“No matter what stage you’re at in business, you’re going to benefit from continuous learning,” said Claire Osterstock, the founder of Olive & Bee.
Claire’s journey demonstrates the relationship of ongoing education and entrepreneurial success.
Olive & Bee is an 8‑year-old startup that manufactures and sells a natural personal lubricant made of olive oil and beeswax.
The product was born out of a desire to provide an alternative to chemical-filled products, which stemmed from Claire’s previous career.
“I was a women’s health physiotherapist before starting Olive & Bee. I advised clients on products to help with vaginal dryness and pelvic pain”, said Claire.
“I wasn’t happy with the available products. Someone had to come up with an alternative, and was no reason it couldn’t have been me”, she added.
Claire’s clinic provided a unique opportunity to engage with her market, allowing her to refine the product through extensive consultation.
After some 26 iterations, Olive & Bee’s chemical and preservative-free personal lubricant hit the market.
Over the years, the product has gained traction both domestically and internationally, mainly through word of mouth, with around 5,000 units sold monthly through health food stores, physiotherapy and medical clinics, pharmacies and hospitals.
Clarie’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning. She recently completed the newly established Business Fundamentals Program facilitated by the South Australian Business Chamber, after already completing the Export Ready Program and Encore.
For Clarie, these programs offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities, despite her existing knowledge base.
“Even if the course content isn’t entirely new or covers topics that I am familiar with, the learning environment itself provides invaluable lessons,” she explains.
“As a small business owner, engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and experienced facilitators fosters a culture of innovation and accountability.”
Claire emphasises the importance of accountability, a lesson she recently honed through the Business Fundamentals Program.
“Setting goals and commitments during the sessions and being held accountable by facilitators and peers has been instrumental in driving progress,” she says. “It’s easier to uphold promises to others than to oneself, especially in the hustle of entrepreneurship.”
Claire’s story highlights the power of continuous learning in business.
As businesses evolve, embracing education not only enhances skills and knowledge but also encourages innovation, resilience, and ultimately, sustainable growth.
