Amy Chapple is the 2021 Bright Ideas Grant Scholarship recipient for Hats Off 4 Change (HO4C) “Hard hats with a difference”
The first company of its kind in Australia; HO4C is the one-stop-shop for hard hats, working responsibly to design, manufacture, supply and recycle hard hats.
HO4C was inspired by four areas of passion for Amy
- Painting, art and design
- Protecting our environment
- A desire to understand and celebrate our First Nations’ people’s culture and history
- Visiting and working in the Pilbara region of WA
Amy recently took some time out of her very busy entrepreneurial schedule to share with us where she is at with her journey and her vision for the future:
What have I done to date
- Hired an accountant (!) and set up the registered business/accounts/GST and financial and small business advice
- Designed my logo!
- Purchased a laptop (all I’ve had over years is company ones, or borrowing my girls’ laptops), software and subscriptions to develop contacts and relationships
- Taken LWOP to collaborate and connect with suppliers, potential clients, understand marketing/legal framework
- Consulted with SAI Global regarding compliance for applications to helmets, and hat certification and testing
- Developed and produced initial prototypes – up to next design phase now
- Collaboration with a company that recently patented new design technology that can produce AS compliant coverings which can be printed with any design and discussions on partnering (all Australian supplier and fully supports AIPP initiatives for HO4C)
- Presented concept to two recognised construction business at their request (fingers crossed!)
- Secured Domain name and website in process of being designed
- Connected with small businesses and consultants in sustainability and circular economy fields for advice and methods for recycling
- My role at Rio Tinto whilst being my dream career position, was demanding and gave me little opportunity to focus on HO4C. Not wanting to look back and regret the opportunity to make a difference, and be grateful for the support of NAWIC, in August I decided to focus 100% on HO4C, leaving a paid f/t role to focus on making HO4C real. I’ve set aside personal funds as well as the grant to kick-start the next steps, giving myself a 6-month window to get up and running.
Next Steps for HOFC
I’d like to study part time, either at UWA School of Indigenous Studies undertaking work/degree or directly engaging with experts to ensure collaboration and indigenous participation is genuine and financially beneficial, provides employment opportunities
I am also weighing up if I should pursue completing Australian Institute of Company Directors course. It’s pretty expensive, and large chunk of remaining funds, but my biggest fear and challenge is with regards to understanding my responsibilities as owner of a small business with multiple stakeholders. I’ve always put respect and acting with integrity as my greatest priority – it’s not about the bottom line, it’s about doing things right, ethically and for everyone to benefit.
There’s still so much to do, it’s daunting – but I’m prepared to give it a go. As a NAWIC mentor in recent years (and now being mentored myself again), I always said to mentees it’s ok to make mistakes, to fail – because that’s how you learn, develop professionally and as a person. Having to follow my own words of advice!
Grateful to NAWIC – Where do I start? For the belief and endless support from NAWIC this whole time. I’m thankful for the opportunities to be mentored and advised by so many intelligent and committed NAWIC women, who are also now my friends and have encouraged me to go for it. I feel I have the NAWIC “village” behind me, who’ve given me the courage to take the greatest leap in my life (as a single mum, sometimes it feels like I’m jumping the Grand Canyon).
About Applying - If you have an idea, a vision or a dream to make a difference, then please go for it and apply. It took courage but I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying. There are so many inspiring quotes from people that have made an idea a reality, made the seemingly impossible possible.
On those occasions when I find myself questioning my journey I recall the sentiments of Susan Hay. Susan wrote a book, which I highly recommend, called Face the Fear and Do it Anyway… That’s what I’m focused on doing and much of what I have read gives me courage to continue.
NAWIC gave me the chance to achieve something and to set out to fulfill a dream. I am only on the first leg, but through NAWIC offering the Bright Idea grant I feel I’ve won so much already….
Amy Chapple – Founder of Hard Hats for Change
PS. I’m always available and happy to help! If people are nervous about entering or want to talk about the process and their idea to you can connect with me at [email protected].
