Dawn Whitehand

'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

Read on this month to find out about the success of an Internet concept that was developed in Melbourne by local business women Dawn Whitehand from Aussie Green Grocer.

Business Profile

Aussie Greengrocer began as an idea while I was working as an office manager for an agent in the wholesale market, & my "husband to be" was a salesperson for another merchant. The concept came to life a very small business delivering one day per week in a small area of the Melbourne western suburbs. Advertising began as letterbox drops, & our database was a manual card system.

Steve did the buying, packing & delivering, while I ran the office, accounts, marketing, etc.Within 4 years the business has grown to being fully computerised, accepting phone, fax & online orders, as well as maintaining the original database (which grew substantially). Our product range has also grown to include bread, eggs, juices, pantry shelf & a wide range of frozen goods. The business has 2 offices... 1 at our warehouse & 1 at home. I do 90% of my office work at home, enabling my kids to remain in their home environment (I still have a 4 year old at home). So our lifestyle is always busy, holidays are few, but when we do spend time together it is quality.

Occupation/Title
Director

Company/Organisation
Aussie Greengrocer

StateVictoria

Age 36

Where did you grow up?
Sunshine Melbourne

What was your first job?
I couldn't wait to get out there, so at 15, while still at school, I landed a job at Mcdonalds. (woohoo). My first "real" job was in customer service at a transport company.

How many hours a week do you work? 60 - 70

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
Joan of Arc, The Day After

Name a talent you don't have that you wish you did?
Having my photograph taken !!

What was the last book you read?
Bryce Courtney Tommo & Hawke

If you could solve one environmental problem, which would it be? Hunger

Have you ever had a celebrity crush and if so who? Umm...let me see.... Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Arnie... need I go on...??

What song transports you to another place when you hear it? Pink Floyd "Comfortably Numb"

What's your idea of the perfect Sunday? Sleeping In

Looking back 10 years ago are you now where you expected to be? No

What's your favourite city in the world and why? Burrum Heads, North Qld., Quite & secluded for a peaceful unwinding