Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Maddie, Bec, and Mitch—the incredible women behind Cambridge Markets—to hear their stories, challenges, and motivations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to spotlight this inspiring team who work tirelessly to bring communities together through vibrant markets while creating valuable opportunities for small businesses like mine, Tolu Australia.
More Than Just Markets—A Community Hub
Markets in Australia are a staple weekend activity, offering families and friends a space to explore unique products, enjoy diverse food, and connect with their local communities. Unlike in Colombia, where markets are more traditional and focused on fresh produce, Australian markets have evolved into a hub for artisanal goods, fashion, homewares, pet accessories, and even entertainment for all ages.
Cambridge Markets has played a huge role in shaping this culture across Sydney’s suburbs. Their events bring a special energy to each location, drawing visitors from all over while providing small businesses with a platform to showcase their creations and grow. From delicious food stalls to handcrafted fashion, the markets create an environment where creativity thrives, and connections flourish.
The Journey of Cambridge Markets
Maddie shared how it all began in 2015, when she and Bec, long-time friends and schoolmates, started organizing school fairs and Christmas events in Vaucluse. At the time, Maddie was looking for a way to bring in extra income while balancing family life. With her background in marketing and PR, she saw an opportunity to turn these events into a successful small business.
Bec, who also shared a passion for events and healthy living, joined Maddie on this journey. Initially, they focused on organic food markets, but as they grew, they expanded into broader artisan markets to cater to a wider audience.
As demand for bigger, more accessible venues increased, they took a leap forward, organizing a major market at Watsons Bay. This milestone revealed both the potential for growth and the challenges that come with managing large-scale events. Recognizing the need for stronger administrative support, they welcomed Michelle (Mitch) Onley to the team. After being made redundant from her corporate job, Mitch saw Cambridge Markets as the perfect opportunity to balance work and family life while using her skills in operations and event coordination.
Alongside these three incredible women, Paul Johnson has been working behind the scenes as part of Cambridge Markets’ social media and marketing team. Together, they are not only managing operations but are also hands-on at every event, ensuring everything runs smoothly most weekends of the year.
A Business Built on Friendship and Flexibility
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cambridge Markets is how these women run a thriving business while maintaining strong friendships. Since childhood, they have shared life’s milestones, and today, they continue to support each other in both business and personal life.
They also emphasize the flexibility their work allows—something crucial for women balancing careers and motherhood. When they first started, their kids were young, and they needed a job that would let them be present for their families. Working from home, they manage their tasks independently, without strict office hours, proving that women can lead successful businesses without compromising family time.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any business, Cambridge Markets faces its own set of challenges:
• Weather: Since markets are outdoor events, unpredictable weather can force cancellations, particularly affecting food stallholders who rely on fresh ingredients.
• Cash Flow: When an event gets canceled, costs still need to be covered, making financial planning crucial.
• Competition: Sydney is home to many beautiful markets and events, so the team works hard to make Cambridge Markets stand out as a must-visit destination.
Despite these challenges, their determination, teamwork, and passion for what they do keep them moving forward. They are committed to growing Cambridge Markets into one of Sydney’s premier market brands, continuously offering new opportunities for local communities and small businesses.
The Power of Women Supporting Women
One of the things I admire most about Maddie, Bec, and Mitch is their belief in collaboration over competition. Their roles naturally complement each other—Maddie and Bec lead the marketing and event planning, while Mitch expertly handles the administration and logistics. Together, they create seamless, well-organized, and welcoming markets that benefit both vendors and visitors.
As a woman, small business owner, and full-time mom, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Cambridge Markets provides. These events allow me to share Tolu Australia’s unique men’s boardshorts, inspired by Colombian culture, with a diverse Australian audience. More than just selling products, I get to connect with people, grow my brand, and pursue my passion, all while balancing my role as a mother.
Celebrating Women This International Women’s Day
This March 8, 2025, Maddie, Bec, and Mitch want to send a message of empowerment and inspiration to all women—whether you’re a business owner, a professional, or a stay-at-home mom. Their journey proves that with passion, perseverance, and a strong support system, women can achieve anything.
To the team at Cambridge Markets—thank you for all that you do. Your work not only enriches Sydney’s communities but also empowers countless small businesses to thrive. Here’s to many more markets, connections, and successes!
Watch the full interview soon here.
(This interview and video were created in collaboration with Sebastian from El Caminante Producciones and Juan Robayo.)
