Female Founder Name: Lara Ainley
Business Name: Oceanelier
Website: www.oceanelier.com.au
Tell us about your business. What products or services do you offer?: Oceanelier is a small, creative studio that brings the ocean into everyday life through ocean-inspired watercolour art and beautiful, functional products. The range includes fine art prints, greeting cards, stickers, tea towels, and art journals, all inspired by marine life, seascapes, and that pull of the ocean.
What inspired you to start your business?: Oceanelier began from a deep personal love for the ocean and a passion for creating art. With a background in marine science, I wanted to blend creativity with something meaningful. Using art as a gentle way to help people feel connected to the sea and more aware of the ecosystems that we depend on.
How long have you been running your business?: Oceanelier started in September 2024 as a side project. There’s been steady growth and a lot of learning that’s been shaped by curiosity, community support, and a lot of showing up even when I wasn’t sure what I was doing.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how did you overcome it?: The biggest challenge has been visibility and self‑belief, and not being afraid to make a mistake. Learning to take up space, speak confidently about the work, and trust that the business deserves to grow takes a lot more than you think. Again, showing up consistently even when it felt uncomfortable and putting faith in yourself are critical at this point.
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?: A standout moment has been seeing the emotional connections people are making with my work. Last year I did a few commissions and sold a few original pieces. When someone finds a piece of themselves or a part of their home or life in my paintings, that’s really special. These moments really affirm what the Oceanelier brand is about.
What strategies have helped you grow your business?: Starting out, I kept my focus on building the brand. Maintaining the authenticity and fostering ocean connection has helped keep everything tied in. Building the community of ocean lovers through consistently showing up, even in small ways, has been important.
What tools or resources have been game-changers for your business?: There is a lot of information available on what tools and resources you need. The most significant thing I did was invest in a course that guided me through launching a small, creative business with the mentorship of someone that has done it before (shoutout to @georgiadrawsahouse). This course helped me get the ball rolling and learn about business along the way, rather than having to know everything already.
Can you share one key lesson you’ve learned about managing finances as a business owner?: The most important lesson has been treating the business like a business from day one. Tracking expenses, planning ahead, and having cash flow is so so important.
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life?: Oceanelier has grown from my love of the ocean and creating art, so it’s been easy to maintain that in my personal life. I enjoy it. Balancing the business side of things has been a learning curve and I’ve needed to set intentional time aside for it.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for running a successful business?: Oceanelier is a one-woman show, but I still need to lead myself sometimes. I try not to be too hard on myself and show empathy when it comes to running a business. Time is limited, but when I do have time it’s intentional and strategic; adding a layer of flexibility and adaptability is important too. If I have a willingness to learn, there’s space for continued growth.
How do you motivate and manage your team?: Again, Oceanelier is a one‑woman show, but I do need to ask for help at times. Most people are eager to get involved and want to help because they believe in the brand, and in me, and that’s created a really wonderful, supportive team environment.
What role does mentorship or networking play in your business journey?: Mentorship has been invaluable. I don’t think I would have made it this far trying to figure everything out on my own. Plus the network of other creative women who understand the unique challenges of building something from scratch has not only built new connections but in many ways helps keep me grounded and validate the journey Oceanelier is going through.
What trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?: Trends I think are shaping the industry:
A growing desire for sustainable, art-forward, small‑batch products
Supporting small, local businesses over big big enterprises
An appreciation for the hand made, thoughtful process of creating art and products
A connection to the products
How do you stay ahead of the competition in your industry?: Oceanelier stays ahead by staying authentic. Ocean‑inspired art grounded in connection, curiosity, emotion, and storytelling. The focus is on creating work that feels personal, thoughtful, and timeless.
Who or what inspires you in your business journey?: The ocean itself is the biggest muse. I’m constantly awed by the colours, seascapes, wildlife, and by the feeling I get being in the ocean. The ocean doesn’t judge. My inspiration also comes from the community and the connections I have made, and supporting the journeys of other small, creative businesses and celebrating their successes with them.
What books, podcasts, or resources have had the biggest impact on your professional growth?: I listen to podcasts every day. Since starting Oceanelier, my list of go-to podcasts has definitely expanded to include more female-led, women in business, mindset, money and finances and creative podcasts. Anything that blends creativity with practical business thinking tends to have the biggest impact. But I still have a number of sciencey, brain massage type podcasts that I also love.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?: I have 3 university degrees in marine science, including a PhD! And, my dog Wally is the real CEO, dictating activities and ensuring walks are prioritised!
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business?: Oceanelier isn’t just about pretty products. It’s about connection and creating small moments of calm and joy. Every piece is designed to bring the ocean a little closer to everyday life.
Reflecting on your time in business, what is one piece of advice you would give to another woman to help her on her business journey?: Start. Just start with something, one thing and start before you feel ready. Back yourself and have faith in the process. Growth will come.
How can people connect with you or learn more about your business? (e.g., website, social media, etc.): You can explore Oceanelier online through the website, Instagram, and I have an email subscription. I also get out to the markets and love meeting people in person there. Reach out, say hello, send me a message and tell me about your favourite thing about the ocean.
Anything you want to add that we might have missed?: Oceanelier is building a community of fellow ocean-lovers at a time where knowledge, awareness and the stewardship of our ocean environments matters more than ever. Fostering this connection, slowing down, finding joy and creating meaningful art is another important part of the Oceanelier story.
