Celebrating Recognition: Honourable Mention at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards!
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I received an Honourable Mention at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards in the Personal Services category! 🏆💖
This recognition means so much more than an award; it’s a reflection of the incredible community that surrounds me every day. I feel truly blessed to represent the inspiring and heart-led women of Common Grounds, a community built on real connection, support, and authenticity.
As Katy Garner, co-founder of AusMumpreneur, says:
“There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success.”
And I couldn’t agree more.
So, who am I?
I’m Jo Stevens, coordinator of Common Grounds Women’s Business Network, and co-host of Ladies Who Long Lunch. I’ve always believed in the power of connection and conversation, and that’s exactly what drives me.
What inspired me was simple: I saw women struggling alone. I knew I could create something different, a space where women didn’t have to wear masks, rehearse their elevator pitch 50 times, or feel like they had to prove themselves. I wanted to create a space where they could come exactly as they are, for friendship, connection, and support.
What I’m most proud of this year:
🌟 The growth and impact of Common Grounds — from one meetup to five, touching hundreds of lives through real, authentic connection at our coffee meetups.
🌟 Ladies Who Long Lunch continues to host sell-out events across South East Queensland!
These milestones remind me that success isn’t about going it alone; it’s about being seen, heard, and supported.
There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood. For me, the best part is teaching my adult children that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always go after your dreams. I love living life with purpose, having the freedom to build something that not only supports me, but also creates safe spaces for other women to thrive.
Of course, it’s not always easy. There have been curveballs and setbacks, but to any woman out there thinking about starting her own business, here’s my advice:
“Start before you’re ready. Show up as you are, and let your authenticity be your superpower.”
I was incredibly lucky to receive Gold in the AusMumpreneur Award in 2024, and Bronze in 2022. For me, being at the AusMumpreneur event isn’t just about the trophies. It’s about the friendships, the shared laughs, the inspiration, and the unwavering support. Whether you win or not, you walk away feeling like you belong, and that’s the greatest gift of all.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who’s supported me, believed in me, and shared this journey. I’m so proud to be recognised, and even more proud to be part of such a powerful, uplifting community. 💖
#AusMumpreneur #Winner #WomenInBusiness #MumInBusiness #CommonGrounds #ConnectionMatters #WomenSupportingWomen
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Check out my acceptance speech from 2024..
✨ In 2024, I was beyond excited (and just a little emotional 😅) to be announced a “Gold” winner at the AusMumpreneur Awards — and honestly, I still pinch myself! It was such a proud moment to represent our Common Grounds community and the women I have the privilege of walking alongside every day. 💖
When I was nominated again this year, I had that little voice saying, “Maybe I shouldn’t accept. I already won…”
But here’s the truth — so much has grown since then. Common Grounds has expanded, lives have been impacted, and our community of incredible, heart-led women has only gotten stronger.
So I said YES — not for me, but for the movement we’re building together.
If you want to see pure joy (and maybe a happy tear or two), take a minute to watch my 2024 acceptance speech 🎥 — it’s straight from the heart and a reminder of how much this community means to me.