She Owns It

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. 

How do you bounce back when a business collapse leaves you $800,000 in debt? In this episode, host Anissa sits down with ARIA Award-winning music photographer and creative director Michelle Grace Hunder. Michelle candidly shares the devastating aftermath of the Mod Dance Company collapse, the crushing financial reality that followed, and the exact mindset shifts that saved her. From corporate temping jobs to rebuilding her creative career from the ground up, Michelle breaks down the practical, no-nonsense steps she took to regain financial resilience and build a thriving studio. Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative professional, or business owner facing a setback, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons on recovery, adaptability, and self-belief.Listen now and get ready to reclaim your power!In This Episode, We Cover:The $800,000 Collapse: The reality of business failure and dealing with overwhelming debt.Survival & Temping: How stepping into corporate temp work provided a financial bridge and fresh perspective.Mindset Shifts for Recovery: Overcoming shame, taking radical ownership, and pivoting toward resilience.Rebuilding a Creative Career: From starting over to becoming an ARIA-winning music photographer and creative director.Got Next Studios & Her Sound, Her Story: Launching major documentary and creative studio projects after rock bottom.Connect with Michelle Grace HunderWebsite & Portfolio: michellegracehunder.comInstagram: @michelleghunderCreative Home / Studio: Got Next StudiosFilm & Documentary: Her Sound, Her StoryDirect Email: hello@michellegracehunder.comConnect with Your Host, AnissaInstagram: @anissacavalloProperty & Wealth Advisory: EDA PropertyMichelle Grace Hunder, Anissa, business failure recovery, overcoming major debt, creative career pivot, ARIA winning photographer, financial resilience, Mod Dance Company, Her Sound Her Story, Got Next Studios, EDA Property.

Solo episode: Anissa Cavallo breaks down the numbers shaping women's financial futures — why average vs median income matters, how the gender super gap increases retirement-poverty risk, and why saving alone won’t secure financial independence. Practical, actionable steps to use leverage (including property) to build passive income beyond super, plus mindset shifts to protect long-term wealth.🔗 Links & ResourcesConnect with Anissa on Instagram @anissa_she_owns_itProperty Investment Advisor Australia | Eda PropertyRetirement Calculator: ASIC Moneysmart ToolSubscribe & Review: If this episode gave you a lightbulb moment, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Next Week's Episode: Tune in next week for an incredible interview with ARIA award-winning music photographer Michelle Grace Hunder on turning creative passion into a booming business.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 rise from a 16-year-old retail floor assistant to the CEO of Australia's most iconic fashion brands? In this episode, host Anissa Cavallo sits down with former Sportsgirl and Sussan CEO, Colleen Callander. Colleen traces her extraordinary career trajectory, revealing the mindset, grit, and strategic leadership that propelled her to the top of Australian retail. Together, Anissa and Colleen unpack what it truly means to lead with kindness, how to reframe the myth of "having it all," and the essential workplace boundaries needed to overcome corporate burnout. Whether you are navigating career progression, leading a team, or scaling a business, this episode delivers executive-level wisdom on resilience, confidence, and purpose-driven leadership.Key Discussion Topics:From Retail Floor to the Boardroom: The non-linear path to executive leadership and navigating career growth.Kind Leadership in Action: Why empathy, trust, and kindness are high-performance business strategies.Overcoming Corporate Burnout: How to set firm workplace boundaries and protect your energy at the executive level.Reframing "Having It All": Redefining success, work-life balance, and expectations for women in business.Cultivating Unshakeable Confidence: Practical tools for stepping into authority and owning your voice.Connect with Colleen CallanderWebsite: colleencallander.com.auBusiness Mentoring Program: Mentoring & Leadership with Colleen CallanderInstagram: @colleen_callanderConnect with Your Host, Anissa CavalloInstagram: @anissacavalloProperty Investment & Wealth Advisory: EDA PropertyColleen Callander, Anissa Cavallo, Sportsgirl CEO, Sussan CEO, female leadership Australia, kind leadership, overcoming corporate burnout, women in business, career progression advice, Australian retail leadership, EDA Property.

In this inaugural solo episode, Anissa Cavallo shares her unfiltered money mindset journey, earning $80k early, losing everything in the property market, sleeping on her parents' couch, and rebuilding. Listen for candid lessons on financial recovery after property loss, practical mindset shifts for women reclaiming financial independence, and a look at systemic risks like rising homelessness among middle-aged women. (12 min)Key Topics: Money Mindset | Women & Financial Independence | Rebuilding Wealth After Divorce | Property Investment Recovery | Female Financial Literacy | Overcoming Financial Trauma 🔗 Links & ResourcesConnect with Anissa on Instagram @anissa_she_owns_itProperty Investment Advisor Australia | Eda PropertyDisclaimer: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. 

Trailer — Host Anissa Cavallo outlines the money mindset shift women need to build financial security and protect against long-term risk. This episode previews practical mindset changes, boundary-setting techniques, and budgeting habits designed to help women rewrite their money story and move toward financial independence. Why it matters: middle-aged women are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia — long-term security starts with shifting money mindset. Learn more: edaproperty.com.au🔔 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode!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. 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.