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My Business Stars

My Business Stars

By: Julie Woods
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About this listen

 Welcome to My Business Stars, A podcast series featuring conversations with disabled business owners telling their business stories; hosted by the Disability Business Network. IF you are disabled, own your own business and would love to mix with other people who look like you, then join us today at the Disability Business Network. You can find us at disabilitybusinessnetwork.org or contact that blind woman Julie Woods on 021 913 513 or at Julie@thatblindwoman.co.nz(C)Otago Access Radio Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Series 3 - Ep 30 - Stephen McIvor - Moonshiners Distillery

    Series 3 - Ep 30 - Stephen McIvor - Moonshiners Distillery
    Apr 28 2026
    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Stephen McIvor, founder of Moonshiners Distillery, about turning a lifelong passion for traditional moonshine into a business after sudden vision loss. Stephen shares how he went from running a firewood and demolition operation to losing his sight overnight, and how connecting with other disabled entrepreneurs helped him rebuild his confidence. He explains the science and history behind moonshine, why he uses copper pot stills and natural grains, and how he creates flavours like whiskey, gin, mango shine and watermelon shine. Stephen also discusses discrimination in employment, the empowerment of self employment, and his dream of growing Moonshiners Distillery into a thriving craft brand in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
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    23 mins
  • Series 3 - Ep 29 - Jo Bridgwater - After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio

    Series 3 - Ep 29 - Jo Bridgwater - After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio
    Apr 21 2026
    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Jo Bridgwater, founder of After School Art Classes with Jo Bridgwater + Studio, about building a creative business in Masterton while living with autism and chronic pain. Jo shares how she turned a setback in teacher relief training into an opportunity to create her own art education programme, offering courses in photography, painting, mosaics, beads and buttons, and fibre arts. She discusses managing energy around medical treatments, expanding into pet portraits and studio photography, and adapting her business to what local families want. Jo also reflects on creativity, resilience and the importance of community spaces like King Street Artworks in supporting disabled artists and entrepreneurs. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
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    24 mins
  • Series 3 - Ep 28 - Brodie Williams - Clean My Car

    Series 3 - Ep 28 - Brodie Williams - Clean My Car
    Apr 14 2026
    In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Brodie Williams, owner of Clean My Car, about building a thriving vehicle grooming business in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Brodie shares how he shifted from developing disability ID cards to purchasing a car cleaning business, and how ADHD gives him the energy and pace to manage long hours and a busy workload. He discusses navigating discrimination, adapting to changing government contracts, using Google Ads and keywords to grow the business, and the importance of hiring based on attitude and life experience rather than qualifications. Brodie also reflects on resilience, identity and the realities of being a disabled and LGBTQ+ entrepreneur in Aotearoa. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz
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    23 mins
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