we discovered that many of us had actually visited each other’s shops before. It’s a small world, yet a big one too, because behind every business is a completely different story.
One owner spoke about taking over a café despite having no prior experience in the industry. When she stepped in, everything felt chaotic. The first six months were filled with trial and error, constant anxiety, and doubts about whether she had made the wrong decision. Slowly, though, things began to fall into place—processes, staffing, products, and daily rhythm. It’s still not easy, but the business is now stable and able to truly support her family. That journey—from chaos to stability—deeply resonated with many of us around the table.
Another shared her move to Sydney from another city, bringing her background in design and architecture into the hospitality space. By rethinking layout, lighting, customer flow, and the overall dining experience, she transformed what was once an ordinary restaurant. Customer numbers and revenue followed. It reminded us that sometimes growth doesn’t come from changing the product, but from changing perspective.
What touched many of us most was this: as women business owners, the conversation wasn’t really about “how big” we want to grow. It was about balance. School pickups in the afternoon, family time on weekends—and yet the business can’t simply pause. We talked about what kinds of businesses are more suitable for women with families: controllable operating hours, less reliance on the owner being present at all times, a stable team, and whether it’s possible to earn a living while still preserving time with our children.
Some had already sold their previous businesses, acknowledging that those ventures no longer fit their current stage of life, and were now exploring new directions. Others were content with where they are, believing that stability itself is a form of success. Some are reassessing the market, hoping to move into industries better suited for long-term growth. Different stages, no right or wrong—just choices.
On most days, we’re all busy running our own shops, rarely stopping to enjoy an unhurried lunch. That day, there were complaints, shared experiences, and quiet listeners—but above all, there was a sense of ease many of us hadn’t felt in a long time. A reminder that we don’t always have to be strong, and that it’s okay to be understood and seen.
One lunch can’t solve everything. But at least, on an ordinary afternoon, none of us had to carry the pressure alone.
Looking forward to the next time we sit down together—to talk about life, and to keep talking about business too.
