International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the leadership, resilience and contribution of women across the business community. Many small businesses are built through partnership, persistence and a willingness to step into roles that evolve over time.
Simone from Gerbino’s Italian Bakery is a strong example of that journey.
Gerbino’s is a well-known Brisbane Pasticceria that has been family owned and run since 2003. What began as a plan for Simone to help with the bookkeeping alongside her husband has grown into a business leadership role over many years of dedication to family, food, and finance.
To quote Simone in her own words, “My husband is the chef and the hands-on creative force in the kitchen. He brings the Italian tradition, the recipes and the culture. I come from an accounting background and have always been interested in business. Together that balance has worked really well.”
That combination of skills has helped the business navigate growth while staying true to its family-centric roots.
Striking this balance takes time. Initially running Gerbino’s alongside her husband as a mother of a four-year-old and a two-year-old, Simone is no stranger to the acute intentional work needed to create the healthy family and work balance she has today.
“Like many small business owners, we had to make it work as a family. It was very much tag-team parenting. Some days you step away from the business to pick up the kids or get dinner organised, then you come back to it later. It was a lot of juggling, but family has always been at the centre of what we do.”
That family focus has also shaped the way Gerbino’s has grown. Simone describes the bakery as a place that people return to over many years.
“One of the things that means the most to us is seeing generations of families come through. Parents who came in years ago now bring their children. That sense of community is something we really value.”
The business experienced significant growth during the COVID period, when more local customers discovered the bakery. That momentum helped expand the customer base while reinforcing the importance of quality, consistency and accessibility.
“Our goal has always been to keep the food traditional and high-quality, but also affordable. We want people to feel like they can come in regularly and make it part of their routine.”
Behind the scenes, Simone also values the role of trusted advisors who understand the realities of running a small business.
“As a small business owner, it makes a difference when your advisors understand what it is to run a small business and treat you as a leader. With Advivo you can speak directly with someone experienced who understands the challenges and the decisions you’re working through.”
For Simone, entrepreneurship has always been closely connected to family and passion.
“I’ve always been interested in business, but it has to align with something you care about. For us, that is food, family and community.”
Stories like Simone’s highlight the many ways women contribute to business leadership, often balancing family, operations and strategic direction all at once.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognise the role women like Simone play in building strong, enduring businesses within the community.
