When did you start your business?
I started Merry Go Round Toys in April 2023 although I had been planning and even had the logo created 5 years earlier. The timing wasn’t right until I gained enough control over my chronic illnesses.

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
I’m a Mum and I know just how important toys are for children to reach their developmental milestones but more than that they are special. Toys somehow have the ability to take us all back to a time in our lives held dear. Try it, close your eyes and think back to a favourite toy, it may have been at your friends house or in the school yard. It doesn’t have to be flash or make sound a simple set of blocks a favourite doll or car.
Toys are so much more than just learning tools and fun they are instrumental in childhood development. With the influx of technology I regularly hear reports that school aged children haven’t developed the muscle strength to hold a pencil, yet they are quite proficient at ‘swiping’.

Quality toys are at risk of becoming luxury items in an affordability crisis. Merry Go Round Toys was designed with the mission of making toys affordable and not landfill. We have successfully combatted this with a circular economic approach which is enriched with involvement of charity partnerships. Merry Go Round Toys have expanded their offering by including hire options for corporate and individuals as well as a Shop and Swap model for excellent condition toys.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
I am excited about the fact that we have just been able to hire two other disabled people through our partnership with My Horizon. This has been a huge dream of mind as I recognise how isolating and lonely disability can be.

This is also the beginning of me stepping into the CEO role and taking a more strategic approach to ensure we experience continued growth, enabling yet further positive impact within our community and beyond. An aspect of that is that I have become a published author in an anthology compiled by Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, Women Living Fearlessly.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been the lack of understanding as to what a social enterprise is. Charities and Not for profit organisations are understood to be working towards a greater good yet social enterprise is still a relatively unknown platform. Once people understand that the social enterprises exist for the sole purpose of protecting our planet and people through reliance upon trade rather than grants. A term I am particularly fond of is profit for purpose as it succinctly defines that we sell product and service and from that we are able to support community needs.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
Do it! I wish I had entered the business world before I did however was held back by my own fears of not being enough. Personally I think that like starting a family there is never going to be the perfect time to start a business. The ability to be flexible around your and your families needs whilst providing me a purpose again. Merry Go Round Toys has been amazing for my mental health as giving back is an important value and mission of mine.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
A friend actually nominated me for Women Changing the World awards and initially I thought it was a joke but provided the details requested, when opportunity knocks don’t let it slip you by. I actually found out that I was a finalist on my birthday with squeals of delight I recall reading the email aloud.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I suffered from terrible imposter syndrome and initially thought that I had no right to be apart of a global award. Fairmont at Windsor was an amazing venue and very intimidating until I met with other finalists, who were all passionate and welcoming right from the first lunch.

What surprised you most about the awards?
I was most surprised by the amazing cohort of women business leaders and the authenticity to themselves.  No Divas or tall poppy syndrome just acceptance and support which has continued amongst us.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?
Obtaining another global award has opened opportunities for us to grow our impact and increase our mission to ensure children’s toys are affordable and out of landfill. Having awards has been excellent to endorse our vision as well as improving brand trust and recognition.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
Do it, you’ve got nothing to loose and lots to gain. I am so thankful for the connections made and the friendships grown.

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
The best thing about being my own boss is the chance to bring to life a concept that truly addresses a worldwide issue with a sustainable alternative, all while spreading kindness.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
Merry Go Round Toys is expanding our offerings to include toy hire for individuals and businesses as well as a swap and shop option. This is where carers can swap out toys such as their 12mth old toys for 2yr old toys keeping up with their development goals.

What are your big plans for the future?
My big plans for the future are to establish other Merry Go Round associations especially in marginalised and rural communities ensuring every child has access to quality affordable developmental tools. Ideally this would be a collective which would address each localities social and societal needs such as affordable housing,

How can we connect with you?
https://www.instagram.com/merrygoroundtoys/
https://www.facebook.com/amerrygoround.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-chambers-00b17766/
https://www.merrygoroundtoys.com.au/