Star

Williamstown, Altona, Laverton Star

Darlings Downunder

By Cimara Pearce

21st July 2009 11:05:43 AM

Winner … Star Businesswoman of the Year, Tania Avtarovski. 33164 Picture: SARAH MATRAY

TANIA Avtarovski began her online reusable cloth nappy business in 2005 with six boxes of goods.

Almost four years on, the 2009 Star Businesswoman of the Year and internet based award winner has grown her small company into a thriving trade that ships cloth nappies and baby products across the world.

The Taylors Hill resident decided to start her online business, Darl-ings Downunder, after stumbling across a modern variety of cloth nappies on the internet which she bought for her daughter.

She saw an open market for cloth nappies and decided to start the business from her garage.

Tania said the modern cloth nappies she sold were different to the old-fashioned terry towelling cloths used in the past.

The nappies she sells, and in some instances designs, are modern nappies that are similar in appearance to disposables but can be rewashed.

“I didn’t want a shop, I didn’t want to have the rigid hours of being at a shop,” Tania said.

“It’s certainly grown, the business, I think for a few different reasons.

“I think the main one would be that it’s cost effective. You save a minimum $2,000 a year (by using cloth nappies) in comparison to using disposables, and they’re also environmentally friendly and they’re not adding to landfill. Plus they’re cute and easy to use.”

Darlings Downunder has grown so rapidly since it began that, even with her husband’s help, Tania at times struggles to keep up with the demand for nappies. She is currently exploring avenues to expand the business and employ someone to help out with the large number of orders.

She said she had learnt a lot since joining the Women in Business network around three months ago.

“I think that being a part of a women’s group is just so inspiring. It’s great to see so many other women who are in charge of other businesses and who are motivated to grow their businesses,” Tania said.

She described her business as exhausting at times but extremely rewarding and encouraged others to take up the challenge of owning a small business.

“I would encourage women to give it a go,” she said. “I’d just say put your best effort forward.

“Put in 100 per cent into growing your business and make sure, whatever you choose, you are passionate about it, because starting up a business requires a lot of hours and you want to be able to love what you do and stay motivated.”