In celebration of International Women’s Day, OutInCanberra approached some of the city’s most inspiring women to tell their stories. Gender inequality is still very much alive today and, as modern women, we experience our own set of challenges – in business and in life.
Katie Doherty is an accomplished young woman at the height of her science career, however her journey has posed a number of challenges. Katie and her partner, Ash, created Solution Solution– a linen wash designed to deal specifically with make-up stains and other hard-to-remove marks.
Although the start-up isn’t going forward, the product’s development is a very interesting story.
Good morning Katie! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi Alex, thanks for having me!
I left school at 14, but returned to study my Higher School Certificate (HSC) at night college when I was a clueless 19-year-old. During my studies I realised that Science was my passion – I didn’t really like Maths or English that much.
Once I completed my HSC I developed a love of study and went on to complete degrees in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Research, and now I’m studying Law and Intellectual Property.
Was it hard to break into the male-dominated industry of science?
I think it is hard to break into science at all in Australia. I didn’t notice until the end of my undergraduate degree that there were hardly any female students graduating with me. For me, gender was not an issue, I wasn’t treated any differently.
However, in my experience when you move away from pure science to commercialisation women don’t really have a voice or opportunity at all.
As female small business owners, what did challenges did you and Ash confront?
Despite my qualifications and whether it was because of our age or our gender people would often be very quick to dismiss us. So, when I was working with Jacqui, Ash, Joanne and Alexis, there were certain meetings where we would bring a ‘token male’!
Cosmetics, health and beauty are multi-billion dollar industries, but there were a number of times we were referred to as ‘girls’ with a ‘little business’ etc. This is a poor attitude when you look at the success of businesses such as Estée Lauder and, more recently, Glossier.
How did you overcome these challenges
It is important to ignore the commentary on your business and just look at your balance sheet if you need to know how you’re going. I would not recommend pitching to investors for any female-led business or start-up in Australia.
The time and effort required to formally ‘pitch’ takes away from your core business for a pretty dismal average return. The domestic landscape is so small that you’re more likely to meet investors through effective networking.
What is the driving force behind everything you do? What keeps you motivated on any everyday basis?
Curiosity! I think this leads to creative marketing and high quality products too. I have always been fascinated with how things work and why things are designed in a particular way.
Who has been the biggest influence of your success?
My beautiful friends, my mum and my sister. My kids too… they refer to me as ‘The Mad Scientist’.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you. Is it important that we have one?
Nearly two women die every week from preventable violence in Australia, and there are similar problems around the world.
A lot of things that happen to women occur behind closed doors, so having this day lets important issues get some airtime.
Who are your female icons?
I admire Gillian Triggs, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Amal Clooney and others who make it okay for women to be smart and beautiful. They are all persuasive as well as elegant. Also, Paris Hilton for business – the lady sells nothing!
What’s next for Solution Solution and your career?
Sadly, Solution Solution is not continuing, but that doesn’t mean all that energy is lost. Building a startup has been a life changing experience – and I am now pursuing a career in Patent Litigation because of the experiences I have had.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business?
Do it alone… you don’t need anyone to give you permission! Particularly in Canberra, the Lighthouse Business Centre and the CBR Innovation Network are already support networks waiting to meet you!
Forget formal pitching and don’t be too attached to your product or idea: changing and adapting it to your customer’s feedback will set you on a sound trajectory and a rewarding journey that will give bigger returns than just money.
Click here to our International Women’s Day Interview with Rita Joyan
