Secret Harbour couple’s business a Telstra Business Award finalist

THE business of Secret Harbour couple Cam and Donna McColl has made the finals in the Telstra Business Awards.

Mrs McColl is the director of Happy Feet Fitness and is hoping for a win in the Small and Succeeding category.

“We were shortlisted from 10,000 nominees down to the top six finalists in small business,” she said.

While teaching a children’s dance class, Donna McColl was disheartened to see children struggling with easy movements because they were carrying too much weight.

When she told Mr McColl, then a children’s charity entertainer, he realised the same techniques used to brighten the lives of ill children could prevent illness in healthy children.

With this philosophy guiding them, in 2007 the pair created Happy Feet Fitness.

“Healthy eating and physical activity are the core motivators of our program,” Mrs McColl said.

“Our goal is to instil a lifelong love of exercise and movement in children.”

Mrs McColl said being a business owner was challenging from time to time.

“Being recognised in this way is a real boost to our business, our staff and as business owners,” she said.

“Our business is unique, Cam writes all of the music for our program, a local costumes designer creates all of the unique costumes and equipment, I am a fitness instructor and so I create the choreography and objectives to create happy healthy children.

“Together we are a creative bunch who love what we do.”

The Telstra Business Awards aim to celebrate the most innovative and entrepreneurial businesses across four categories. The winners will be announced on Thursday night.