Interview: Stephanie Tsallas - Social and Community Entrepreneur

Stephanie Tsallas is one of Australia's most passionate campaigners for cancer awareness.

Background:

At 18 I started my career as a beauty therapist, from the moment I entered the industry I was determined to become my own boss and visualized my own boutique salon. My dream became a reality at 26 with hard work and determination I had my own salon on Oxford St Darlinghurst

Highlights in my career?

I no longer am in the beauty industry I challenged myself in all areas and needed a fresh change 13 years in one industry, which I was once so passionate about reached the end. I am though still very blessed with some wonderful friends who started as clients. If it wasn't for their loyalty and belief I would never had made it in the direction I am heading today. I must admit servicing the public on such a personal level was challenging in many, many ways you see and hear IT ALL!!! But hey I'm sure I now make a great listener with counselling skills.

What direction am I heading in?

I have a huge love and passion for society, and aiding the less fortunate in anyway is my main aim. I am willing to put all my energy and time in making a difference. Hands for life started last year July 30th 2005, a charity function to raise funds for a new incubator for the Neo Natal ward RPA. It was rewarding and fulfilling knowing that event was a step closer to assisting a newborn with an extraordinary challenge in life. The event was a total success I had the Australian Beat girls perform singing the best of the 70's dress in glow mesh dresses and beehive hair, and the 5'clock comedian dancers that started off their career on young talent time. Body painted waiters and my brother dressed up as the "mask" to add the excitement to a babies charity generously donating with every flower he charmed the females with. My aim is to make every event fun and uplifting with visual stimulation to uniform the particular event. I am a huge believer we all have an inner child regardless who we are and we all need the WOW and fun factor in our lives.

Who sponsored my event?

Fitness First (leading health clubs)
Johnson and Johnson (hygiene and baby products)
Vogue and GQ magazines
Australian broadcasting network 106.5
Route 66 (clothing)
Muse hair
Chromaline (interior decorators Aust and Europe accredited)
All these businesses gave generously for silent Auctions and media advertising

Who motivated my first event?

The fighting spirit who have experienced or are experiencing health challenges move me and being able to organise events with great support from sponsors and guests keep me motivated. I must tell you I have so much love for children as I am blessed with a niece and nephew who are little angels and am fortunate they were born healthy. Secondly a special person of the name Justin his love and friendship for the last 5 years inspired my first event, he is now a gorgeous and healthy 27 year old but was born premature it was his photos that changed my whole perspective on humanity. I have to feel passion and emotion with every event I host.

Who are my mentors?

Once again my mentors are my family and friends I am blessed with their support in all choices I make. Peter my brother is on my special pedestal his wisdom and knowledge drive me to higher grounds. I would really love to name my nearest and dearest and thank them in this interview. Jacqui my angel…poppy, Annie, Cynthia, Joanna, Felice, Miss Maggie, Rocky Irene and the best lawyer in the world Marwan .(I'm sure his smiling reading this) . My Mentors are all those who have succeeded not only exterior but within' themselves, and these few that I mentioned did exactly that. I can never leave out Greg Tingle and his famous phrase PEOPLE POWER…….When I hear the word Mentor I automatically am drawn to the ones who personally touch my life here and now.

Favourite movie and why?

Everybody should watch this film. Conviction is the most powerful film I have ever seen. It's a true story about Carl Upchurch who started life as a criminal in and out of prison until one day he viewed his life and was determined to change Its based on his amazeing willpower and good will to change youth and prejudice in America. From somebody who was convinced was useless to society turned out to be America's strongest and finest community speakers. A must see film truly inspiring…

Visions and aims?

My main concern is to build "Hands for life" this has to be one of my biggest challenges in this lifetime but am determined to accomplish my dream. Giving back to society whether it be children, mental heath, cancer or youth is my priority and every event I host will be visually and creative to stimulate the guests. I believe life is one amazeing journey we grow and learn and some challenges seem impossible to overcome but i can truly say we become better and stronger in all areas once we do what's right for ourselves.

Stephanie's Masquerade Ball

Our very special thanks go to Stephanie Tsallas who certainly knows how to put the fun in
fundraising! Stephanie organized a fabulous gala night to raise money for a new incubator for the
nursery. Singers, dancers, a fire eater and even pole dancers entertained the extravagantly masked guests who generously supported the silent auctions and games. We are indebted to Stephanie for her boundless enthusiasm, exuberance, hard work and commitment.

Profiles

Stephanie Tsallas