Dubbo businesswoman Tenelle Bond would love to instil in her children that no matter what hurdles you face, you can achieve your dream.
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In starting The Establishment Bar Dubbo in the midst of a prolonged drought in a rural community, she knew she wasn't taking an easy path.
After more than two years of hard work and long hours, and more than half of it during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs Bond's passion remains alive.
"Our first year surviving the devastation of drought and dust storms was consuming to then be hit with a global pandemic is unfathomable," she said.
"However we keep pedaling through and the support of the community cements the reason why we do what we do.
"The passion from them to see us survive is heartwarming."
She's also delighted to be a finalist in the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards in the NSW/ACT regional business category.
The awards, which will be announced on Wednesday night via Facebook, are presented by The Women's Business School and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Australian mums in business.
Other Dubbo entrepreneurs in the running in the category are Louise Mathieson of the Administration Agency and Errin Williamson of hospitality businesses CSC and Down The Lane.
Kristie Harris of Indifferent Avocado at Dubbo is a finalist in the fashion, product design and people's choice customer service categories.
Amee Dennis of Quentin Park Alpacas and Studio Gallery at Tomingley is a handmade business, product design, and rural and remote business finalist.
Prior to opening small boutique bar The Establishment in Dubbo's central business district in 2019, Mrs Bond along with husband Robert saw a niche in the market.
Their aim was to open a lounge bar that captured the essence of the city located in the country, and "something their community could be proud of", Mrs Bond said.
I'd love for my children to grow up and see that no matter what obstacles you face, if you have a dream or a passion you can achieve it...
- The Establishment Bar Dubbo director Tenelle Bond
Dubbo born and bred, the proud farmer's daughter attributes her work ethic to generations of hard workers.
"I'd love for my children to grow up and see that no matter what obstacles you face, if you have a dream or a passion you can achieve it and sometimes that takes a little help of those around you and that's ok, because that makes the journey more worthwhile," Mrs Bond said.
"You wouldn't think running an evening bar and being a mum of two young children would work but for us it does.
"We are a team and we support each other in what we do, and for this I'm forever grateful.
"It definitely is never forgotten and I often pinch myself at how lucky I am."
Mrs Bond sees benefits to balancing business and mother hood.
"I have the flexibility to be able to work certain things around my children, to choose the important things I get to be at and also show them the valuable things in life that are most important like connecting with people, building relationships & work ethic," she said.
"The pride you get from earning something, going through hard times and coming out the other side, slightly battered, a lot bruised, exhausted, but survived.
"That things don't come easy, but nothing ever worth having does.
"And lastly teaching them that sometimes you can't always do it alone, and if you have that support, you shouldn't have to."
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