Cate Bolt manages an online store that stocks wonderful lines of sustainable living products.

Cate explains why The Elements at Eumundi and other initiatives are funding The Indonesian orphanage project.

Find out how you can help this project here.

Cate, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
The Elements originally started out as something completely different which changed direction. The Elements was originally going to be a 5 star luxury eco-tourism resort and we insisted that everything that went into it had to be sustainable, organic or in some way more environmentally sensible than its competitors. The products we used were to be available in the resort shop and the online store. In the research process we became so passionate about the earth, conservation and humanity that we decided there were bigger things we should be paying attention to, so we kept the shop as a means of residual income for our new charity.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
I’m just an excited person. Once I get an idea in my head-– it happens. Once I started researching and learning about products I really thought it would be irresponsible to NOT go ahead and do it.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
The Elements At Eumundi – sounds corny but it came from a higher place. We were actually living in Victoria when we started the business; we knew Queensland was where we wanted to be. Something told me Eumundi was “the place” so I basically had decided that was it before I even went there. Luckily when I got there it felt like home and I fell in love immediately!

“The Elements” represents everything I stand for; I’m “at one with the earth”.

How is The Elements at Eumundi original?
I think the main difference is that we run the business now to support the charity. So 50% of the profits go directly to the charity, and the other 50% goes to supporting our family while we run the charity. I think shoppers like to know that what they are buying not only benefits them and the earth, but the profits are going to the greater good as well.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Honestly, we didn’t have any difficulties. I had run a successful online/bricks and mortar retail business for 10 years, so it was fairly plain sailing.

Having a large family means time-management is always an issue. And I guess having to go back to square one with suppliers– not having the leverage of being a recognised successful business with bargaining power.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
Very much – see question 1!

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Working from home and being flexible about when we work. Knowing that what we sell is beneficial to our customers & to the earth and that the money we make is going to a worthwhile cause.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
No, nothing worth mentioning.

What are your future goals for insert business name?
We would like to extend our product range to include my husband’s passion– which is alternate energy. We’re also in the process of extending the alternate therapies section, to include my passion– which is crystal healing. We will be focusing heavily on getting our head lice treatments into Queensland schools for the rest of this school year. We have an awesome product after years of frustration, so we’re taking it to the people!

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Make sure you’re clear in your head what your objectives are when you’re starting a business. Write them down and maybe have them somewhere you can see them every day. It’s ok if they change, but if they are still the same and you’re losing direction, then have the strength to stop yourself.

No amount of money will ever buy the happiness of your children. Make sure you maintain business/family balance and hang out with your kids. It’s always nice to include them in the business, even if it’s in some minor role like arranging your packing supplies.

If you can work side by side it will give them an appreciation for what you do, why you do it and what the rewards are.