Welcome to a friend of Mine, a.

Series of conversations with some incredible and inspiring women in business from regional and rural Australia.

I'm Kimberly Finesse, your host and the.

Founder and editor of Oak magazine.

And I cannot wait to introduce you.

To some amazing female entrepreneurs who will.

Share with you their experience and knowledge of what it takes to start, grow.

And scale a successful business.

So let me introduce you to a friend of mine.

This is a special episode on the Agrifutures rural Women's Award with a focus on resilience and perseverance in the face of initial setbacks.

Nikki Davey shares how a supportive network encouraged her to reapply despite her doubts, emphasising the significance of community in personal and professional development.

Nikki is the co founder and CEO of Grown not Flown, an innovative platform connecting local flower farmers with consumers, transforming the floral industry by promoting sustainability and supporting small scale growers.

In two short years, Nikki has not only expanded her platform, but is also gearing up to host her first conference aimed at micro and small scale flour producers.

In this episode, we talk about a decision to reapply for the Agrifutures Rural Women's Award.

I after making it as state finalist in 2022.

Despite her doubts, Nikki shares how her supportive network, including key mentors, encouraged her to try again.

The following year.

She opens up about the fears and self judgment that accompanied her second application.

But more importantly, she highlights the value of persistence.

Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not always about the win.

Sometimes it's about the growth and the community that propels you forward.

Nikki now has the crown of 2023 Agrifutures rural Women's Award Victoria winner and more impressively, the overall national winner.

Meet one of my favourite friends, Nikki Davey.

Hello Nikki and welcome back to the podcast.

Thank you for having me.

It's good to be here.

It's nice to have you as a.

Guest and I feel like it does that full circle.

We're talking about the agrifutures rural women's award and you were the victorian finalist and then crowned as our national winner.

Of course, you've sort of done that little bit extra this year where you then sit on the judging panel and watch that next year come through.

So, you know, we've had you when you're a state finalist back in 22 and we'll talk about that in a moment that year that you won and then the year after.

So I feel like this is full circle.

Yeah, it definitely feels full circle too.

So it's good to kind of be on the other side of it now and to not have those formal responsibilities anymore and just get to enjoy the ride.

Enjoy the ride.

I love it.

And it is a ride, and it's a journey and a roller coaster.

And they're always the words that we attach to it.

Now.

You're a state finalist in 2022.

It's how we met.

You have talked in the podcast previously that it really wasn't the right time for you anyway.

Like when you reflected back, what is it that inspired you then to reapply for the agrifutures rural women's award for another year?

I really didn't want to reapply for another year.

I had some very, very, very great people in my life that came as a result of going through the rural women's award program that really kind of pushed me and encouraged me to reapply for a second time.

And Catherine Marriott, she was the person really, that just kind of like kept tapping me on the shoulder, kept checking in.

Have you put your application back in again?

And I think had it not have been for her and her persistence in making sure that I reapplied, I wouldn't have done it.

I think that it's a real, it was an amazing program to kind of go through, but there are a lot of demonstration of circle around in your brain with these things.

Is that, what if you don't win, how am I going to feel?

Is it going to be really kind of embarrassing?

What are people going to say?

But I think that all of that noise that comes from sort of trying to reconcile or make that decision about reapplying and going again, it is just noise.

I still had a lot to learn and I had a lot to sort of gain from going through the process.

And I just had to get out of my own head.

And when you say get out of your own head, I feel like that's a really good way to describe it, because sitting from the outside, I'm not embarrassed for you.

I'm not thinking, oh, and what if she doesn't win?

She's just no good.

Do you know what I mean?

Like, that is definitely some internal dialogue that you're having.

I absolutely agree with you.

And because it's the same thing, when I look at other people that do those same things, I'm the same.

There's no judgment there.

If anything, I think that's amazing.

You go, you get that thing, you know?

And it's that resilience and that go getter mindset that is part of the reason why you admire these people.

That kind of go back and keep going and do the things that they say that they're going to do or that they want to do.

Now, how was your experience from that first application?

How did that sort of shape your approach to that?

The next one, which happened to be your winning one?

The first year that I applied for it, I very much didn't sort of understand the program or I was looking at it.

I wanted to apply for it on behalf of my co founder and my cousin, Jade.

And the reason being is that I never wanted to be the face of our business or I didn't want to be kind of like, I'm someone that likes to be in the background and does the things that makes the things happen, but I didn't want to be the face.

And so even that first year, it was sort of when I went to do the application and I saw the questions and I realized, actually, I'm going to have to do this for myself because I can't answer these on behalf of Jade.

So the next year, when I kind of came back, it was like, all right, well, I'm applying for this for me.

And I think that first year, I've sort of spoken about it as well, but I didn't quite know how to talk about our business.

I probably, I was still working full time in corporate at the, and I, and I didn't quite know how to talk about the business in a way that I felt proud of it.

It was kind of like, oh, I did this thing, or we're working on this thing on the side and like, it's kind of cool, but also like, don't look at me, I don't want the attention.

Whereas the next year, I kind of, I really leant into the process and the program to be able to kind of leverage it and use it to get our business out there and to get the recognition or the, you know, people being able to see the brand and all, looking it up and seeing that it's got a little bit of legs to it as well.

So I was able to use it in a different way the second time.

In a way that is definitely one thing that is unique about the award and something, if I was to give a tip to someone applying as a state chair, it would be focus on yourself.

Like, it is okay to say, I, like, I've done this, I've done that, rather than we do this and we do that in Australia, we have the tall poppy syndrome.

And it's just so interesting that we're, we're almost, we take that back seat.

And, you know, we don't want to talk too loud and we don't want to shine too bright.

Whereas I think what's really unique about this award and what you learn through the process is the fact that it is all about you.

Like, we actually want to hear what you've done, and we want to hear that you are doing this and you are doing that and you've got that confidence to go forward with that.

Such a great learning thing to then leave the award process and be a bit more comfortable in saying, yep, that's me.

This is what I've done.

This is what I've achieved.

Without sounding too narcissistic or up yourself, do you think?

Yeah.

Yes, I definitely agree with you there because I am someone that absolutely talks in wheeze.

I still do talk in wheeze, but you're right, I had to get comfortable in walking into the room and saying, these are the things that I do.

This is what I do to contribute to this business and to our community, and this is how I'm working collaboratively.

So even then, just went to fall back into the, into the weeds.

But it was a really great opportunity for me to get comfortable talking in that capacity, and it's not something that I was used to.

And I think being in the startup space, you need to be able to pitch, you need to be able to talk to the things that you've achieved.

And it was an opportunity for me to also kind of, like, look at the things that we had done and recognize that they were worthy of telling the story as well.

Because I think so much of what we do in every day is we just think, oh, well, we just did that thing and no one really cares about it.

But actually we're impacting in really positive ways.

And so it was an opportunity for me to learn, if not for anything else, how to be a better storyteller.

I think storytelling is incredible.

Obviously, that's the world that I sit in, and I just think it's such a beautiful form of marketing.

It's one that anyone can really connect with.

And it doesn't matter what business you're in, to be able to tell a story, to be able to use storytelling to describe something or to describe a new project or why you're doing something.

Again, it's just such an easy way for someone to digest and connect with your brand.

So in terms, obviously, the award, it really does help with that.

Self development, self growth.

When we talk about growth, I was on the judging panel that year that you applied for the second time, and we'd all commented on the growth of you and your business.

So I suppose we've touched on it a little bit already.

But how do you think you've personally grown or evolved since that last application?

Massively.

I think that the first year that I applied and I went into the program, and during that period, I was having a lot of sort of personal trauma that was sort of like, happening at the same time.

And so that kind of, I suppose, impacted a lot of things as well.

But in terms of sort of like my confidence in how I understood and spoke about the business, but also being able to come back in twelve months and say, hey, these are the things that I came with last year, and these were the things that I said I was going to achieve.

And actually, we've done all of these things, plus all these extra things, and imagine if I was able to do that without that $15,000 grant from Westpac.

Imagine what I could do with it.

And I think that that was a really powerful part of our story, was being able to show that we're going to do it anyway, and, you know, you can come with us and be part of our journey and part of our story, or I'm going to kind of keep going and get it done no matter what.

And so I think that it was just, for me, it was really about kind of being able to step back into that space, show what it was that we've been able to achieve and what and how much more we wanted to be able to achieve.

But again, just in a really pointed way and in a much more kind of inclusive storytelling capacity.

It's almost like doing a first draft, I feel like.

And that's like business in general, isn't it?

It's just like life in general.

We just get better with each kid that we have sometimes.

But in that sense, you know, you've done the first draft and, you know, the parts that you need to improve, and I think just even the process, regardless of whatever happened at the end of 2023, that second year that you applied, your draft just gets better and better each time.

Now, reapplying for something, oh, my gosh, that could be so emotionally challenging.

As we've said before, you know, you really get in your head about the perception of how others are going to perceive you.

What strategies do you think people could use to stay motivated and focused on those goals?

Yeah, I think it's about having a really strong North Star and understanding why it is that you're wanting to go through the process or to reapply for the program.

I knew for myself if I didn't win the opportunity of sort of getting to go back into that room, pitch our business or our project and what it was that we were working on, and to feel like I'd left nothing on the table, I think that that was one of the greatest things.

And then again, sort of the media opportunities and stuff that came from it, as well as that personal growth, I knew how much I'd gotten out of it the year before that it was only going to be, you know, sort of this win win situation, regardless of the outcome.

And I think that part of that process was reconciling with myself that, like, if you don't win, that's okay, because actually you've met these really great people.

Your community or your network has become bigger and I've got to learn more about myself.

Got the opportunity to share our business and what it is that we're doing and the flower community and why people should care about where their flowers are grown and all those sorts of things that it was mostly, yeah, just, again, just about kind of like reconciling what it was that I wanted to actually achieve out of this and redefining what success looked like from going through that.

Process again, redefining what success looks like for you.

I think that is one of the most important things I have learnt throughout the award that I can apply to so many parts of my life.

I'm very lucky.

I really had a really successful journey throughout the whole process and really grateful for that and realize the privilege of that.

But the same time, there's always that self doubt of, well, do I deserve.

It felt like there are other finalists that really deserve to be up there instead of me.

And they've gone on to do some.

Incredible things, even though they weren't named the national winner or national runner up.

So I think it comes back to what you define as success.

And I think that's such a great lesson to take away from the whole process, you know, is success winning for somebody's?

But is success being able to connect with a really large organization like NBN to fuel whatever your project is or to connect back into Westpac and be able to open up some other opportunities?

So I think that's the other thing, like, winning's not always the end goal.

It can't be in any part of our life, can it?

No.

And I actually think, like, for our, and I don't know how your cohort was, but my, the national finalists for me, our cohort was really, really close.

And we have, we still have a group chat.

We talk almost every day in some capacity.

And we're really, really kind of supportive in each other's biggest cheerleaders.

And I think for us, it didn't matter who actually was stood on stage as the national runner up or winner because we'd already won.

You know, and I know that sounds really, really kind of corny, but it is just that network or that community of like minded women who just want to cheerleader each other and help open doors that you didn't even know existed.

And that's been probably one of the greatest gifts for me.

And it's the gift that continues to keep on giving.

And, and I would actually say that I've got more out of having, like, what they deem corridor conversations from going to an event and just meeting people, speaking to people or someone saying, hey, I need to connect you with this person doing an email e introduction.

It's been incredible.

And this week as well, this week especially, so much has opened up for me this week that has just been from somebody sending an email saying, you need to meet this person.

That then leads to the next conversation, the next conversation, the next conversation.

And that would have happened whether I won or not.

And that would have happened whether I was the state or national winner, no matter what, because that's who I've met as part of going through this program.

Yeah.

There's no price that you can put on community and your network really, is there.

So if we were to look at business, Nikki, because that's what we do day in, day out, what's your advice to other businesswomen who are facing challenges and thinking about giving up?

Like, what have you taken from the awards experience that you could apply to that?

I think the biggest thing is that we're so much more capable of what we think we are.

And we have the ability to kind of pick up and keep going and get things done even when we don't want to or even when it feels a little bit too hard.

And sometimes it's just about holding space for yourself or for other people and just keep kind of shuffling forward, no matter how slow that shuffle might sort of feel.

And I think that that's been one of the biggest things for me is that the last sort of twelve months especially have been really sort of busy, extreme highs, extreme lows.

And when I felt like I couldn't keep going, something has happened and or someone has appeared and kind of, you know, given me the pat on the back or given me some words of wisdom or shared some of their energy with me to help kind of keep going.

And I think that it's now my opportunity to do that for other people as well.

So I guess it's about giving and receiving and resting, but also keeping going.

Or someone has appeared and kind of, you know, given me the pat on the back or given me some words of wisdom or shared some of their energy with me to help.

To help kind of keep going.

And I think that it's now my opportunity to do that for other people as well.

So I guess it's about giving and receiving and resting, but also keeping going, doing all the things all at once, but also trying to find the balance in it.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, good luck with that.

I think it's a beautiful thing when you are able to play it forward and intro someone.

I know with this year's award just being state chair, I get to sit on that sort of application process and touch base with everyone and, you know, just to have someone reach out on LinkedIn and say, hey, this is Kimberly.

This is who you need to speak to about the award.

I'll leave it with you two.

And I don't know, just that that initial connection piece, it could be the difference.

Like, that person has now been introduced to the award and hopefully can get far enough to be part of this incredible alumni that we have.

And as you say, it's part of that alumni where we connect in, gosh, some of us are daily, but you can connect in on a weekly, monthly basis.

And it can be life changing.

It can be business changing, definitely.

And I think one of the beautiful things about people that are entrepreneurs or run their own businesses is that they understand the hustle and they understand, though, that time doesn't mean that the friendship's not there.

You know, like, everyone kind of gets in their own space and continues to work, but they are timeless friendships.

You can kind of tap in and tap out as you need to, and people just get it because they're in the same environment, they're experiencing the same thing.

And I think that that's also one of the really, really great things about it.

Oh, I have to leave it there because that is just beautiful.

Friendship is just timeless.

You are someone that I've met through the award.

You are the biggest gift from the award.

For me, to be honest, it's just been so good to connect with you and to find a friend in it and not just a business friend.

I know that I've called you up a fair bit these last twelve months about other stuff in my life.

So, you know, I'm really, Kimberly, I really appreciate that.

And what an incredible award gives that.

Like, that's something you can't advertise.

Like, yeah, come and join the award and you might find a friend forever, but, you know, it's the, the beauty that comes off it.

So look, all the best with grow not flown just to wrap us up.

Yeah.

What's coming up for you in the next twelve months?

Like what are your plans?

Oh my gosh, we've got so many exciting things happening at the moment.

So we're running our first conference next year in June, which will be really, really exciting all around education, innovation, sustainability and community.

So we're focusing on micro small scale flower farmers, growers and producers.

And we, you know, anytime you go to a conference or a field day, it's very much aimed at industrial and commercial sized growers, the biggest tractors, the most expensive technology.

And we don't want that.

We want technology and machinery and bankers and all of the agribusinesses that support to be focused or bring that lens of the micro small scale growers so that we can kind of help continue to grow our community and support them in both their farming and business operations and just continuing to expand the platform.

So we've got a few different opportunities to start that we're investigating at the moment about using our platform for emerging industries or any other industries that are sort of highly fragmented.

If you think about sort of the same way that with flowers, micro small scale producers sell in lots of different ways.

And it's not that those problems aren't unique to flowers, is what we continue to hear.

And so we'll just be looking to sort of start rolling the platform out to some of those other industries that are facing the same challenges, which is exciting.

So amazing.

Thank you as always.

And look, I'm sure this is probably the last time we'll speak in terms of the award for you and I.

I think we've done as much as we can with this.

But you know what?

I don't think it's the last time we'll do a podcast interview together because, yeah, you're always creating, you're always innovating and making the world a better place for micro businesses.

Thanks, Kimberly.

It's been great chatting today, listening back to this episode.

One of the standout lessons from Nikki's journey is that sometimes the first try doesn't always lead to the outcome we hope for, but it can lay the foundation for something greater.

Reapplying for the agrifutures rural women's award wasn't just about winning.

It was about learning, growing and realising what more she had to offer.

That persistence, the courage to try again, is something that we can all relate to, whether in business or life.

We referred to that first application as a first draft.

That's something I think we can all take on board, because so much of life is, like the first draft, imperfect but necessary to build on.

The key is to keep refining, keep growing, and not let fear stop us from submitting that second draft.

It's through those iterations that we not only improve, but we truly understand our own potential.

Finally, as Nikki shared, it's not always about the title or the win.

Sometimes the real victory comes from the journey itself.

It's about redefining success, building a supportive network, and embracing the process.

No matter the outcome.

Every step, every first draft brings us closer to becoming the person we're meant to be.

And that's something definitely worth celebrating.

Now, before you take off with all.

That inspiration and knowledge, we'd love for you to leave a review on our.

Podcast so that we can continue to amplify women's voices in the media.

And if you have any questions or.

You'D like to celebrate a win, you.

Can always connect with us on Facebook and Instagramagazineau.

I'm so glad we've met and that.

Now you know a friend of mine.