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Sophia Nisha from Pretty Little Treats (Broken Hill)- For Sophia, creating desserts has always been more than just a hobby—it has been a passion that has followed her through different chapters of life. Born in Fiji and later moving to Sydney, Sophia first began selling her desserts as a small business before COVID brought that venture to a close. After a change in career, however, she found herself returning to what she loved most: creating beautiful and delicious sweet treats. In May 2026, Pretty Little Treats officially began. This home-based business specialises in individual dessert cups, cheesecakes, cake cups, brownies, tarts and other tempting creations. Sophia’s signature dessert cups, along with limited-edition flavours, themed treats and customised desserts, are helping bring something fresh and exciting to the Broken Hill community. Like many small business owners, Sophia wears plenty of hats. From creating desserts to marketing, customer service, administration and photography, running a business involves much more than simply making the product. However, the support and repeat business from the local community have made the journey incredibly rewarding. Sophia’s advice for anyone thinking about starting a business is simple: give yourself a chance. You do not need everything perfectly figured out before you begin. Be willing to learn, adapt, listen to your customers and, most importantly, do not be afraid to be different.
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Jorge Oviedo from Mexican Kitchen (Broken Hill)- Jorge Oviedo's Mexican Kitchen is a shining example of how determination, hard work and a passion for great food can turn a dream into a thriving local business. Originally from Ecuador, Jorge arrived in Australia in 2007 in search of better opportunities for his family. After spending a year in Sydney, he settled in Broken Hill, where he built an impressive career working in some of the city's best-known hospitality venues, including the Sturt Club, Musos Club, Legion Club, Silverton Hotel and Maidens Hotel in Menindee, while completing his Australian chef qualifications. Although he always dreamed of owning his own restaurant, it wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the hospitality industry in 2020 that Jorge took the leap into business ownership. What began as a small takeaway venture leasing Stone's on Argent Cafe in Argent Street has grown into one of Broken Hill's most popular destinations for authentic Mexican cuisine. Now celebrating more than six years in business, Mexican Kitchen has earned a loyal following thanks to its fresh flavours, welcoming service and ever-evolving menu inspired by Jorge's Ecuadorian heritage. Signature dishes such as the Fiesta remain customer favourites, while regular menu updates keep locals coming back for something new. Beyond the restaurant, Jorge is a familiar face at community markets, where he proudly showcases his food and continue to support local events. Like many regional business owners, Jorge has faced challenges, particularly with staffing, but his commitment to quality and customer service has never wavered. Jorge's journey is a testament to the opportunities that exist in regional Australia and the rewards that come from perseverance, resilience and a willingness to embrace change. Mexican Kitchen is open Thursday to Saturday from 4.30 pm to 8.00 pm. You can follow Mexican Kitchen on Facebook or place phone orders and bookings by calling 0487 973 744 during opening hours.
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Matty Chesterfield from Matty Town Rural Contracting (Broken Hill)- Matty Chesterfield has always been drawn to small business ownership. After an earlier lawn-mowing venture closed due to limited clientele, he returned to full-time employment before launching Matty's Town and Rural Contracting, offering fencing, welding, gardening, yard maintenance, cleaning, and general handyman services.
His motivation was simple: to help people with jobs they couldn't do themselves while providing quality work at fair prices. Matty believes customer satisfaction is the key to long-term success, with positive word-of-mouth driving repeat business. While he values the flexibility of working for himself and the opportunity to provide for his family, he acknowledges the challenges of running a business, including explaining costs to customers, managing overheads, and finding reliable staff. His advice to aspiring business owners is to thoroughly research their industry, prepare for unexpected setbacks, and build realistic pricing and schedules that account for equipment failures and workforce challenges. Mr Chesterfield can be contacted on 0474 635 971, or via email at [email protected] for quotes and jobs, his books are now open for new customers. |
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Clayton Turley from Scouts Construction (Broken Hill)-
Now in his mid-twenties, Clayton owns and operates Scouts Construction, a Broken Hill-based tradie and property maintenance business he launched in 2021 after experiencing repeated employment setbacks due to a medical condition. Rather than allowing those challenges to define his future, Clayton decided to build his own path through small business ownership. Specialising in painting, yard maintenance, general repairs, and property upkeep, Clayton has developed a strong reputation for reliable service and community support. Aside from these areas, Clayton can offer full house renovations- certainly good news to property investors who are seeking a strong local business to manage and renovate their properties. Like many small business owners, Clayton has faced challenges including seasonal slowdowns and the difficulty of accurately quoting jobs where unexpected issues can arise. Despite this, he remains focused on growing the business and continuing to support local customers. Looking ahead, Clayton hopes to eventually expand his operations and create employment opportunities for others who may struggle to find meaningful work. In addition to his painting, maintenance, and home renovation services, Clayton is now offering ceiling vacuuming and insulation installation services. With limited local options available for this service, Clayton is keen to assist homeowners, landlords, and property managers looking to upgrade their insulation or prepare properties for sale or renovation. You can find Clayton on Facebook at Scouts construction, or by calling him on 0474 382 129. |
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Susan Dunn from SJD Photography (Mildura)- In a quiet corner of Mildura, where families grow and communities stay connected through shared moments, Susie Dunn has spent the last six years building more than a photography business, she has built a place where people feel seen, valued, and remembered.
As the heart behind SJD Photography, Susie believes the best photographs are not perfectly posed or carefully staged. They are the in-between moments: a child’s uncontrollable laughter, a parent’s comforting embrace, or the simple joy of families being together. Her warm, natural style allows people to relax in front of the camera, creating images that feel genuine and full of life. But what truly sets SJD Photography apart is Susie’s commitment to her community. Photography, for her, is not only about capturing memories, it is about celebrating identity, culture, and connection. Through her partnership with Connected Beginnings, she helps tell important family stories and supports programs that strengthen community ties. More recently, she partnered with a local kindergarten fundraiser, donating part of her session profits back to the kinder to help support local children and families. Looking ahead, Susie hopes to expand her work with local organisations, Kinders, and community programs, continuing to use photography as a way to bring people together. Her advice to aspiring business owners is simple yet powerful: never give up when things get hard. The difficult moments are often the ones that shape success, build resilience, and lead to opportunities greater than expected. |
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Sergio Bressanelli from Broken Hill Hobbies and Electronics (Broken Hill)- For more than two decades, Broken Hill Hobbies and Electronics has been a trusted destination for technology, repairs and advice across Broken Hill and the Far West. At the centre of the business is long-time local Sergio Bressanelli, whose experience and commitment to customer service have helped build a strong reputation in the community. Born and raised in Broken Hill, Sergio began working life after leaving Year 10 at the then-new Woolworths store, pushing trolleys on freshly laid gravel. Over the next eight years he worked across several departments and eventually became a trainee manager. After spending time at Spicers Office Equipment — and even a short stint in Adelaide pursuing music with a band — Sergio returned home to Broken Hill with his young family and took a job at Broken Hill Hobbies and Electronics. Eight years later, when the previous owner decided to retire, Sergio saw an opportunity. Together with his brother Alwyn and wife Leonie, the trio formed Hande Pty Ltd and officially took over the business on 1 October 2002. Today the business provides sales, servicing and repairs for computers and electronics, along with on-site IT support across a service area of up to 300 kilometres from Broken Hill. Other services include satellite phone hire and watch battery replacements, with many locals also dropping in simply for trusted advice. Sergio says passion is key to running a successful business. “If you believe in what you do and see an opportunity, go for it. It’s better to give it a try than regret not taking the chance.” Broken Hill Hobbies and Electronics is located at 197–199 Argent Street, opposite the Demo Club, and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Sergio can be contacted on (08) 8088 4098, and more information can be found online at www.hande.com.au.
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Ethan Sandery from Elevion AI (Perth)- Elevion AI was born from a simple realisation: small and medium businesses don’t need more AI noise, they need clarity. After years delivering structured IT, automation, and AI programs in government, I found myself increasingly disconnected from the challenges business owners were actually facing. AI was accelerating fast, but the conversations I kept having weren’t about tools or trends. They were about uncertainty, change, and how to adopt new technology without risking teams, brands, or livelihoods. That insight led me to step away from the certainty of government work, and build Elevion AI from the ground up. Today, Elevion AI works as a strategic partner for small and medium businesses navigating automation and AI. We don’t sell shortcuts. Instead, we help business leaders make clear, confident decisions about where AI genuinely fits, what should be automated, and how to introduce change in a way that is practical, responsible, and sustainable. Our work spans strategy, AI readiness, automation design, and AI agents, with a strong focus on real-world outcomes like reduced admin, better customer engagement, and scalable growth. We work closely with business owners, professional services firms, and real estate agencies who want to move forward without gambling their operations. At its core, Elevion AI exists to help businesses navigate change with confidence and turn emerging technology into something useful, stable, and valuable.
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Natalie Seaman from Trail Magic Web Design (Barossa Valley)- For many micro business owners and small business owners, a website is not a priority at the start. Plenty of businesses grow successfully using word of mouth, social media, referrals, or online marketplaces. You don’t need a website on day one. But there is a point where having a website starts to support your business instead of feeling like a distraction. A website isn’t a magic switch that instantly brings customers, and it’s not the only way to market your business. At its best, a website acts as a steady home base. A website is somewhere people can go when they want to check you’re legitimate, understand what you do, find information they are looking for and feel confident about getting in touch. You might be getting closer to needing a website if you notice things like: People Googling your business name before contacting you, being asked the same questions again and again, or important information getting lost in social media posts. In these moments a website doesn’t replace social media, it supports it. It helps set expectations, attract better-fit enquiries, and give your business a sense of stability as it grows. A website isn’t a starting line or a finish line. It’s simply a tool that becomes useful when your business reaches the right stage.
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Tom Barraclough from Aus Kustum Gaming (Broken Hill)-Balancing a busy work life, family commitments, and running a small business is no easy feat, but for the supervisor at Foodland in Broken Hill who founded Aus-Kustum Gaming, passion and persistence make it all possible. With eight years in business, Aus-Kustum Gaming has built a strong connection with the local community by offering something a little different- video game merchandise and mascots that bring gaming culture to life at local events and shows. Their focus has always been on creating a fun, inclusive space for fellow gamers while keeping prices competitive with larger corporations. Rising costs have forced price adjustments, but Aus-Kustum Gaming remains committed to affordability and putting the community first. While the challenges have evolved, the core values of good service, passion, and connection remain constant. You’ll often find Aus-Kustum Gaming at major regional events such as the Silver City Show, Mundi Mundi Bash, and the Broken Heel Festival, as well as in Mildura, bringing special deals and keeping prices low for locals during community celebrations. They also run promotions throughout the year for occasions like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. For anyone thinking about starting their own venture, Tom's advice is simple: start small and give it a go- you never know where the journey might lead.
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