At 75 years of age, Liverpool entrepreneur Zoe Isakidis is proving that it is never too late to pursue a dream.
As a participant in the Self-Employment Assistance program, Zoe has been working alongside the Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs team, including Business Coaches Louise Marshall, Francis David, and Joanne, while completing her Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business.
Recently, Zoe celebrated a significant milestone by successfully completing all of her assessments and achieving satisfactory results throughout the course. For Zoe, this accomplishment was about far more than gaining a qualification. It was about discovering confidence in herself and realising she was capable of achieving something she once thought was impossible.
In a heartfelt message to her Business Coach, Zoe expressed her gratitude to the team who supported her throughout the journey.
"I would like to sincerely thank you for all of your guidance and support throughout my Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business. Your assistance and Joanne's encouragement helped me complete the course, something I thought I would never be capable of achieving."
Zoe's entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by a lifetime of resilience, determination and hard work. As the daughter of migrant parents, she began helping in her family's fish and chip shop from the age of six, assisting her parents as they navigated life in Australia without speaking English.
Those early experiences instilled values that continue to guide her today as she works towards building her business, KEYPAWS.
During her studies, Zoe also found inspiration in Meet Me at the Top, the autobiography of Sarina Russo AM. The book deeply resonated with her own life experiences, particularly the themes of family, perseverance and overcoming adversity.
"Reading her story reminded me that determination, resilience and hard work can come from very humble beginnings. It gave me confidence that despite the challenges I faced, I can continue pursuing my dream with KEYPAWS."
One section of the book had a particularly profound impact on Zoe. Reflecting on Sarina's account of losing her father, Zoe was reminded of her own personal loss and the lasting influence parents have on the lives of their children.
"Although the loss never leaves us, the values, strength and guidance our parents instilled in us remain with us forever."
As she looks to the future, Zoe hopes that other aspiring entrepreneurs will have the same opportunity to experience the support, encouragement and inspiration she received throughout the program.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge the role Joanne played in her success.
"I would like to acknowledge Joanne for encouraging me to keep going and helping me understand what I once thought was impossible was in fact possible."
Stories like Zoe's are a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship has no age limit. With dedication, belief and the right support network, new opportunities can emerge at any stage of life.
The Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs team is incredibly proud of Zoe and all she has achieved. Her journey demonstrates the true spirit of entrepreneurship; embracing challenges, continuing to learn, and never giving up on a dream.
We wish Zoe every success as she continues to grow KEYPAWS and inspire others through her determination, courage and entrepreneurial spirit.
