▪ Photo contributed
There’s not too many teens who have two years business experience behind them by the time they are 14, but Cobar has one very clever local girl that does.
Indy Negfeldt’s remarkable achievements with her Cathead Country brand clothing and accessories have been recognised by the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.
The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards is a prestigious and comprehensive program that supports and recognises small businesses owned by women across Australia.
The awards offer a unique opportunity to highlight Australia’s most outstanding small businesses and recognise the hard work that women business owners contribute to the local community in generating employment for millions of Australians, as well as their commitment to the Australian economy.
Indy said she saw information about the awards on social media, had a read through and noted that her business ticked all the boxes to qualify for nomination, including the business having a woman as a sole owner who was the main decision maker.
Indy was thrilled last week to find out that she’d been named as a finalist in her category, the New Service Business—Young Entrepreneur and Fashion.
“I really didn’t think I was even going to get in because of my age, so it was such an amazing surprise when I was checking my emails and saw that I was a finalist,” Indy told The Cobar Weekly.
“I’m super happy and proud of my business and being a finalist will help get exposure to other business people, grow my knowledge and experience in business.
“I think I can learn a lot from other successful business owners who are also involved in the awards.”
Indy started her Cathead Country business at age 12 selling her country brand that includes hats, jewellery and clothing.
Indy said she has designed her range to be comfortable and durable and that Cathead Country items can be worn by anyone at any age.
Indy primarily sells her products through her website and also at local markets and has plans of travelling further afield to other markets.
Over the past two years of running her business, Indy has gained lots more followers to her website, and tripled both her sales and her product range.
She’s worked hard at it and when she’s not at school or studying, Indy said she spends most of her other time working in the business (about 25 hours per week).
Indy has big plans for her business and said her main goal is to have lots of products that people love.
“I would also love to have lots of Cathead Country stores around the world and even a few trucks that travel around selling my products,” Indy said.
“Even if I don’t win, I will still be happy because it’s such an amazing opportunity.”
