For two decades, Tonic – derived from the names of its founders Toni Joel and Nikki Horovitz – has sought to do just one thing: Make the mundane magnificent, as Toni has articulated many a time.
For this pursuit, and for the joys it has brought to Australian households – and frankly, who doesn’t love a heat pillow? – the founders of the home furnishing store were awarded the AusMumpreneur of the Year award. Toni and Nikki received the award at a glittering ceremony during the National AusMumpreneurs Conference, organised by the online community Connect2Mums, in Sydney on Sept. 7.
“After 20 years of building Tonic, and loving every minute of it, this is just the icing on the cake,” Nikki said as she accepted the award.
“It’s quite humbling, given the quality of the finalists, and I’d like to share the award with you all and I’d like to thank Connect2Mums for recognising the important role that women and mothers play in our business community,” she added.
Mums’ day out
Toni and Nikki turned entrepreneurs about the time they became mums. They quit day jobs in order to raise children but, alongside, fashioned their own business at their own leisure. Tonic began to make stylish merchandise for the bath, body and home. Today, its range is extensive, ranging from soaps and candles to a variety of home and bedroom accessories.
The following were the other AusMumpreneur Award winners were:
Koolaman Designs Rising Star: Tina Harris, Lah-Lah
Emerging AusMumpreneur: Elise Easdown, What’s On 4
PBC Expo Product Innovation Award: Dyna Predebon, Adoorable Toy Company
Service Business of the Year: Kristen Semmens, Nitpro & Ziggetty Snipits
Favourite Eco-Friendly Business: Dalal Ozdemir, Earthy Mamma
Favourite Customer Service: Katrina McCarter, Bubbler Deals
Favourite Blog: Jasmine Boothey, Bargain Mums
Favourite Handmade: Michelle Jeanes, Wicked Soy Candles
Favourite Boutique: Amanda Edwards, InviteMe
Favourite Product: Kelly Northey, Bamboo Bubby Bags
Webonize Making a Difference Award: Nicky Johnston, Happy Hero
Connect2Mums owners Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner congratulated all the AusMumpreneur finalists and winners.
“The most inspiring thing for me is the incredibly generous and supportive way each and every mumpreneur encouraged each other and cheered each other on. They are wonderful role models for their children and other mums out there thinking about starting their own business!” said Peace.
“Peace and I were so proud to see these women forming lasting friendships and business alliances at the event over the weekend,” Katy added.
Connect2Mums, started in 2009, is an online community for mumpreneurs with over 16,000 members.
