Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Award winner Jade Chislett didn’t have to look far for her entrepreneurial inspiration.
Jade Chislett’s daughter, Bella, was born in 2012 with ‘moderate to profound’ hearing loss, requiring cochlear implants from just nine months of age.
“Bella always had a fascination with dolls and for years we searched for a doll that was just like her,” Jade said.
“We knew a relatable doll would help Bella to understand her devices better and help with device compliance. It would help her with self-confidence and feeling included within her community.”
With nothing suitable on the market, Jade Chislett’s idea for her company – Just Like You Dolls – was born.
The concept has flourished to become a highly successful Lake Macquarie-based business, selling dolls accessorised with a variety of medical devices to customers around the world.
Jade was one of more than a dozen emotional winners at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, which recognise top performers across the City’s thriving business community.
Speech pathologist Jess Kiely, from A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology, took out the night’s Outstanding Young Employee award, while osteopath and ATUNE Health Centres Managing Director Simon Ashley won the Outstanding Business Leader category.
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows won the award for Excellence in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism, and Downer EDI Works won Excellence in Sustainability for overhauling its Teralba asphalt plant to incorporate recycled plastics, glass and other materials in its manufacturing process.
Deputy Mayor David Belcher, who presented awards at Friday night’s packed ceremony at Belmont 16s, said all fourteen winners were worthy of recognition and praise.
“A closer look at the recipients of this year’s awards provides an insight into the diversity of corporate talent and potential in Lake Macquarie,” David said.
“They demonstrate what is possible with hard work, creative ideas, passion and persistence. They showcase our City’s growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the State’s regional business community.”
Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron congratulated not only the winners, but all Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards finalists.
“These companies, and the thousands of other small and large businesses that call Lake Macquarie home, make a huge contribution to the lifestyle and wellbeing we enjoy in our City by creating employment and driving our economy,” Morven said.
Winners of all but two categories progress to next month’s Hunter Business Awards, with success there leading to the NSW Business Awards in November.
The 2019 awards are proudly supported by Dantia, Service NSW and media partners – Newcastle Herald and NEWFM & 2HD.
IMAGE | Dantia CEO, Peter Francis and Jade Chislett from Just Like Your Dolls
