CHOSEN from a eld of 300 nominations, Katherine Manby from VM Family Law is one of 100 Faces of Small Business.
The Queensland Government initiative is shining a light on the inspiring stories behind local small business.
Announced as part of Queensland Small Business Week 2018, the initiative showcases the unique experiences of small business owners from 17 industries right across the state.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Ms Manby said.
“I’m the only lawyer as far as I can see. This allows me to hopefully encourage other people.
“Starting a business is daunting but good.”
She hopes to help empower and encourage others to start and grow their own businesses just like she did at Brookwater two years ago.
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said she was pleased to see a local small business from the Jordan electorate included in the 100 Faces of Small Business’ Initiative.
“Katherine knew our local area was in need of a law rm which understood the needs of women and children who had been exposed to domestic violence,” Ms Mullen said.
“Armed with her own experiences and Legal Aid knowledge and skills, VM Family Law opened its doors – to no clients, but a strong desire to help.”
In it’s rst two years of operation, VM Family Law assisted over 500 clients including providing free legal advice with the business growing rapidly, thanks largely to word of mouth.
Ms Manby now employs ve sta and works closely with domestic violence support services and legal partners, helping clients from all over Queensland.
“We are an experienced and knowledgeable domestic and family law rm, with our mission to provide aordable legal advice in a casual and friendly manner for all our clients,” Ms Manby said.
“I myself have been through a domestically violent situation so I think I’ve got that connection in terms of what people have gone through, and I’m happy to sit down and tell my clients that I found myself in that situation too, and I think that helps create some sense of security in relaying their story and seeking help from us.
“I enjoy the freedom and I enjoy choosing the jobs I want to do. I enjoy the fact that I can help people if I choose to, rather than having to seek somebody else’s approval and often being told, no, you can’t help that person, and for me it’s just a lifestyle.
“I was successful in obtaining a grant just recently to allow me to have a business coach, which has been so helpful at this stage in my business, so I’m constantly on the look out for grants and the work that the government do in supporting small businesses with those grants is fantastic.”
Ms Manby’s work extends beyond her small business to giving back to the local community having recently organised Greater Springeld’s rst Family and Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil.
“I am so pleased to see VM Family Law acknowledged through the 100 Faces of Small Business initiative which shows the vital contribution small business make, not only to Queensland’s economy, but to the essence of our communities,” Ms Mullen said.