It is always nice to be recognised for your hard work and business achievements, however, this year might make it even more special as Covid-19 created havoc across all industries.
Lana Kruger, CEO and founder of The Megna Group, launched her company after migrating to Australia in 2011.
Kruger started her career in logistics more than 20 years ago in South Africa and has worked for numerous global logistics organisations since.
“This experience has taught me a lot,” she says. “It has also provided me with the insight into understanding what the industry gaps are and what brands need.
“When brands started introducing personalisation and customisation to their products, especially through online retailing, I realised logistics companies lacked the ability to respond quickly and effectively to support brands on achieving cost effective and creative packaging fast-tracked for delivery.
“To enable brands to truly differentiate was what motivated me to start a logistics company that would focus on helping brands exceed customer expectations.”
The Megna Group provides a one-stop, total solution, in packaging, warehousing, distribution, international freight, and more. It enables business owners and supply chain professionals to manage their costs and simplify their processes in a smarter, more effective way. It provides well-known Australian brands with a competitive edge, by tailoring their logistics needs to suit their products and their customers.
“For me the opportunity was clear―to be an innovative logistics solutions company that was agile, fast-thinking, fast-paced and creative: providing one-stop total solutions for brands in packaging, warehousing, distribution and more. And to always be ahead of the constantly changing needs and demands of e-commerce.
“I wanted to be a provider who is innovative and streamlines solutions to save my clients’ money and enable trust in Megna, whether the client is sending off one box or 3000. We want to make things easier and simpler,” she adds.
For mum of five, Leanne Murner, being a finalist is the icing on the cake. “I started 5 Little Bears two years ago and I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as a finalist in the sustainability, handmade, product innovation, product design and people’s choice-making a difference category,” she enthuses.
Murner found herself with timber off cuts from her other business. She wanted to create sustainable creations from the off cuts and was approached by a preschool educator to make puzzles and sensory toys.
After extensive research she realised that there was a void in the market for Australian themed educational resources. 5 Little Bears was born with the aim of teaching Australian children about their own backyard. All of her products are handmade in New South Wales and are proudly licensed Australian Made.
“I was inspired to start my business because I wanted to able to raise my boys and still provide financially for my family. 5 Little Bears allows me to fulfil both. I am able to be a hands-on mother to my sons as well as produce an income.
“I have found new ways to utilise almost every scrap of the sustainable plantation timber I use to make the variety of exciting new products I have created this year.”
Murner adds that Covid-19 actually helped 5 little bears grow and scale to the next level. “Many people want to purchase Australian made products.”
For gift and homewares brand, Koh Living, the news they were a finalist was a welcome distraction from the current Melbourne lockdown.
“We are really proud to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the Ausmumpreneur of the Year Award,” says Tui Cordemans, who runs the business with best friend Nyree Hibberd.
“I think as women (especially as mums) we often fail to stop and pat ourselves on the back for all that we do. This year has been a really tough year for many of us and being a single mum has not helped. However, I am one of those people that just gets on with it. And I am sure I am not alone―this is probably a common thread among female business owners that are also mothers.
“During this ‘crisis’ we have tried hard to focus on things that we can control. Having a business that has dropped an average of 70 per cent has not been easy. But I can focus on that or I can focus on the things that I can do to move forward. I cannot focus on the news or on my sales numbers as I would get depressed with both.
“We cannot control everything that is going on around us. However, there are so many things you can do for your business and entering awards was one thing we decided to do, and it is certainly something you can do as marketing is king right now,” she adds.
