JettProof is the result of a passionate mother’s journey to help her family, founded by Michelle Ebbin.

JettProof manufactures and sells unique specialised calming, sensory compression undergarments which have positively changed the lives of many children and adults living with autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD and anxiety.

Michelle is passionate about helping other businesses and has been happy to share her knowledge by mentoring other business owners throughout Australia.

• Tell us a little about your career path.

I realised I was an entrepreneur when I was 18. I had to get out of the nine to five job so I could start something I loved doing. Originally I started with a horse riding school, and from 24 onwards I was a manufacturer of a sun protective clothing label.

I kept going and basically built businesses for a few years and sold them. The longest business I had was the manufacturing business for 14 years. I loved doing what I was doing at the time and working crazy hours, as Japan was a massive market for us as well as USA.

Afterwards I was out consulting for a few years and specialised mainly in marketing. When my son was born and at two years was diagnosed with severe autism, I found I needed something to help him calm down. There was nothing available in the world, so I created it. And now JettProof is changing lives.

I feel that as an entrepreneur I was meant to go through all the other businesses to be really powerful and really good at what I’m doing now. And I just love being an entrepreneur.

• What are the key skillsets leaders need?

I think number one is not to have an ego. And number two is to live your purpose.

I would also say making time for family is important, because you can’t get back time. As entrepreneurs we’re workaholics, so just being present when you’re at home with your family is really important.

Also having time to lead the team well so the culture is right is key. I don’t call my staff by the term staff; I call them my team and my talent.

As well, not getting distracted and having set goals every week that you achieve as a team is important.

• What is one action or task you incorporate into your diary each week?

Meditation is important and having time for yourself. Also, being very neutral with my decision-making and having goals. I always have five major goals a week and three to five tasks a day to make sure I’m progressing forward. Jettproof is an innovative product so I always have to be on task and carry that across the whole team.

• What’s unique about doing business in the Hunter?

Number one would have to be the people. The people are fantastic. There’s so many innovative businesses in the Hunter, it’s quite affordable to start a business here and it is easy to get around. There aren’t too many traffic jams and the networking is fantastic.

• Which local businessperson do you find inspiring?

I would have to say Kerwin Rae; he’s been a really good friend and mentor to me and he’s helped thousands of businesses locally. And then there’s three amazing entrepreneurs that I have the pleasure of networking with, and they are Amber Moncrieff from Hunter Plastic Surgery, Adele Martin from Money Mentor and Rachael Sheldrick who is the Workshop Whisperer. They are fantastic and really powerful entrepreneurs.