Central Coast business mum Joan Larkins has been named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Awards.
Presented by The Women’s Business School, the annual awards celebrate and recognise Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.
They are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.
After completing her Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Newcastle University’s Ourimbah Campus, the Blue Haven mum launched her business, Joan Larkins – Nutritionist last October.
“I have pretty much always lived on the Central Coast and love the community we have here,” she said.
“Just as I was completing my degree I was diagnosed with ADHD and I wanted to help other neurodivergent people like me to better understand their nutritional needs and work on improving their health and wellbeing.”
Larkins does one-on-one consultations to help people analyse what they are eating, set goals and come up with a nutrition plan to suit them.
“I also run Nourish and Nurture – a 10-week program where people work in a group setting to support each other and work towards their goals,” she said.
Neurodivergent people can include those with ADHD or who are anywhere on the autism spectrum, including those with OCD and ODD.
“Many have sensory issues around eating,” Larkins said.
“We set up what we call ‘safe foods’ and try to help people who might not be eating a large range of foods to make sure they are still getting essential nutrients.”
Prior to setting up the business, Larkins worked as a coach in the wellness area for about six years.
She said she was delighted to be named as a finalist in the awards and is proud of her achievements, particularly starting her own business while raising two young girls.
She said there are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood.
“Motherhood is the hardest job, second only to running your own business; however both are well worth the effort,” she said.
The winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in September.
For more information on the AusMumpreneur Awards visit www.ausmumpreneur.com or contact awards@ausmumpreneur.com
For more information on Larkins’ business go to Joanlarkins.com
Terry Collins