“Every Business Has a Story” Meet Susan Kelly, Digital Support of Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network

Mission Beach’s Susan Kelly with her two-year-old Australian Shepherd, Mr Percival. Photo supplied

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Since making Mission Beach home in 1985, Susan Kelly has become a familiar face across the Cassowary Coast; not because she has stayed in one lane, but because she has never been afraid to embrace new opportunities.

Over the years, Ms Kelly has worn many hats, from developing an award-winning eco-tourism retreat and teaching yoga to photographing local businesses, running photography workshops and now providing digital support for the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network (CCBWN). In every chapter, her work has been united by a passion for people, creativity and community, and today, much of Ms Kelly’s work centres on helping local businesses tell the stories behind their brands.

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“I always knew that every business has a story behind it and there’s always a person, a reason, a risk, a lot of hard work, and usually a few extra good stories along the way,” she said.

“I enjoy working with small businesses because most people are so busy running the business that they don’t have time to stop and tell its story, and they may not even realise how interesting or valuable that story is. I love being able to help with that—to see the story, take the photos, create the content and help build their business.”

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That passion for championing small business naturally led Ms Kelly to her role as Digital Support for the CCBWN, where she helps showcase the people behind the organisation while encouraging more women in business to connect, collaborate and support one another.

“I've always loved the heart of small business. I know how much courage, work and belief it takes to build something, especially as a sole trader,” she said.

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“One of the reasons I wanted to become involved with the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network is because I really believe that every business that does well is good for the whole community. When local businesses are supported, people grow, confidence grows, ideas grow, and the whole region benefits.”

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Reflecting on a career spent helping people tell their stories, Ms Kelly hopes one message stands out above all else: don't wait for the perfect moment to begin.

“Whether it's a business, a creative idea, a yoga practice, or becoming more involved in your community, it all starts with the first step. You learn as you go. You grow by beginning,” she said.

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“I think we can be very good at seeing the value in other people, but not always as good at seeing it in ourselves. Sometimes it takes a photograph, a conversation, a class, or being in the right room with the right people to think, ‘Maybe I can do this’.”

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Ms Kelly believes people don't need to have all the answers before taking the first step, and that no story needs to be perfect to be worth sharing.

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“You don't have to be great to start something, but you have to start to be great. Back yourself enough to begin, tell people what you're doing and let your community know how they can support you. When people show up for each other, small communities thrive.”

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