With many choices available, Karen Steindorf, owner of Fitz and Friends, decided to go with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs (SRE) to help her start her own business. "I had heard only great reports about Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs," she shared, reflecting on her choice of provider. "I wanted to choose a company that I had knowledge of."
Choosing SRE turned out to be a great move for Karen because she got steady support all along. During her certification process, she always had someone cheering her on and giving her direction. "The tutors were always available, and one in particular, India Sutter, was always so positive that it was infectious," she recalled. The personalised support extended to her local SRE office at Christies Beach, Adelaide, where Claudia Chavez became a cornerstone of her success. "Claudia always came up with other business options on who I could contact to grow my business," she noted gratefully.
Like many entrepreneurs, Karen faced initial challenges in pitching her products to potential retailers. "Approaching other businesses with the possibility of them stocking my products was hard as I've never been a person to 'sell," she admitted. However, armed with confidence in her unique and quality offerings, she overcame these hurdles.
Reflecting on her journey, Karen offers a piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "If you know that you have something unique and of great quality, don't ever be afraid to get out there." The highlights of her entrepreneurial experience are numerous and inspiring. "I love producing new products," she says. "Encouragement from Sarina Russo, India, and Claudia now see my products in 6 local pet shops, a chemist – yes you read that correctly – and a couple of cafés." Her products, under the brand Fritz and Friends, have gained traction not only through retail channels but also at local markets, where repeat customers eagerly await her latest offerings.
As Karen celebrates her success just 12 months into business, her story proves how crucial support and faith in one's original ideas are. With Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs supporting her, there is no telling how far this successful entrepreneur can go.
For more information about Fitz and Friends, click here.
Want help to manage and grow your small business?
Sarina Russo offers accredited small business training that can help turn your business idea into reality. In conjunction with the Self-Employment Assistance program, Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs enables Australians to set up and run their own small business. The Self-Employment Assistance is 100% Australian Government funded.
Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs supports candidates as they complete Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business. During this, candidates create a comprehensive business plan and a two-year financial cash forecast. SRE Trainers provide meaningful mentoring for the first twelve months.
Eligible candidates receive the training and support to create a viable business plan, in addition to obtaining a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business.
For more information, please click here.
