Thirroul Post Office has given local businesswoman Janine Leghissa the official stamp of approval.

The owner of online jewellery store Desiderate, Janine was recently named as the Wollongong winner of the Australia Post Local Business Heroes program and now features on posters in store.

"David at my Thirroul post office nominated me," she said. "David has been supporting me from the beginning when I was only sending a few orders a week, and now dropping off several bundles each day. So it’s great to be recognised and supported by the local community."

Janine also recently excelled at August's Beam Awards in Brisbane, winning three golds and a silver. Her swag of awards included a technology prize for Desiderate's innovative virtual try-on technology.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Janine Leghissa, founder of online jewellery store Desiderate. I’m a mum to three awesome kids and one gorgeous grandson. My business is based in beautiful Thirroul.

It’s a beautiful spot, with a great community and I love that it’s a regional area yet still close to Sydney and Wollongong, so I can get my fix of city fun when I need it.

When did your business start and how has it grown?

I launched Desiderate in 2017; it began because I was selling my personal jewellery collection to make ends meet after a tough financial situation.

Then people began asking me for particular styles, and I realised there was a gap in the market for chunky silver gemstone jewellery. So I began creating and sourcing designs and launched Desiderate.

Since then, the business has grown from just me to a team of seven. Desiderate has thousands of customers with thousands of 5-star reviews and I can’t believe how far I’ve come from those early days. We are now famous for our classic pieces, chunky silver bangles and gemstone jewellery collections featuring all kinds of stones.

Last year I launched my second business, a fashion label called Taleeta.

Focusing on comfortable fabrics, flattering shapes and stylish silhouettes, the Taleeta range comes in a gorgeous tropical-themed colour palette of dark indigo, peachy coral, soft green, vibrant purple and crisp whites. Every piece is handcrafted, so the products sit beautifully on the body and flatter all figures.

Taleeta offers amazing value for the discerning customer who doesn’t want clothes that sit badly, don’t last, scratch or cause discomfort. Many women want to cover lumps and bumps as they get older, but they don’t want to wear unflattering or out-of-date styles. With Taleeta, women can emphasise their best bits and cover up the rest, looking stylish and feeling comfortable too.

What is your big news in 2023?

It has been a very busy year, I have launched some gorgeous new jewellery collections including the enchanted waterfall range – gorgeous statement earrings in several stone types. I’ve also released the grande pendant range, designed to be worn on long chains. I’ve also been lucky enough to win several awards, including the Beam Awards, The Stevie International Business Awards and I was also featured as a Local Business Hero by Australia Post.

It was very strange seeing my photo plastered on billboards at my local post office – a real pinch-me moment.

What exciting changes or challenges lie ahead?

I’m releasing a new summer range for my fashion label Taleeta. I’m expanding the designs and including more colourways and styles. I’ve created some stunning designs and I can’t wait to launch it in the coming weeks.

As for challenges, the slow economy does impact my business and things are quieter than usual. I’m so lucky that I have loyal customers that continue to support me, but I would certainly love the economy to pick up, interest rate pressure to ease so that everyday Aussie women feel confident in spoiling themselves. Not just for myself, but for the many small business owners feeling the pinch right now

Where do you like to relax – any local tips to share?

I like meeting friends for a walk on the beach path. We will grab a coffee, and watch the surfers, particularly at Sandon Point when the swell is up. The view is glorious and I always feel so lucky to live by the water.

I love to spoil my team, my friends and my family with flowers, and Poppy's Florist is my go-to florist. Thirroul has many great restaurants for dinner with family and friends and I love that we don’t have to travel too far for nice restaurants – they’re right here on our doorstep.

My absolute favourite coffee spots are Seafoam cafe and Bread, Espresso & Thirroul.