Small business, big room: What I’ve learned as an award-winning small brand

I started this business in 2012, making jewellery at my kitchen counter.

It's led me to places I never thought I'd be - like award venues across Sydney, Brisbane and New York - sharing space with some of the biggest names in the game.

In 2023, I stood on stage for the first time accepting Gold and Silver awards at the New York Stevie Awards for Women in Business, alongside teams from Salesforce and IBM.

Award winners at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Most recently, the business was announced as a finalist in the Online Retail Industry Awards for Customer Service Excellence, sharing a category with Australia's largest online appliance retailer and ecommerce heavyweights with six figure followings.

It feels surreal.

Not because I don't believe in what I do.

But because I work from a small one-person studio. I remember every customer's name. I handwrite all the thank you notes.

Yet somehow, this little business I grew at local markets, fuelled by word-of-mouth and story-led design is now being recognised in the same room as global giants.

It's a strange cocktail of pride, panic and disbelief, stepping from quiet studio days into black-tie award ceremonies.

I didn't set out to win awards. I set out to create jewellery that means something.

But being seen like this, in rooms I never imagined I'd be a part of, has reminded me that small doesn't mean invisible.

As it turns out, showing up before you feel ready is how you find out that you are ready.

Fairina at the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards

Three things I've learned about showing up (even when it's wildly out of your comfort zone)

1. Believe in yourself, especially when it feels delusional

At the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards, I showed up late and missed the announcement of my very first win. There was an awkward silence on stage while business friends accepted the award on my behalf.

It was my second ever awards night. At my first awards night, I didn't win. So this time, I didn't expect much either. I didn’t put any effort into getting there on time because I didn’t think it would matter.

And that’s how I missed one of the biggest moments in my business.

But here's what I've learned: Show up anyway.

Even if it feels awkward, unlikely or a little bit ridiculous.

Because often, that's exactly when something big is waiting on the other side.

Watch the awkward moment the award was announced

2. Imposter syndrome means you're growing

Every time an award night rolled around, I hovered over the "buy ticket" button, debating whether I should go. Should I leave the comfort of my couch to step into a room full of strangers in sequins? It was uncomfortable. But each time I'd buy the ticket, push past the awkward and show up.

One of the biggest events I'd been part of was the Stevie Awards in New York. I stood on stage in front of hundreds of global business leaders and delivered a speech I'd memorised word for word (because I was terrified of blanking out). I smiled through media interviews. I faked confidence as best I could.

The winning announcement at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business

While public speaking still scares the hell out of me, somewhere between the nerves and the spotlight, I realised I could do hard things.

3. Your story might be the sign someone else needs

One afternoon, while working away in the studio, I received a message. A friend had attended a talk on entering awards. They were told a story about a jeweller.

One who didn't even wear jewellery to her first awards night.

One who showed up late and missed her win because she didn't think she'd get one.

I was the cautionary tale with a plot twist, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cringe.

But I also felt a quiet kind of accomplishment.

And weirdly, I'm proud of both versions of me.

The one who was human, hesitant and unsure. And the one who reminds others what's possible.

So what happens when you back yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable?

For me, it led here.

Awards and honours

2025 Online Retailer Industry Awards, Customer Service Excellence (finalist - winner announced in July 2025)
2024 Australian Small Business Champions - Jewellery (finalist)
2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champions - Jewellery (winner)
2023 Stevie Awards for Women in Business - Company of the Year, Consumer Products, 10 or Less Employees (Gold)
2023 Stevie Awards for Women in Business - Best Female Solo Entrepreneur (Silver)
2023 Roar Awards - Solopreneur of the Year (Bronze)
2023 Roar Awards - Business Rebel of the Year (Bronze)
2023 Beam Awards - Micro Business Excellence (finalist)
2023 Beam Awards - Customer Service Excellence (finalist)
2023 Business NSW - Micro Business Excellence (finalist)
2014 Etsy Design Awards - Community Choice (winner)

Small businesses don't often make the headlines.

But we do make an impact.

And sometimes, all it takes is one big decision to show up and take your place in the room, even when you think you don't belong.

Turns out, that might be exactly where you're meant to be.

Like this story?

You'll love the next one.

We'll also send you a free Storytelling Jewellery Guide so you can start crafting your own.

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