Just over two years ago, Dubbo mum and employee Louise Mathieson "would have laughed at the suggestion" she would establish and run her own business.
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Fast forward to this week and she's not only the founder and director of The Administration Agency but the winner of an award recognising women fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams while balancing motherhood.
Mrs Mathieson was named AusMumpreneur VA Institute Virtual Assistant Business NSW/ACT of the year at an online presentation held on Wednesday night.
The AusMumpreneur Awards also saw other Dubbo region hopefuls celebrated.
Mrs Mathieson took out her accolade in a strong field of six finalists.
- Read more business stories here
"It was only two and a bit years ago I was employed and would have laughed at the suggestion that I would own and run my own business," she said in accepting the award.
"But this award gives me the confidence and assurance I made the right decision."
...this award gives me the confidence and assurance I made the right decision
- The Administration Agency director Louise Mathieson
The Dubbo winner congratulated the entrants and finalists, and said it was "not an easy task being in business and being a mum".
Mrs Mathieson thanked the anonymous person who nominated her for their belief in her, and AusMumpreneur network co-founders Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner and their team.
"Thank you to the judges who believed in my mission and our business model, I'm so grateful," she said.
"And a special thanks to Ingrid [Bayer] and the VA Institute who not only sponsor this fantastic award, but are a pillar of what the VA industry is, and such an advocate for us."
She also paid tribute to her "husband and two amazing boys who are my inspiration and my rock".
Still celebrating the win on Thursday, Mrs Mathieson told the Daily Liberal she had built The Administration Agency with the belief that every business needed someone in their corner.
"Someone who can work alongside them, solve problems, and get the job done," she said.
"Our business model was established on my passion to ensure clients grow and thrive.
"We use strategies that work and align directly with your business.
"I am so very proud of what we have accomplished as a business and also for our clients and I am encouraged for the future."
Ms Garner says the awards show the passion of women who want to fulfil their entrepreneurial dreams as well as be great mums.
"Despite the pandemic the number of women starting businesses has continued to grow in the last 12 months," she said.
"We are thrilled to be the number one community for mumpreneurs and proud to showcase the best and the brightest each year through these awards.
Ms Mitchell said they were delighted Mrs Mathieson had won the award.
"She has created an outstanding business and is an inspirational role model and ambassador for mums in business everywhere," she said.
"We wish her and all our amazing AusMumpreneur Award winners every success in the coming year."
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
