Meet Toni Petersen, the owner of Glass Art Dreaming, a small business based in Kingaroy, QLD.
Toni is a proud Aboriginal woman with family roots in North Queensland. She is a mother of five children; four daughters and one son and has been happily married for 27 years. She creates unique glass artworks and jewellery that reflect her cultural heritage. She showcases her work at galleries, markets, and festivals across South East Queensland and also runs glass art workshops for organisations and community groups.
“I really value the one-on-one support provided by Many Rivers. My business coach, Kristy also comes to markets to support me and my products, and we also have online meetings when I am travelling or busy with family. She has taught me about cashflow and helped me organise my business better. She makes me think about what is working and what is not.” – Toni Petersen
Read more about Toni’s business journey so far:
Toni’s Business
My business is called Glass Art Dreaming. I create glass art and jewellery that celebrate my culture. I have been running my business for 7 years. I travel around to markets and galleries to showcase my work, and I also run glass workshops where people can learn and create their own pieces.
Working with Many Rivers
How did you find out about Many Rivers?
I saw an advertisement on Facebook and reached out because I was ready to take my business to the next level.
Why did you want to go into business?
I was travelling a lot to markets and festivals around South East Queensland. Since I was already spending money and time on travelling, I thought it would be a good idea to turn my art into a small business which I can sell at Indigenous markets, festivals and events I travel to.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
I received business coaching from Kristy. She has helped me with planning, accounting, and business ideas. She also keeps me updated about Indigenous businesses and opportunities to grow.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
I really value the one-on-one support provided by Many Rivers. My business coach, Kristy also comes to markets to support me and my products, and we also have online meetings when I am travelling or busy with family. She has taught me about cashflow and helped me organise my business better. She makes me think about what is working and what is not.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No I didnt get any loan.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
Just me.
Biggest Challenge
The hardest part is having the right product to sell. My work is unique and beautiful, but it can be hard to sell. Juggling my business with raising five children and supporting my husband can also be difficult. But I do not want to give up because I am very passionate about my dream.
Biggest Success
My biggest success is attending festivals and building recognition for my work. I sometimes struggle with social media, so my success comes from people reaching out to me directly at festivals like NAIDOC, multicultural events, and Indigenous-owned markets. I also enjoy networking in person, which has helped me grow.
Biggest Change
I get to spend more time with my family now. They often travel with me to markets and festivals to help me and to support my business. This allows me to spend time with them while also running my business.
Future Goals
In the future, I would love to have my own gallery at my property where I can display my products and run workshops. I also want my products to be in more galleries. Many people have shown interest in learning glass art, and I hope to keep teaching and sharing my culture through workshops.
Thank you Toni for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Toni’s small business, follow “Glass Art Dreaming” through the following links:
We love to encourage people to take the first step towards kick-starting their small business ideas. Do you have a business idea?
CLICK HERE to see if Many Rivers is right for you
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