Sisters are doing it for themselves

SISTERS, business partners, co-workers.

Three things that many may feel are fraught with danger when combined, but Annabel and Amelia Nairn are happy to take the leap together.

The Mildura siblings had discussed the prospect of joining forces in their own business venture for a number of years, and are a new example of Australians taking the plunge on their own new projects in a post-COVID world.

The result is Virgo, a self-serve frozen yoghurt bar in the Langtree Mall that has been a packed house since opening last week.

Creating their own venture had always been a goal for the duo and, four years since the idea was first floated, they opened the doors for the sweet treat eatery.

Despite having different personalities, Annabel, 30, and Amelia, 25, believe they complement each other. The elder sister has taken a sharp turn from her work with the Health and Human Services Department, while the younger is a chef and dessert maker.

“I always wanted to do something in business, and Amelia obviously being good with food, it all just came together,” Annabel said.

“We first started making notes (about the business) in 2018. We weren’t ready at that stage, thankfully because then COVID hit, and then last year we decided to go for it.

“I love what I was doing but I’ve always had another goal to be in business. I just turned 30 and I thought it was time for a change, which I think a lot of people felt after COVID.”

Amelia said the pair worked well in sync, with each holding different strengths when it to comes to the business, while still learning lessons as they go.

“We just gravitate to what we’re good at and it just worked,” she said.

“There’s a lot of things we don’t know and we’re learning as we go. But we’ve had so much support from friends, family and the community which we are grateful for as its scary starting your own business.

“It’s been a week but it’s felt like a month, it’s been hectic but in the best way possible. You don’t really know what to expect each day, and it’s been great.

“It’s nice to see people sitting down filling up benches around the mall.”

Offering a seasonal product fit for summer has meant the sisters have different ideas up their sleeves for the colder months.

“Now we’re open we can see a bit more what people want and get some more ideas, but because we are seasonal we do have to be thinking ahead to winter,” Annabel said.

Sunraysia people wondering about how to start a new small business in the post-pandemic era have access to advice and assistance from Business Victoria. An online guide to getting started can be found at business.vic.gov.au/business-information/start-a-business

Virgo is at 49A Langtree Mall, Mildura.