With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business came to be, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.
This time, we caught up with Peta-Lea Brenda, founder of The Woman Empire Project.
When did the idea for your business first come about? And how?
The Woman Empire Project idea came after my first time taking the stage and talking to a sold-out audience on the Gold Coast. I had taken part in the SheSpeaks academy program where I learnt how to craft a talk and then, at the end of the eight weeks, give my talk live on stage. Standing on stage in front of a room full of women ignited something inside of me. I wanted to start talking on stages everywhere.
The following week I started to look for places to talk. But I found that 70 percent of the world’s speakers are men and 30 percent are women, and there really aren’t that many places women can talk on stage. Then the idea came to me: “I’ll create my own stage.” Not only that, but I decided to create a platform for women to speak – a platform that inspires and empowers women to chase their dreams, to follow their passions and never give up.
Where did you start?
As soon as I had this idea, the name followed straight after. Then I took to looking at venues, hiring designers for branding and starting my search for women speakers who inspire and are local to the Gold Coast. Within two weeks I had booked the venue, my dream was with a designer and everything was on track to the launch of The Woman Empire Project.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was self-doubt – that inner voice (that I believe we all have) telling me it was too big of an idea. I had to make some big investments in order to secure the event space and vendors alongside the design of my entire brand. I knew this vision was bigger than me, and I trusted that I was the one that was meant to bring it into the world. So everyday I kept the belief, I worked on my mindset and I’ve kept going.
What has been your biggest learning since starting the business?
To keep going, to put myself out there, to keep believing in myself and the vision I have.
And what about your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment?
I don’t know about an “I’ve made it” moment, but reaching out to the speakers I wanted to have at my first event and each of them saying YES was an amazing feeling – and one I’m proud of. Fear could have stopped me from reaching out, but I didn’t allow it to.
What does a working day in your life look like?
Each day is completely different. I am a mother of four and have two little ones home with me 90 percent of the time, so it’s a lot of work in between 500 snack plates and all the chaos. Lots of emails, meeting new people, running ads, and making sure The Woman Empire Project becomes a well-known brand. Movement each morning has become a non-negotiable. As I work towards huge goals within my business, I find it clears my mind and allows me to stay focused. Cacao and morning affirmations are an everyday essential also.
What do you love about the Gold Coast community, especially as a business owner?
I love that so many want to help, promote, sponsor and share. I’ve had so many amazing local Gold Coast businesses reach out to support this event.
So, where to next? What’s in the pipeline for your business?
I have huge visions for The Woman Empire Project, I want to impact hundreds of thousands of women. I want to help inspire and empower women to boldly live their life in their authenticity whilst chasing their dreams, never giving up on what they want and to always believe in their ability.
First the Australian tour in 2025, and then I plan to take The Woman Empire global in 2026. And I want to create a charity under The Woman Empire Project that helps women who aren’t in a position to go after their dreams to be able to. The Woman Empire Project is WE. It’s coming together as women, making an impact together and creating lasting change for every woman who is a part of this mission.
What is your biggest tip for local business owners?
Never give up, keep dreaming, do what it takes and stay true to yourself and your vision. When we’ve been given an idea to bring to the world, it’s because we are the one that is meant to bring it, to create it. You’ve got exactly what’s needed for whatever it is you are here to bring into this world.