Despite recent statistics on industry.nsw.gov.au showing that only 34 percent of business owners are women, that number is set to climb steadily over the next decade.

Women are becoming more confident in traditionally male-dominated roles, as society pushes for gender equity and fair treatment for men and women in all positions, and all industries.

Now, one in four startup businesses are launched by women, whereas in 2011, the number was only one in six.

It is important for women to feel empowered, and confident to take on these roles, and to believe themselves to be equal to male business owners.

One female business owner from Salamander Bay is doing her fair share to make sure the confidence of local businesswomen is of a high standard.

Melinda Smylie, owner of ‘Wear Kids Play’ at Salamander Bay, recently ran a shopping night at her store, as a way to thank loyal customers and to give other businesses some limelight for the evening.

Melinda reached out to other small businesses to showcase their wares at the collaborative event, and invited her loyal customers and their friends to join them for a unique shopping event.

Melinda told News Of The Area, “I prefer to shop at small local businesses myself and to stand out from the crowd.”

“We need to offer more and be a point of difference among the big guys; excellent service, free gift wrapping, special orders and product knowledge are a must.”

“I believe that if we shop at small local stores, more money is put back into the local community and that is super important for every small business to stand out from the big corporate companies,” she said.

A wonderful night was had by all in attendance, and there is talk on the grapevine of a repeat event being held again soon.

By Rachael VAUGHAN