My Business Stars

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Stephen McIvor, founder of Moonshiners Distillery, about turning a lifelong passion for traditional moonshine into a business after sudden vision loss. Stephen shares how he went from running a firewood and demolition operation to losing his sight overnight, and how connecting with other disabled entrepreneurs helped him rebuild his confidence. He explains the science and history behind moonshine, why he uses copper pot stills and natural grains, and how he creates flavours like whiskey, gin, mango shine and watermelon shine. Stephen also discusses discrimination in employment, the empowerment of self employment, and his dream of growing Moonshiners Distillery into a thriving craft brand in Aotearoa.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Jo Bridgwater, founder of After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio, about building a creative business in Masterton while living with autism and chronic pain. Jo shares how she turned a setback in teacher relief training into an opportunity to create her own art education programme, offering courses in photography, painting, mosaics, beads and buttons, and fibre arts. She discusses managing energy around medical treatments, expanding into pet portraits and studio photography, and adapting her business to what local families want. Jo also reflects on creativity, resilience and the importance of community spaces like King Street Artworks in supporting disabled artists and entrepreneurs.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Brodie Williams, owner of Clean My Car, about building a thriving vehicle grooming business in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Brodie shares how he shifted from developing disability ID cards to purchasing a car cleaning business, and how ADHD gives him the energy and pace to manage long hours and a busy workload. He discusses navigating discrimination, adapting to changing government contracts, using Google Ads and keywords to grow the business, and the importance of hiring based on attitude and life experience rather than qualifications. Brodie also reflects on resilience, identity and the realities of being a disabled and LGBTQ+ entrepreneur in Aotearoa.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Toni Sharp, co owner of Sharrp Kitchens, about building a successful kitchen manufacturing business after losing her sight at age 13. Toni shares how she transitioned from adaptive training at Homai to work experience, and eventually into self employment when traditional employment barriers persisted. She discusses running a busy cabinetry business using accessible systems, the evolution of assistive technology, and the importance of customer relationships. Toni also reflects on her long involvement with Toastmasters, her volunteer work with Blind Low Vision NZ, and receiving the Queen’s Service Medal for services to visually impaired people.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Sarah Radley, founder of Stitched by Sarah, about building a sewing business while living with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and newly recognised ADHD. Sarah shares how she went from being bedridden to creating handmade scrunchies, bags and sleeves that combine creativity with careful design. She discusses the role of adaptive strategies, online tools and “chipmunk brain” ADHD management in running her business, as well as the confidence she gained through the My Business Starter programme. Sarah also reflects on purpose, resilience and finding meaningful work as a disabled entrepreneur in Aotearoa.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz