Carolyn Creswell

Carolyn Creswell

Carman’s was founded in 1992 by Carolyn Creswell. The then 18 year old first-year university student bought the small muesli business where she worked part-time for $1,000. At the time, they supplied a few cafes and delis around Melbourne.

It’s amazing where life can lead you…One day I was told that I was to lose my job as the business was to be sold. I immediately thought, “You could buy this little business! You love the muesli and you make it already!” My offer of $1,000 was eventually accepted and Carman’s was born. It was a life changing decision. Finishing my degree proved challenging as I made deliveries before morning lectures and balanced the books in the library during lunch breaks.

Fast-forward to present and Carman’s gourmet range is now available in all major supermarkets across Australia, as well as being exported to many countries around the world.

Carolyn is an Ambassador for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and Patron of the St Kilda Gatehouse.

Carolyn’s business acumen has led to a number of accolades including being named the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year and the winner of 2007 Ernst & Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. As a proud mother of four young children with her husband Peter, Carolyn has a strong commitment to healthy work-life balance which is also reflected in the supportive culture of the Carman’s office.

As a mother of four young children, my passion for real food with real ingredients is stronger than ever. I am so proud of what Carman’s has become. I hope you share my passion and enjoyment of Carman’s too!

what I’ve learnt about business

Over my 25 year journey, there has been a lot of things that have become important to me. I hope some of these resonate with you too.

quotes i love