A FORMER teacher who swapped the classroom for a gelato scoop is celebrating after her Victoria Point business was recognised with a national franchise marketing award.
Lyndsey O’Connell, the driving force behind Gelatissimo Victoria Point, has won the Excellence in Marketing Award at the recent Gelatissimo Franchise Conference.
The award recognises franchisees who go beyond serving customers to build strong local connections through promotions, community events, partnerships and in-store campaigns.
For Ms O’Connell, the move into small business ownership marked a dramatic career change but she says the people skills developed as a teacher have helped her make the transition.
Communication, organisation, relationship-building and the ability to connect with people have all translated from the classroom into the busy world of running a gelato store.
She has used those skills to create a welcoming customer experience while building the Gelatissimo brand’s profile across Victoria Point.
The award also acknowledges the work franchisees do to bring national campaigns to life in ways that resonate with local customers.
Ms O’Connell’s efforts through local engagement, promotions and consistent brand representation have helped make the Victoria Point store part of the community rather than simply a place to grab a sweet treat.
Her prize is a new gelato cake display fridge which will support the continued growth of the business.
Ms O’Connell’s story is also a reminder for anyone considering a major career change that stepping into a new industry does not mean starting from scratch.
With an established brand, proven systems and support from fellow franchisees, she has turned a willingness to learn and a passion for people into a new chapter as a local business owner.
