“Why can’t music, art and business be at the same festival?”
We create ripples of change.
Every decision we make—who we hire, what we sell, how we show up—can challenge the status quo, shape industries, and build a better world.
Not the same speakers, not the same advice.
Ripple is for business owners who are tired of the echo chamber—we’re bringing new voices, bold insights, and real talk that actually helps you grow.
This is nothing like your typical business conference. I’m sick of the same people on the speaker circuit; we’ll have disabled and able bodied people, neurodivergent and neurotypical people, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and plus size people alongside slim people. We want everyone to leave feeling that they can do big, scary things to create impact and run a profitable small business. All while being entertained by the people who make life worth living: artists.
FI JOHNSTON - CO-FOUNDER
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Co-Founder
Fi is a small business expert with 24 years of experience advising, coaching, and consulting small brands on money and business strategy. She is the founder of Peach Business, which helps small businesses run profitable and sustainable brands. A Chartered Accountant, Fi has the credentials and experience to help small businesses become long term success stories.
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Co-Founder
Global marketing and campaign strategist and Campaign Del Mar founder Mia Fileman has spent the last 13 years mentoring and training smaller brands to create successful marketing brands. She is a widely published small business marketing expert and the host of Got Marketing? podcast.
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Event Manager
A seasoned marketing and events professional with 15 years of corporate experience, Lisa founded The Blonde Campaign in 2021 to empower local businesses through strategic, impactful events. With expertise spanning marketing, event management, and business development, Lisa creates events that elevate brands, foster community connections, and deliver measurable results.
PURPOSE
We will include a diverse range of voices, bodies, and marginalised community members in the program, cultivating a safe, inclusive space. Every decision within our control will be made with the environment in mind—printing, signage, volunteer uniforms, speaker choices, food waste, and festival transport. It’s not an afterthought; it’s a priority.
PROFIT
The Festival programming is designed to support SMEs in running profitable and sustainable brands. Over the Festival and in the lead-up, we will connect ticket holders with trainers, mentors, coaches, tools, and tech and each other to foster community.
POSSIBILITY
We want every attendee to leave feeling that anything is possible when we create, ideate and collaborate. This isn’t one of those events that people leave feeling inspired, and forget by the next day. We want attendees to make things actually happen in their businesses.
We Show, Don’t Tell
Actions speak louder than words. Ripple Fest is about walking the walk, not paying lip service. We want every attendee to leave with their own clear views, values, beliefs, and boundaries—no parroting required.
We Can Disagree and Still Be Friends
Growth comes from the exchange of ideas, not from echo chambers. Disagreements don’t divide us; they help us evolve. At Ripple Fest, we embrace diverse perspectives and believe we can share a conversation—even if we don’t share the same opinion.
One Size Fits No One
All shapes, colours, sizes, and abilities are welcome here. Diversity isn’t a token gesture or buzzword—it’s woven into the fabric of this Festival’s existence.
Purpose and Profit Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jam
We reject the myth that doing good and making money are mutually exclusive. Ripple Fest showcases small businesses that make a profit while making an impact.
All for One, and One for All
Loneliness is a virus, and community is the antidote. Ripple Fest creates a space where everyone belongs, connections are genuine, and hierarchies and nepotism are left at the door.
We Reap What We Sow
Sustainability is woven into everything we do—from showcasing eco-conscious businesses to minimizing our footprint. What we plant today shapes tomorrow.
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Businesses
Wellness is good business. From mental health to nutrition to sober options, Ripple Fest supports whole-body health because thriving entrepreneurs can heal a sick world.