Alison Dean – (The Peppermint Group)
Alison Dean has all the ingredients of an entrepreneur – daring, optimism, business smarts and of course, a great idea. She sensed some time ago that life in a marketing agency – with its ridiculous sales targets, chauvinistic management and grindingly long hours – was never going to make her happy, despite the fat pay cheque. And so a bold new venture was born. Alison and business partner Amanda (a mother of two toddlers) also wanted a truly flexible business that would meet the demands of motherhood now and in future. The High Tea Party was a fresh, new and compelling idea. It brings female brands into live contact with their target market through an event based on the fashionable “high tea” concept. Convincing potential sponsors, however, was challenging. But hard work, persistence and their genuine conviction that it would work, has seen Alison sign up international and local sponsors that many a start-up would envy: BMW, Benefit Cosmetics, Westfield, T2, Equal Sweeteners, Triumph Lingerie, and Myer are among the supporters of the High Tea Party. Cashflow has been a challenge, with the flagship event running only three times a year. But convinced of their potential, banks and private investors have supported them. While Alison has had some sleepless nights about the debt, the company is moving inexorably towards profitability. With Alison’s optimism, commitment to getting the job done, and belief in what she is doing, there is no doubt that the Peppermint Group is headed for long term success.
Nominated by: Belinda White
More SmartCompany Idols:
Alexandra Smart – Ginger & Smart , Alison Dean – The Peppermint Group , Angela Sands – Vive 8 , Ben Keighran – Bluepulse , Chris Kettle – My247 , Craig Reardon – The E Team , David Graham – Farmer Dave Lamb , Dean Coates – Fleetmark , Donald John Trump – Trump Organisation , Emma Brown – Business Chicks , Eric Beecher & Di Gribble – Private Media Partners , Ewan Parsons – Open energy , Father Michael Kelly – Church Resources , Frank Colli – Leading Solutions , Greg Muller – iFocus , Jaimie Fuller – Skins Bio Acceleration garments , Jeff Bonnes – Find A Babysitter.com.au , Jeremy Levitt – Podproperty , Jim Penman – Jim's Group , Jo Wallace – Rubystar PR , Katherine Sampson – Healthy Habits , Kirsty Dunphey – www.reallysold.com , Kym Illman – The Message Group , Louise Broekman – HR Coach , Marc Carr – Mobile Data Group , Mark Alexander-Erber – Pubboy , Matt Bullock – eWAY , Michael Malone – iiNet , Mihiri Udabage – Generation Wonder , Michael Browne – Datacom Australia , Naomi Simson – Red Balloon Days , Neil Bolton – Recruitment Systems , Nick Verykios – Distribution Central , Pauline Michael – Skin Day Spa , Pierce Cody – Macro Wholefoods Ralph Edwards – Bright Eyes Sunglasses , Rob Levison – Industrea , Rowan Isaacs – Creative Promotions , Seth Watts – New Litho , Sharon O'Malley – O'Malley & Co , Shelley Barrett – ModelCo , Stan Perron – Stan Perron , Steve Loe – Precedent Productions , Tina Tower – Reach Education , Todd Wright – TRW Projects , Val Whitton – Fleetwash Industrial Systems , Vickie Burkinshaw – changemaker , Warwick Williams – Warwick Williams Real Estate , Wayne Kayler- Thomson – VECCI , Wendy Moore – Affluencia .