International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day focuses on accelerating gender parity and is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re doing a series of interview with Inspiring Women of PARC.

Our Marketing Specialist Jess de Araugo caught up with one of our inspiring members, Anca Anderson.

Anca has been part of the PARC fam since 2016. She manages to visit the Centre most days, to squeeze in her workout, in between her social life, life chores, and most importantly, running her own business. Anca took on INCA Organics in 2017, when she was just 32 years old. Inca Organics offers premium certified organic protein and superfood powders that stand out from the crowd by being clean, transparent and without unnecessary additives and fillers. She spent 6 months recrafting and developing new products, sourcing eco-friendly packaging and building a new website and distribution model, before moving ahead to launch. And now, the business continues to grow from strength to strength, in fact, next month Anca and INCA Organics will feature in Vogue magazine!

Starting your own business is a massive, daunting, ambitious and exciting step. Let’s learn about Anca’s journey:

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Romania, grew up in Germany and came to Australia in 2009 when I received a scholarship to study here. During this time, I met my husband and chose to make Australia my home. After completing my Business Marketing Degree, I worked for some global and local FMCG companies (such as L’Oreal) before making the decision to start my own business.

What was your dream job as a child and why?

Actress. I enjoyed dressing up as child and taking on the role of different characters. You could be whoever you wanted to be.

What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I speak 5 languages – Romanian, German, English, Italian, French.

Why did you start your own business?

I always had a dream to have my own brand. I have a passion for beauty, health and wellbeing. I love going into shops and looking at what’s new on shelves. I’m interested in trends and what’s coming up.

I was working really hard, for someone else. You put in so much work, but I got to the point where even when you put a lot of work in, and at the end of the day, it’s not yours… so I felt like something  was missing.

Working for large FMCG companies allowed me to gain knowledge and practical experience working across different fields before taking the leap into starting my own business.

It was a scary decision, but I knew that it was the right time for me. I trusted in the journey. I invested every cent of my savings into the company. But I always believe, you only put in what you are willing to lose. I’m so glad I took the plunge.

What’s one lesson you would tell other women looking to go and do it alone?

Believe in yourself and be resilient. There is never the right time to start a business and you will never be 100% prepared. Having supportive friends and family helps, but ultimately it is the belief that you have in yourself and your resilience that sees you through challenging times.

What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?

I don’t view any decision I make as being ‘bad’, because you can always grow and learn from it.

Saying that, the hardest decision I had to make was leaving my family in Germany to start a new life in Australia.  In turn, this has been the best decision I have made in making such a great country with wonderful people my home. Its where I met my husband, my rock, and a place I now call home. 

How do you balance work, gym and life responsibilities?

Good time management is key. I block out ‘me time’ in my schedule as I would for a business meeting. I view my personal health and wellbeing as primary. Without health you do not have anything.

What do you do at PARC?

Mostly attending cardio or strength-based group exercise classes such as HIIT, Powerzone, GRIT, BODYPUMP, SPRINT and PARC Fit Run. I enjoy the group exercise classes as the instructors are great and I feel motivated and empowered in a group environment.

On hard days, what motivates you to get up and get active?

Besides an Inca Organics Shake or a coffee… haha…

I plan my week ahead and schedule in classes via the My PARC App. This helps me to be committed. After completing a class, I feel my motivation is boosted for the day ahead. Its really important to take time for yourself. I don’t do it to lose weight, I do it for me, to be healthy, strong and live a good, long life.

The theme for international Women’s Day this year is #EachforEqual – What does that mean to you?

International Women’s Day is an important date to create awareness, celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledge pivotal people and the progress made. But there is still a long road ahead. There are still many obstacles to overcome in terms of gender equality.

From my perspective everyone, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or religion, should be respected and have each equal access to opportunities.

What woman inspires you and why?

My mother. She has influenced my life the most. Each day she demonstrates resilience, independence and unconditional love. She has always believed in me and supported me in all my endeavours.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Anca, we are sure you have inspired some to take that leap and start their own business!