IB Woman
Issue No. 39 - February/March 2008
Party Line
by Penelope Herbert
When Mirella Morizzi gave her acceptance speech upon winning the South Australian Telstra Young Business Woman of The Year 2007 Award, her emotional and genuine words struck a chord with almost everyone in the room.
Mirella gave thanks for her achievements to the people who give her their unstinting support.
Not prone to speechlessness, Mirella was obviously stunned at the accolade despite her amazing achievements at a young age.
She says she has been overwhelmed by the congratulations she has received, as if she is unaware of the many lives she positively affects with her sparkling personality and intense commitment to hard work.
“I started working when I was about 15 and my Father was instrumental in developing my work ethic because he was such a hard worker himself,” she says.
“I became quite grounded knowing that I never wanted to be in a position where I couldn’t provide for myself or my loved ones. It was a real wake-up call and I am grateful for that.”
Being thrown in the business deep end early on, Mirella learned by experience, picking up knowledge of business planning and management along the way.
Now 29, she co-owns with her childhood best friend Danielle Tsogas a highly successful tapas bar, Mesa Lunga in Gouger Street; has opened a world-first sangria bar next door; and is the Executive Manager – Business and Training Services, for Training Innovation Management Enterprises. These careers bring together her two great loves – socialising and educating.
“Whether it’s business executives or Sudanese high school kids, empowering people to develop themselves professionally and personally for a better future is so exciting,” Mirella enthuses. “Regardless of the pathway, learning skills is an imperative for a happy life and to earn respect.”
She credits her mentor, past Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Sue Vardon; her hard-working partner, Michael; close friends and ...
