From family roots to financial success

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Chanel was always surrounded by the energy of small business. Her grandparents, who immigrated to Australia from Italy in the 1960s, along with their brothers and sisters, built successful businesses from the ground up. They remained closely knit, supporting and lifting each other up along the way. Watching them work hard and create opportunities for the next generation left a lasting impression.

“I always knew I wanted to run my own business. It was just about finding the right time,” she shares. After years of gaining experience in the finance space, she finally took the plunge, launching Florentina Finance with a mission to do things differently for her clients and the industry.

The name ‘Florentina’ was suggested by her grandmother and means ‘to blossom, to flourish, to thrive’. It perfectly captures the essence of what Chanel wanted to create. Instead of chasing high volumes, she focuses on quality relationships because she knows finance can often feel impersonal and transactional. “I don’t want to just be a broker. I want to be someone my client’s trust: almost like a business partner who’s there for the long haul – to see their business flourish.”

The challenges of going solo

Despite her strong start, the early days weren’t easy. Like many solo business owners, Chanel faced self-doubt. “There were moments where I thought, ‘Am I doing this right? But I kept reminding myself: ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’.”

She also faced challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. “Within the younger generation, there’s a lot of support. But in the older demographic, there’s still that resistance. I’ve met so many female brokers who want to go out on their own but don’t feel confident enough. If my journey inspires just one of them to take the leap, that’s a win.”

Prospa: a financial partnership with the right fit

When it comes to her small business clients cash flow challenges, Chanel can rely on Prospa’s support.

Chanel says Prospa’s streamlined process and continuous support from her local business development manager (BDM) makes working with Prospa a breeze.

“They’re always there to talk through deals, strategise, and make sure we’re getting the best outcome for clients. Having that level of support makes all the difference.”

Chanel has used Prospa’s solutions to help numerous clients, including a hospitality business that needed a Line of Credit to proactively manage ongoing cash flow fluctuations.

“Hospitality businesses often need cash flow at some point. Instead of constantly applying for top-ups, I helped them secure a line of credit as a safety net. Prospa made that possible for my client—it was settled and drawn down straight away.”

The process to help this client was seamless. “I ran some indicative numbers using Prospa’s new intelligent quoting tool, Prospa IQ, had a conversation with my Prospa BDM and we had an approval in 24 hours. The client was thrilled. They had a safety net of cash without the stress.”

A bright future ahead

It’s been less than a year since Chanel began her business journey, but she’s already hitting major milestones and exceeding her expectations. “Sometimes I sit back and think, ‘Wow, this is my business’. The connections I’ve made, the impact I’ve had—it’s surreal.”

Her next goal? Bringing on another broker to help manage the growing demand. Until then, she’s enjoying the flexibility and fulfilment that comes with being her own boss. “I haven’t set an alarm since I started my business. I wake up excited for the day, and I love that I can take a break to spend time with my family when I want to. That freedom is priceless.”

Advice for other small business owners

For Chanel, success comes down to integrity, perseverance, and smart financial management. “Do the right thing by your clients, and you’ll build a reputation that lasts,” she advises.

Her biggest piece of advice for other small business owners is the importance of keeping a close eye on expenses. “Don’t just rely on your accountant. Look at your costs. Are you paying for subscriptions you don’t use? Are you managing your cash flow effectively? Small tweaks can make a big difference.”

With Florentina Finance continuing to grow, Chanel’s impact on the business community is just beginning. And with partners like Prospa backing her, she’s set to help even more businesses blossom – while leading by example.