What is the 30under30?

30under30 is an Anthill initiative launched in early 2008 to encourage and promote entrepreneurship among young Australians.

Each year, we invite our readers to nominate young Australian entrepreneurs deserving of recognition for their outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours. More.

Kym Clark, 27 (QLD)

Name: Kym Clark
Age: 27
Gender: Female
State: QLD

Kym Clark loves talking numbers. She reels off several before you can say Fibonacci.

Did you know that the number of women in the Australian resources industry has grown from 4% in 1966, to 15% in 2006, and then to 17% in 2011? And, still, zero industrial workwear manufacturers cater to pregnant women in the industry? That’s 100% of stockists not catering to pregnant miners!

While you are still with the numbers consider another brace: the $130,000 salaried job in the mines she quit to pursue this dream of making specialised workwear for pregnant women, with 100% commitment!

Kym always loved fashion but never felt creative enough, or bold enough, perhaps, to make it a career. In fact, she settled down for possibly its very antithesis: the mining industry. But her entrepreneurial spirit came alive when she saw “my heavily pregnant manager in a singlet and open high vis shirt.”

That is when she hit upon the idea of creating maternity workwear, marrying function and fashion. Earlier this year, Kym started She’s Empowered, which designs workwear of all kinds for women.

“There is a very real need for industrial workwear to accommodate the eight different body shapes of women, as well as provide comfortable and stylish options for pregnant workers,” says Kym, backing her spirit with research to suppert her business case.

“Until my business was developed, there were no maternity workwear options for industrial workers and I wanted to make a difference,” she says.

In only a short period, Kym has tapped social media to help empower women in traditionally male-dominated industries. She has launched what she dubs the “She’s Empowered Movement.”

“I created the online movement through social media to increase women’s confidence and sense of belonging to a community. It was a low-cost initiative which has grown organically. I also held a She’s Empowered networking and information event which received positive feedback and gave me another fantastic business idea I am considering (women’s safety glasses),” she says.

When she’s away from work, Kym likes to spend time with her nieces and nephews, and continue with self-development opportunities and be passionate about “what I do each day.”

Anthill asks: Kym Clark, what is your super-power and why?        

“I am a risk taker! Yes, it’s calculated, but there are not too many people who would leave a $130K full time job…and venture out on their own with little capital but a big dream. To me, it’s more terrifying not following my heart and bringing life to my passion. Failing doesn’t scare me – but not trying – that’s TERRIFYING! Mere mortals – they dream. Me? I take a risk and go for what I want.”

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To check out the full list of Anthill’s 30under30 winners, click here.