Melanie Cookes on building The Practical Doula

Melanie Cookes shares how personal experiences with her father’s death and supporting a friend’s family led her to create The Practical Doula, an end-of-life doula business. This conversation explores what an end-of-life doula does, why gentle listening matters, and how practical planning can reduce fear, conflict, and burden for families.

We discuss Melanie’s transition from full-time administration work into self-employment, the role of coaching and networking in getting her business off the ground, and the wide range of support she now offers clients facing end-of-life decisions.

Support Melanie here:

Website: www.practicaldoula.com.au

Email: enquiries@practicaldoula.com.au

Instagram: @thepracticaldoula

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

Unlocking the Power of Dance for Wellbeing with Pasha Lyndi

Join us in this inspiring episode as Pasha Lyndi, founder of The Dance Temple in Brisbane, shares her journey from physical theatre and meditation to creating a vibrant dance community that fosters health, connection, and self-expression. Discover how movement can be a life-saving and life-affirming practice, especially in challenging times.

Support Pasha here:

Website: www.pashalyndi.life

Email: hello@pashalyndi.life

Instagram: @pashalyndi

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

How Natasha Overcame Adversity to Build a Thriving Candle Brand

In this episode of The Entrepreneurs Launchpad, Natasha shares her inspiring journey from incarceration and mental health challenges to building a successful candle business. She discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the power of passion in overcoming adversity.

Support Natasha here:

Website: www.aaliyahcandles.com.au

Email: info@aaliyahcandles.com.au

Instagram: @aaliyahcandles

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

Resilience doesn’t always look loud — sometimes it stands quietly in the rain.

In this episode of The Entrepreneurs Launchpad, Claudia Fusca shares a moment from our recent Mother’s Day Markets in Brisbane — a day filled with colour, community… and then wind and rain.

Meet Sarah, founder of Sar Bear Designs — a polymer clay jewellery maker who chose belief over comfort and perseverance over perfect conditions. From starting her business during COVID to making international sales and building passive income streams, Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a choice.

Support Sarah here:

Etsy Store: https://sarbeardesignsau.etsy.com

Website: https://sarbeardesigns.square.site/

Email: sarbeardesignsau@gmail.com

Instagram: @_sarbeardesigns

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

From Brick-and-Mortar to Mobile Fish Spa Business: Simone’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Discover how Simone pivoted her fish spa business from a traditional storefront to a thriving mobile operation. Simone shares the inspiring origin story of her mobile fish spa bus, started from a family vacation experience

Support Barefoot Fish and the Fish Bus:

Website: https://barefootfish.com.au/

Email: info@barefootfish.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootFishAustralia/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bare

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

From Mining to Mental Health: Daniel Moody’s Reinvention Journey

Join us on the Entrepreneurs Launchpad as Daniel Moody shares his inspiring transition from the mining industry and corporate world to launching his own mental health practice. This episode explores the power of listening to your calling, overcoming self-doubt, and building a meaningful business aligned with your values.

Support Moody Therapy and Counselling:

Website: mtac.au

Email: info@mtac.au

Phone: 0404 323 327

Instagram & TikTok: @mtac.au

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

Building a Soulful Business: Jasmine's Entrepreneurial Journey with HH Collective

Discover how Jasmine transformed her passion for handmade furniture into a thriving brand inspired by heritage and motherhood. From overcoming setbacks to virally reaching 200,000 views, her story offers practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women balancing business and family life.

Support HH Collective:

Website: HH Collective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLYncFQV3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hh.collective?igsh=YnoyaW9rcWsyZTdp&utm_source=qr

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483

In this episode of Entrepreneurs Launchpad, Claudia interviews local entrepreneurs Peter and Geraldine at the annual Self-Employment Assistance Christmas pop-up market. Peter shares his journey from plumbing to creating laser engraved timber products after a life-changing heart attack. Geraldine discusses her crafting business, Craft Expressions, which emerged from her desire to create a supportive community for crafters. Both entrepreneurs emphasise the importance of following one's passion and the challenges of running a small business, especially during the festive season.

Support True Blue Timber Treasures:

www.truebluetimbertreasures.com.au

Support Craft Expressions:

www.craftexpressions.com.au

To hear more about how you can start your own business, get in touch with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs:

Email: seaapplication@sarinarusso.com.au

Phone: 1300 783 483