October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region. Read all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing a personal touch to everyday life and leisure: a Thermomix consultant helping busy households feel more confident in the kitchen, a local maker crafting small-batch soaps and skincare, and a houseboat holiday business offering a different way to explore the Myall Lakes.
Donna Harris Thermomix Consultant
Making everyday cooking easier, one kitchen at a time
Armidale and the New England region
Cooking dinner shouldn’t have to be another source of stress in an already busy day. For Armidale-based Thermomix consultant Donna Harris, it’s about helping people feel more confident in the kitchen and making good food a little easier to manage.
A Thermomix user for more than 16 years, Donna understands the excitement of a new machine — and the questions that can follow. Having used different models, she helps people explore what their machines can do, whether they own the latest model or one they’ve had for years.
With a background in primary teaching and personal training, Donna enjoys helping people learn by doing. Her approach is practical and supportive, with demonstrations, tips and advice tailored to each person’s needs and experience.
And she knows that not everyone loves cooking. While Donna is passionate about real food, she understands that busy schedules can make preparing meals feel like a chore. Her goal is to help people find simple, convenient ways to bring good food back into their everyday lives — without pressure or judgement.
Donna is also a Thermomix Team Leader, supporting and mentoring other consultants as they build businesses of their own. For her, the work is about more than selling a kitchen appliance; it’s about connection, service and helping people discover what works for them.
Whether someone is considering a Thermomix, learning to use one they’ve already bought or simply looking for fresh ideas, Donna wants them to leave feeling more confident and supported.
Her philosophy says it all: people before sales, one conversation and one meal at a time.
Tenterfield Soap Co.
Simple ingredients, thoughtfully handcrafted
Tenterfield, NSW
Sometimes, the best things are made by keeping them simple. At Tenterfield Soap Co., Jess creates small-batch soaps and skincare products with a focus on carefully chosen ingredients, thoughtful recipes and a more considered approach to everyday skincare.
Working from Tenterfield, Jess handcrafts cold-processed soaps using selected oils, natural colourants and essential oils. Each ingredient has a purpose, reflecting her belief that customers should be able to understand what goes into the products they use on their skin.
More than simply making soap, Jess enjoys sharing her knowledge with customers and helping them explore products that suit their preferences and skincare routines. Her approach centres on transparency, care and taking the time to make products properly.
With an emphasis on natural ingredients, cruelty-free products and small-batch production, Tenterfield Soap Co. offers an alternative for people looking for artisan skincare made with care rather than mass-produced formulas.
Proudly handcrafted in the New England town of Tenterfield, each batch reflects Jess’s commitment to considered ingredients and the craft behind every bar.
For those who appreciate handmade products and knowing a little more about what they’re buying, Tenterfield Soap Co. brings a personal touch to the everyday ritual of skincare.
Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats
A waterfront getaway with a difference
Bulahdelah, NSW
Imagine waking up surrounded by water, spending the day exploring quiet waterways, then finding your own spot to relax as the sun goes down. That’s the appeal of Myall Lakes Getaway Houseboats, where a holiday on the water offers a different kind of escape.
Owned by Chris and Sandra Harlor since 2008, the business is now managed by Dallas, who helps keep the houseboat holiday experience running smoothly.
Described as “glorified camping”, it combines the freedom of being outdoors with the comfort of having your own floating base. The larger houseboat sleeps up to 10 people, making it a great option for families or groups of friends, while the smaller boat suits two to four people and has more of a large-caravan feel.
Whether it’s a family adventure, a getaway with friends or a romantic break, guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Myall Lakes National Park from a unique perspective.
For people who love camping and cabin holidays but want to try something a little different, a houseboat offers the chance to slow down, enjoy the waterfront scenery and experience this special part of the North Coast at their own pace.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
Want to highlight your business? Just fill in this form – places are limited.
Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.