To celebrate we wanted to bring to light this exciting story, in Success Business Magazine (Issue 29, Feb/March p.55), which features one of our Fashionline Group members from Ede Shade Solutions in Townsville!

Director – Bronwyn Ede-Mansbridge

Family Roots

Ede’s Shade Solutions, formerly C.Ede Pty Ltd, is a 102-year-old family-owned Townsville business. We specialise in internal and external blinds and awnings, in shade sails and structures. I have always worked in the business; I actually cancelled my plans to study after high school when I was offered a position to work in the family business.

First Female Director

Being part of a 100-year-old business verifies to me how society and a woman’s role in the workforce has evolved. I am honoured to be the first female Ede family member to officially work in the business to continue on to become a director. It’s a common joke around our office that I relate myself to the cartoon character She-Ra with the guys, but it’s a metaphor not to underestimate women and what we can do.

Innovation Is Evolution

Products and techniques for manufacturing those products we supply are always evolving. It’s exciting to see the evolution of products we use, and where this is going in the future.

Looking Back

If I could go back and give myself advice as I was preparing to leave school, it would be, “Be more confident, just get in and do it!”

Success Is Being Grateful

For me, success can be measured in reaching points in your life both personally and professionally. What naturally comes to mind when I think about success is being grateful that my husband Jay and I have a happy home life. My goal is to aim to be financially secure to do what I want when I want, and that I am doing all I can to sustain and grow our fourth-generation family business. Success is knowing that my family and friends are proud of me.

Work-Life Balance

Any tips on getting that work-life balance?

I’m working on it; when I figure it out I’ll let you know!

Advice From Mum

The best advice I’ve received are two little gems that we’ve probably all heard from our mums growing up, but they have really stuck with me over time. 1) Treat others how you would like to be treated. And 2) Learn from your mistakes. They are oldies but goodies.