Women from Permanent Impressions in 2021
CAROL HANLON - Interviewed by Carmen Jenner
Inducted into the Inaugural WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2011, Carol Hanlon’s achievements are numerous, but she is most famously known as the Founder and CEO of the Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc. and the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Resource Centre WA Inc. Carol is also one of the 50 women who is part of the Permanent Impressions collection and book. We had a chat to Carol 10 years on from Permanent Impressions about the business of being in business.
Before we delve in the business of being in business, how did you feel about being selected to be part of the Permanent Impressions collection?
I was very privileged and honoured to be part of the collection and book with such high achieving women. In fact, at the official launch of the Women Economic Forum in 2019, we invited Jana to display a selection of her Permanent Impressions portraits in the ballroom of WA Government House. The diversity of the women was really great too.
How did you find the process of sitting for your portrait?
I recognise and appreciate Jana’s passion and achievement as an artist. To create such an impressive collection requires huge amounts of tenacity.
I thought your portrait really captured your passion but what did you think of your portrait when you saw it for the first time?
I thought it was very flattering. The book was great too and I’ve given them out to my children and grandchildren.
What have you been recently working on?
In the last year, I have been co-ordinating a project on disability employment by providing businesses with awareness training on what they need to do and to consider when employing a person living with disability. Starting out in the 70’s as a fashion designer, I ran my own small business for 20 years, last year I also finished a project on migrant small business training & mentoring with a focus on fashion. And I’m currently putting together our 17th designedge Innovation Festival and we have just been successful with our submission to start our MY Business Incubator CYBER SECURITY Training and Mentoring project and will now provide free support to small businesses across Australia to better protect their business and data.
What about on the international arena?
I’m very passionate about inspiring other women and in early 2021, I hosted an online forum with the topic of ‘Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs showcasing Sustainable Development Goals’ for the New York based NGO CSW65, which co-ordinates civil society events as part of United Nations Commission Status of Women 65. Currently, I am co-ordinating a container of donated sewing machines and textiles to ship to Beirut, assisting BPW Lebanon to start small micro sewing businesses for women who suffered through the Beirut blast and destruction.
Tell us about the Small Business Awards that you’re putting together for the 28th year.
Being a not-for-profit and getting through the 27th year is an achievement in itself. I plan on launching our 28th Belmont and Western Australian Small Business Awards in May and completing the presentations at the end of October.
What advice would you give someone thinking of starting up a business?
If you can find your passion when starting a business, you can keep doing it many decades later because age is an attitude not a number. But don’t only find a passion that fulfils what you like, but also where you can make a difference to others. Even if you don’t do it for commercial success, consider doing it as a social enterprise or as a volunteer and giving something back.
Starting a business is one thing, but keeping it going is another. Any advice?
You need self determination to push through the barriers and the dedication and passion to cut through the deepest and darkest times. Problem solving is key because that’s how you will survive. Even after all these years I’m still working 60 to 70 hours a week to make it all happen.
In what ways are you currently helping women in business?
I remember a time when women couldn’t get loans and my ex-husband had to approve my application to apply for a passport. I’m constantly lobbying for funds to create more projects to help women in small business, and projects to promote and support women through economic empowerment. Recognising the toll of the pandemic on small businesses, I predict the next few months are going to be tough for many, and prosperous for others.
Having recently stepped down as BPW WA State President, I am constantly supporting gender equality issues, which have been challenged here in Australia and globally. I produce monthly newsletters for our BPW Business Incubator with inspiration, business updates and opportunities that go out to many thousands each month.
What changes in business do you predict in the aftermath of Covid-19?
The customers you had 12-months ago might not exist anymore. There’s going to be continued digital disruption and a large percentage of jobs will disappear in large corporations and that niche in the market will be picked up by freelancers, small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Where do you think there will be areas of growth?
Definitely in the health industry. I think more people will be wanting to document their memoirs too. Many young people aren’t even aware of a time without mobile phones and how their grandparents lived through the war and depression, so there will be a continuing focus on climate, sustainability and the circular economy. There will also be a return to creditability, integrity, business ethics and trusted sources.
Have you got any advice for business owners post-pandemic?
They need to seriously face reality. You’re going to need to do some strategic planning over the next 12 months so you can recognise opportunities emerging due to the ups and downs in the economy and change in consumer patterns. My advice for business owners is to do a cash flow projection to work out who owes them money and to get their books in order. Seeking help from an external advisor or mentor can help you come to terms with things because when you’re in the situation, it’s hard to see the reality.