12:00a.m. 3rd September 2008

Business owner Kaylene Bothwell loves her new shop and leathers at Beerburrum. Photo: Nicholas Falconer / 177784

Women own more than 35% of all businesses in Australia, and are buying existing ones or opening new ones at unprecedented rates.

Research released recently by Mortgage Choice found the four main reasons why women were looking to get into business were:

Flexibility (the ability to control your own time) – 54.6%

Stimulation, challenge and personal achievement – 53.3%

Improved lifestyle – 48.9%

Income potential – 48%

And while many women are jumping in feet first, others like Kaylene Bothwell have just dipped a couple of toes in.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t all have the same dream.

In April, Ms Bothwell took the first step in realising hers by opening April Bella Motorcycle Wear 4 Women in Beerburrum.

Like most small businesses, her store came about as a result of not being able to buy something she wanted – motorcycle wear for women, including hot pink leathers.

“I’ve always been interested in motorbikes ... going back to when mum used to take me to the speedway as a kid,” she said.

“I’ve had my learners for a few years and last year when I finally got my bike licence I tried to find some leathers for women and there was nothing available.

“I’ve always wanted to work for myself so I did some research, decided there was a niche opportunity, sourced the products and opened for business.”

Ms Bothwell acknowledged there were plenty of sceptics about the likely popularity of the products (mostly males), and also the location of her shop. But four months on, despite opening only on weekends, the venture is meeting expectations.

“I chose Beerburrum because the rent was cheap, and there are a lot of motorbike riders in the hinterland,” she said.

“I’ve been covering my costs and reinvesting the profits back into the business.

"I’m very happy with the way things are going.”

She has already had enquiries from people interested in having her gear in their stores, saying she was convinced there could even be franchising opportunities down the track.

Like Ms Bothwell, Vicki Cameron started her business, a removal and storage operation called BOX n GO, in July after being dissatisfied with a range of removalists she’d dealt with over the years.

“I’ve moved about 18 times to various places around the world and never been able to find anyone to do it properly. Setting up BOX n GO was basically out of frustration,” she said.

Ms Cameron said while she and her husband had co-owned a number of businesses in the manufacturing and property development sectors, this business was the first she had owned by herself.

She believed the business was the first carbon neutral storage company in Queensland, possibly Australia.

While Ms Cameron said she could probably be out playing golf with her semi-retired husband, she was having too much fun with her “baby”.

“We’re being told we going to live to 100 so I’ve still got half my life left,” she said.

“I’m really enjoying the challenge ... it’s wonderful.”