Having stepped into the world of self-employment in early 2018, it took just six months for Jess to realise how she wanted to evolve her business and move from a sole practitioner to a company.

Aiming to fill the gap in service across the Hunter region and provide a much needed mobile service for children and their families, Jess and her team help to equip children from 0 - 18 years with skills and strategies to overcome a whole gamut of challenges, from identifiable learning and behavourial issues to the more subtle difficulties that often stem from a feeling that something just isn't quite right.

"Many of our clients first get in contact because something is niggling them about their child's ability to cope, organise themselves or deal with school or social situations. It may not be something they can put their finger on but it is usually worth trusting your gut." Explains Jess.

Much of the focus for Explore and Soar is working with families in their own surroundings, enabling parents and children or teens to take accountability and apply strategies with far more efficiency and ease than if they were to have to attend a clinic or external facility.

So well received has the business been among families in the Hunter, it has received four nominations in the Hunter Business Excellence Awards. Jess herself is a finalist for Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service Individual, while the business has entries in New Start and Health Services categories.

It's some acheivement for a business so young and is an honour that Jess says she would relish in if she were successful.

"To win would be such an honour, it's been such a journey over the last eighteen months and to sit and reflect on what we have achieved - it's been amazing.

"Along with my team, it's the clients that have shaped how the business has grown and without them I could not have come so far so quickly. I thank my staff - Maddie and Marg and every family we have met along the way."