She Owns It

In this episode of She Owns It, host Anissa Cavallo sits down social media creator educator Emma Mazur. Emma opens up about her evolving relationship with money, starting from her upbringing in New Zealand where financial literacy wasn't taught at home or school, to climbing the corporate ranks in IT sales at tech giant Cisco, and eventually stepping out on her own as an entrepreneur. Emma candidly explores the complex reality of female financial independence during motherhood. She shares how taking time away from corporate work to manage unpaid labor at home wasn't a loss of independence, but a strategic team effort with her husband that ultimately allowed them to clear their home mortgage by age 35. Rather than waiting for dedicated full-time blocks, Emma built her entrepreneurial foundations in the "in-between moments"—during baby nap times, school hours, and late evenings.Emma pulls back the curtain on how she pivoted her gifting expertise into a thriving personal brand, After Hours Gifting, growing her audience to nearly 200,000 followers. She breaks down the psychology of viral, value-first content, the formula for simple 60-second video storytelling, and how she monetises her online presence through high-value brand partnerships.Resources & Links Mentioned Follow Emma on Instagram: afterhoursgifting Uniqlo AIRism Men's T-Shirt ($24.90 AUD) —is available on the UNIQLO Australia store. Subscribe to Listen to More Episodes: Search for She Owns It on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app. Website: edaproperty.com.au Follow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: anissa_she_owns_itEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.

Going through a separation or divorce is emotionally draining, but navigating the complex legal and financial system without information can cost you your financial independence. In this episode of She Owns It, host Anissa Cavallo sits down with Dianne Loveday (Principal Mediator & Owner at Bayside Mediation, Co-host of A Lawyer and A Mediator Walk Into a Bar). With a background in psychology and decades of experience guiding families through separation, Dianne sheds light on how women can protect themselves financially, drop damaging money mindsets, and avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal battles. From unravelling common family law myths to taking practical steps before leaving a relationship, this episode is an essential guide for any woman wanting to safeguard her future and take ownership of her financial security. Key Takeaways From Psychology to Mediation: Dianne shares her journey from a psychology degree and single motherhood into establishing her own private family mediation practice.The Hidden Cost of Family Law Litigation: Why full court proceedings can easily cost $100,000 to $150,000+ per party and how legal expenses strip equity away from families.Why You Don't Always Need a Court Fight: Unpacking the statistic that only 11% of divorcing couples go to a final court hearing.Do Prenups (BFAs) Actually Work? The truth about prenuptial agreements, discretionary jurisdiction, and what happens when children enter the picture.Joint vs. Separate Bank Accounts: Why separate accounts won't hide assets and how joint visibility fosters trust and transparency.De-bunking the "50/50" Myth & Non-Financial Contributions: Why earning the income doesn't make it exclusively his, and how family law evaluates domestic and parenting contributions.Recent Changes to Family Law in Australia: How family violence, asset wastage, and housing needs for children are now formally evaluated in property settlements.Practical Checklist Before Separating: How to gather essential financial documents, secure your personal devices, and establish financial safety nets.Superannuation Splitting Explained: Why women must address super in property settlements rather than walking away empty-handed.Key Quotes"Just because he earned it doesn't make it his. If you’ve provided the lifestyle, home, and child-rearing that enabled him to build a career, your contribution holds equal value." — Dianne Loveday"Knowledge is power. You have to step up, pull on your big girl pants, and ask the uncomfortable financial questions." — Dianne Loveday"We teach women that financial literacy isn't just a bonus—it's security and freedom." — Anissa CavalloResources & Links MentionedBayside Mediation: baysidemediation.com.auPodcast: A Lawyer and A Mediator Walk Into a Bar (Co-hosted by Dianne Loveday) https://lawyermediatorbar.com/Subscribe to Listen to More Episodes: Search for She Owns It on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.🌐 Website: edaproperty.com.au📱 Follow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: anissa_she_owns_itEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.

Are hidden spending leaks and impulse shopping holding you back from financial independence? In this episode of She Owns It, host Anissa Cavallo breaks down the psychological and practical reasons we overspend, from $3,000 in forgotten Apple subscriptions to $48-a-week impulse buys and provides a step-by-step framework to stop cash flow leaks for good.In This Episode: Overcoming Impulse Shopping & Cash Flow LeaksThe Income Myth: Why building wealth isn't just about making more money but managing cash flow and eliminating small recurring expenses.Australian Spending Statistics: The real cost of "ghost" subscriptions ($1,700/year average), household food waste ($2,000–$2,700/year), and weekly impulse shopping.The $300,000 Compound Savings Rule: How cutting 20% off retail purchases and stopping unused subscriptions turns into $140,000 in 10 years (and $300,000 in 20 years at a 7% return).The Psychology of Shopping Remorse: How dopamine drives the anticipation of buying rather than the joy of owning, and why payment methods like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and tap-and-go remove essential spending friction.The "Find, Plug, Redirect" Framework: Practical strategies to audit subscriptions, enforce a 72-hour purchase pause, and automate savings directly from your pay check.Related Resources & LinksApp Mentioned: Frollo (Free Expense Tracking & Budgeting App)🌐 Website: edaproperty.com.au📱 Follow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: anissa_she_owns_it🎧 Subscribe to She Owns It where you get your podcastsEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.

A quick note from the producer: Full disclosure, we actually recorded this episode over a year ago, so it’s definitely time to get Trinity back on the mic for an update on where she’s at! That said, I swung by her sanctuary just last week for a sound bath to keep my Sagittarian energy flowing, and I can confirm firsthand, she is absolutely smashing it out of the park. In this week's episode of She Owns It, host Anissa sits down with Trinity Scarf to explore her transition from a 25-year corporate career in marketing and communications into the founder of Trinity Curated Wellness. Trinity opens up about the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, from trading a comfortable salary for 80-hour work weeks to navigating the financial hurdles of a new startup. She shares candid insights on why enforcing boundaries is a crucial form of self-love, how she manages team turnover, and the non-negotiable wellness habits that keep her grounded.Key TakeawaysThe Financial Leap: Trinity transitioned from a lucrative career to working 80-hour weeks for zero initial pay, emphasizing that intense financial sacrifice and reliance on savings are often standard for new founders.Embracing Mistakes: Being a founder requires making quick decisions, recognizing errors without ego, and pivoting before too much time is lost.Team Evolution: Startups often require generalists rather than specialists, and Trinity had to learn that early employees who are perfect for the first year might naturally move on as the business structure changes.Boundaries as Self-Love: Establishing firm boundaries—whether revoking early employee perks that no longer make business sense or protecting personal time—is an essential practice of self-respect and professional kindness.Non-Negotiable Grounding: Protecting eight to nine hours of sleep is Trinity's ultimate boundary, which she supports by using magnesium oil and engaging in hot-cold bathhouse therapy to regulate her nervous system.Having It All: Trinity defines true success as a blend of enjoying whatever food she wants, maintaining a happy family life, nurturing friendships, pursuing a fulfilling career, and traveling.Related Resources & LinksTrinity Curated Wellness: An elevated "home away from home" sanctuary that offers a diverse range of services, including massage, bathhouse facials, breathwork, meditation, sound baths, yoga, Pilates, and an LED lounge.Trinity website: Where you can explore the space and book treatments - https://trinityco.com.au/Follow Trinity Wellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinitycuratedwellness/EDA website: edaproperty.com.auFollow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anissa_she_owns_it/Subscribe to She Owns It where you get your podcastsEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.

Are you feeling stuck in your career, experiencing burnout, or wondering why certain areas of your life feel off? In this episode of She Owns It, host Anissa Cavallo sits down with Classical Feng Shui Master Kelly McCloskey to discuss her dramatic career pivot from top-tier Melbourne real estate agent to spatial energy expert. Kelly shares how the physical layout, architecture, and energy flow of your home or office directly impact your financial growth, career opportunities, relationships, and physical health. Plus, she breaks down actionable Feng Shui design rules you can apply immediately to optimise your workspace and home environment.In this episode, we explore:The Big Career Pivot: Quitting a high-performing corporate real estate career to follow purpose and alignment.Classical Feng Shui vs. Trends: Why authentic Tang Dynasty Feng Shui is rooted in natural elements and math, not "new age trinkets".Desk & Office Setup: Why you should never put a desk in your bedroom and how backing your seat against a solid wall boosts focus and authority.The Heart of the Home: How keeping the center of your house open prevents energy blockages in health and income.Connect with Kelly McCloskey:Website: kellymccloskey.comInstagram: @kellymccloskey_Connect & Follow Anissa Cavallo:Podcast: She Owns ItInstagram: @anissa_she_owns_itProperty Investment Advisor Australia: EDA PropertyProduction & Distribution:Executive Producer & Audio Strategy: Dash Made Studios www.dashmade.com.auDisclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. Before making any financial decision, please seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.

How can small business owners secure capital without taking on high-interest debt or burning through personal savings? In this episode of She Owns It with Anissa Cavallo, Anissa breaks down why over 50% of small businesses fail within three years and how strategic capital deployment can protect your venture. Whether you are navigating a corporate exit, transitioning after a life change, or scaling a growing brand, managing small business cash flow is your highest priority. We explore the difference between traditional business loans and leveraging tangible assets like property equity to fund growth, reduce risk, and maintain financial security.Key Takeaways & TopicsWhy Small Businesses Fail in the First 3 YearsThe 60% Failure Rate: The vast majority of early-stage small businesses shut down due to a lack of access to capital and cash flow drag rather than a lack of profitability.Women in Small Business: Women now account for 36% to 40% of small business owners, often turning to entrepreneurship for flexible working arrangements while managing caretaking responsibilities.Small Business Cash Flow Drag ExplainedProfitable on Paper, Broke in the Bank: Long payment delays (sometimes up to two years) mean owners must cover upfront operational costs long before revenue arrives.The Risk of Depleting Savings: Funding cash flow delays directly out of personal savings leads to financial depletion rather than long-term asset growth.Small Business Loans vs. Raising Capital vs. Property EquityTraditional Raising Barriers: Pitching investors or issuing offer documents requires specialised financial literacy and significant upfront costs.High Interest Rates on Business Debt: Bank loans for startups carry high interest rates due to a lack of established business balance sheets.The Property Equity Strategy: Borrowing against a tangible asset like residential property offers significantly lower interest rates while the underlying property continues to appreciate in value.Mindset & Financial Literacy for EntrepreneursGetting Comfortable with Discomfort: Making significant business transitions requires accepting calculated financial risks and trusting specialised advice.Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the primary reason small businesses fail?A: Up to 60% of small businesses fail within three years, primarily due to poor cash flow management, inadequate startup capital, and an inability to fund operational gaps before receiving payments.Q: How can I fund my small business without a traditional loan?A: Small business owners with real estate assets can leverage property equity. Borrowing against property generally yields lower interest rates than traditional business loans or commercial lines of credit, allowing you to fund growth while the underlying asset appreciates. Related Resources & Links🌐 Website: edaproperty.com.au📱 Follow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: anissa_she_owns_it🎧 Subscribe to She Owns It where you get your podcastsEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert. 

What does it take to track every single domestic femicide in Australia when newsrooms and policies fail to cover the truth? In this episode, host Anissa Cavallo sits down with advocate, journalist, and founder of Australian Femicide Watch, Sherele Moody. Sherele opens up about the personal story that ignited her advocacy work, the newsroom pushback that inspired the Red Heart Campaign, and the relentless reality of documenting violence against women across the nation.Together, we unpack the intersection of financial dependence, coercive control, and domestic violence, exploring why leaving a relationship is often the most dangerous time for a survivor, how Australia's housing crisis leaves women trapped, and how grassroots projects like Stacey’s Sanctuary are providing safety where systemic policy falls short.In This Episode, We Cover:The Origin of the Red Heart Campaign: How media pushback led to independent, grassroots tracking of domestic violence deaths.Coercive Control & Financial Abuse: How financial dependence is weaponized to prevent survivors from leaving.The Danger Zone of Leaving: Understanding why the period immediately after separation carries the highest risk of severe violence.Systemic Housing Shortages: How the lack of transitional and long-term emergency housing impacts survivor safety.Grassroots Solutions: How Stacey’s Sanctuary and local initiatives are creating practical pathways out of domestic violence.Crisis & Emergency Support ServicesImmediate Danger: Call 000 immediately if you or someone you know is in danger.1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 (24/7 National Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling Service) | 1800respect.org.auSafe Steps (Victoria): Call 1800 015 188 (24/7 Family Violence Crisis & Support Response) | safesteps.org.auOrange Door (Victoria): Local access point for women, children, and families seeking support for family violence | orangedoor.vic.gov.au13YARN: Call 13 92 76 (24/7 National Crisis Support for First Nations people) | 13yarn.org.auLifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24/7 Crisis Support) | lifeline.org.auConnect with Sherele Moody & Support Her WorkAustralian Femicide Watch: Explore the Memorial Database, view the Red Heart Campaign, or donate at australianfemicidewatch.orgThe She Matters Podcast: Available on all major streaming platforms or via australianfemicidewatch.orgMerchandise & Direct Support: Purchase RED HEART merchandise or donate directly via australianfemicidewatch.orgCommunity Housing, Referral & Furniture Support ServicesElizabeth Morgan House (VIC): Specialist family violence support and accommodation for Aboriginal women and children | emhaws.org.auRe-Generate: Community organization assisting with pre-loved goods and furniture for transitional setups.You Matter (VIC): Setting up and furnishing transitional homes for women and dependents escaping family violence | youmatter.org.auRizeUp (QLD): Practical support and home setup programs for families moving into safety | rizeup.com.auSherele Moody, Australian Femicide Watch, Red Heart Campaign, domestic violence Australia, coercive control, financial abuse, domestic violence housing crisis, Stacey's Sanctuary, She Matters podcast, emergency crisis support Australia.

True financial independence for women requires moving from passive saving to active wealth building. In this episode of She Owns It, host Anissa Cavallo breaks down the three biggest hurdles holding women back from achieving long-term financial security: managing investment risk, mastering financial literacy and terminology, and choosing long-term wealth over short-term lifestyle inflation.Whether you want to learn how leverage accelerates property investment or how to calculate your retirement yield, this episode provides actionable strategies to protect yourself from financial vulnerability and build real passive income.Key Takeaways & Financial Terminology DefinedYield: The income an investment generates (e.g., rental income or stock dividends) that creates passive income for your daily life.Capital Growth: The increase in the underlying value of an asset over time, which rapidly accelerates your overall net worth.Leverage: Using borrowed capital to multiply your buying power so your returns grow on a larger asset base.Calculating Retirement Income: Using a standard 5% average yield to work backward from your ideal annual passive income target to determine your required net worth.Related Resources & Links🌐 Website: edaproperty.com.au📱 Follow Anissa Cavallo on Instagram: anissa_she_owns_it🎧 Subscribe to She Owns It where you get your podcastsEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help more women take control of their financial future!Disclaimer:The information provided in this podcast and show notes is general in nature and for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute personal financial, legal, or taxation advice. It has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any financial decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice from a licensed financial advisor, accountant, or legal expert.