The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
My health has been my biggest hurdle. I spent the past 8 months recovering from major abdominal surgery, which was one of many operations I have had to endure. The most notable was when I became permanently disabled and left living in constant pain, after a simple hernia operation went horrifically wrong.
Despite struggling with multiple chronic illnesses, my love language has always been “Acts of Service” as demonstrated with over 18 years of service to the community. Merry Go Round Toys has provided me with so much enjoyment and connection, and I am eternally grateful to the amazing people who have entered our lives as a direct consequence. It selfishly fills my cup.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros have to be the flexibility in running your own business; for example, I hold my meetings in the morning, as my function declines throughout the day.
The cons would definitely be that as a solopreneaur you are responsible for EVERYTHING – accounts, marketing, transport, HR, the list goes on.
The important thing to remember is that you set the pace, and there’s no rush to the finish line.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Our long-term vision: as a retail training centre to scale nationally, introduce rental and swap programs, and influence policy – a motivation that goes beyond short-term gains. We aim to reshape consumer habits, making sustainable play the default choice for Australian families. This ambition aligns perfectly with our values: building stronger communities, operating with integrity and delivering measurable impact.
Every toy rehomed, every family supported and every charity funded is proof that when values drive action, businesses can change the world – one spin of the merry-go-round at a time.
Visit the Merry Go Round Toys website to find out more, and shop their products here. You can also connect with them on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
