By Sheree Hoddinett
All the hard work, dedication and effort that goes into her craft has paid off for Candice Kiss after Annie Lane won the Australian Women's Small Business Champion Award in the cafe category last month. It’s another accolade to add to what is proving to be quite a successful year in business including winning the Pumicestone small business of the year in hospitality and Amy winning employee of the year; becoming a Best of Queensland Experiences tourism operator; finalist in the restaurant and caterers’ awards for Best Breakfast in Queensland and also making the list of Australia’s top 50 small business leaders report.
Extremely humbled by all the recognition, Candice is grateful for everyone who gets behind the café and her team. To say she is still coming to terms with her latest award win is most definitely an understatement. But true to her character, Candice is all about recognising everyone’s contribution.
“It is a privilege and words cannot express how grateful and proud I am,” she said. “I’m grateful to my five children for pushing and supporting me when I thought I couldn’t keep going and to my husband for being my number one support person and being the backbone to my dreams. “But I’m also grateful to my incredible team for sharing my vision and walking alongside me to make Annie Lane what it is today. And for the community for welcoming us and continuing to support us every week. Without you small business doesn’t exist.”
After being named in last year’s Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards final and coming away unsuccessful, Candice knew she deserved a spot in the final again, but never thought she would win.
“When they called my name in front of 1200 people it didn’t even register, like I was watching from the outside,” she said. “I didn’t have a speech prepared, so my acceptance definitely came from the heart.”
Many of you may have been following Candice’s journey from the beginning. It all started in 2016 when she opened a food truck, which many locals may remember featured home cooked meals delivered on a weekly basis. In 2017 came the opening of Gather & Feast in Caboolture and Annie Lane came along in 2019.
“From the first day as an apprentice chef at the age of 16 I just knew I had to have my own space,” Candice said. “A space to showcase my creative talents, to showcase local produce and reduce food miles and to bring a food experience that values sustainable practices. “Gather & Feast was definitely an interesting choice of location to start a new business, when so many told me it would never work. I saw a gap in the market and knew that the Caboolture community deserved a beautiful food experience just as much as the inner-city folk. It was a hard barrier to break at first as the locals thought it was all a little too different from what they were used to, but I knew that if I continued to follow my passion and serve with love, integrity and authenticity that it would eventually become a success. To this day I still can’t quite believe how busy that place gets! “As a Ningi local, I didn’t want the Bribie locals missing out on the action so Annie Lane was born. It was a chance to bring our ethos of beautiful nourishing food direct from local farmers, a community hub for locals to gather and with the heavy tourist trade a chance to celebrate all things over the top and indulgent.”
Knowing that the effort she puts into her business isn’t going unnoticed is a big part of what spurs Candice on to continue growing and shining a spotlight on what can be achieved when you set your mind to it.
“On a personal level, winning this latest award has given me recognition for the years of hard work and sacrifice,” Candice said. “As with many small business owners, especially women, I have often struggled with imposter syndrome. I used to believe that unless I was absolutely perfect, was the hardest worker or reached the highest achievements that people may think I was a fraud. Over the years in business, I have overcome those fears to realise that I am worthy in all aspects of my life and this award just cements that further.”
Being a business owner has given Candice the freedom for creativity, the opportunity to see what she can produce, especially working from the ground up and also the chance to build lifelong friendships within the local community, as well as cement memories with staff who she calls her extended family. But above all else, the role she has built is the best way to guide others on the same path.
“I think I have a natural ability as a mentor. I wouldn’t give myself a title, but it is something that just happens naturally with my staff and other business owners, she said. “I am a true empath and feel things very deeply, so if I can feel that someone needs my help or advice, I’m all in. I think it’s important to share knowledge, help others realise their strengths and potential, both personally and professionally. “As a community, especially in the tourism sector, I am a true believer of collaboration and investing in the success of others. Most importantly, inadvertently mentoring others is a two-way street and gives you the opportunity to learn from others.”
So, what else lies ahead for this successful woman in business?
“Well, there are many plans, to be honest my brain never stops,” Candice said. “I have a food trip booked in the Middle East next year, but once I’m back you can definitely expect more things from us here in Moreton Bay.
“My advice to any budding entrepreneurs out there looking to make that jump into small business - polish your skills, learn some more, grow your network, harness the correct support from people around you, lead with empathy and follow your passion.”
Drop in and visit Annie Lane Café at 5/1 Toorbul Street, Bongaree.
