In the heart of the Sutherland Shire, amidst the stunning coastal vistas and thriving communities, lies a treasure trove of female entrepreneurial spirit. International Women's Day 2024 marks not only a celebration of women's achievements but also an opportunity to spotlight the remarkable individuals who are shaping the business landscape in this beachside paradise. Among these trailblazers stands Sheree Knobel, the founder of Bixie colour, who is making waves as a female-founded business in the Sutherland Shire.

The Sutherland Shire boasts an eclectic mix of female businesses, from marketing to homewares and beyond. What unites these businesses is the vision and tenacity of the women behind them, who are not only excelling in their respective fields but also inspiring others with their determination and innovation.

Sheree Knobel, the visionary behind BIXIE Colour, exemplifies the spirit of female entrepreneurship in the Sutherland Shire. With a passion for hair coloring and a keen eye for business opportunities, Sheree made the bold decision to open her own color-specialist studio closer to home in Caringbah, following the birth of her second child. This move, driven by both professional ambition and a desire for greater flexibility, proved to be a turning point in her career.

Despite relocating away from the CBD, Sheree's salon quickly gained traction, attracting a loyal clientele and garnering attention from far and wide. Thanks to her savvy use of social media and her undeniable talent, BIXIE became a destination in its own right, with clients traveling from interstate and beyond to experience Sheree's expertise firsthand. It was a period of exhilarating growth and opportunity, testament to Sheree's entrepreneurial acumen and dedication to her craft.

Throughout her journey, Sheree has remained steadfast in her commitment to seeking support and collaboration. Recognizing the importance of leveraging resources and expertise, she has embraced outsourcing as a strategic tool for scaling her business and ensuring the best possible experience for her clients and team alike. This willingness to ask for help and delegate responsibilities has been instrumental in BIXIE's success, underscoring Sheree's pragmatic approach to entrepreneurship.

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let us salute the indomitable spirit of women like Sheree Knobel and her fellow entrepreneurs in the Sutherland Shire. Their stories inspire us to dream big, break barriers, and strive for excellence, proving that the sky's the limit when it comes to women in business. So here's to the women who dare to defy expectations, who lead with passion and purpose, and who continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond.t

As featured Shire scout LivingWords by Lucy Lindfield

16 FEMALE-FOUNDED BUSINESSES IN THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

Let’s hear it for the girls

The Sutherland Shire is home to many things: beautiful coastline, fabulous food, coveted watering holes and nature-packed pockets. And here, in this little slice of beachside paradise, one category we exceed in is the representation of talented females kicking ass in the world of business.

From marketing to homewares and everything in between, these 16 humble women are out there breaking glass ceilings, climbing the corporate ladder and paving the way for others to follow. In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, we had the pleasure of getting to know them.