From setbacks to success: Nikki Davey on reapplying for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award

A Friend of Mine by OAK Magazine

This is a special episode on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award with a focus on resilience and perseverance in the face of initial setbacks. Nikki Davey shares how a supportive network encouraged her to reapply despite her doubts, emphasising the significance of community in personal and professional development.

Nikki is the co-founder and CEO of Grown Not Flown, an innovative platform connecting local flower farmers with consumers, transforming the floral industry by promoting sustainability and supporting small-scale growers. In two short years, Nikki has not only expanded her platform but is also gearing up to host her first conference aimed at micro and small-scale flower producers.

In this episode, we talk about her decision to reapply for the AgriFutures’s Rural Women’s Award after making it as a state finalist in 2022.

Despite her doubts, Nikki shares how her supportive network, including key mentors, encouraged her to try again the following year. She opens up about the fears and self-judgment that accompanied her second application, but more importantly, she highlights the value of persistence. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not always about the win—sometimes, it's about the growth and the community that propels you forward.

Nikki now has the crown of 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Victoria Winner, and most impressively, the overall National Winner.

REFLECTIONS ON THIS EPISODE

Listening back to this episode, one of the standout lessons from Nikki’s journey is that sometimes the first try doesn’t lead to the outcome we hope for, but it can lay the foundation for something greater. Reapplying for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award wasn’t just about winning - it was about learning, growing and realising what more she had to offer. That persistence, the courage to try again, is something we can all relate to, whether in business or life.

We referred to that first application as a ‘first draft.’ That’s something I think we can all take on board, because so much of life is like that first draft - imperfect, but necessary to build on. The key is to keep refining, keep growing, and not let fear stop us from submitting that ‘second draft.’ It’s through these iterations that we not only improve, but truly understand our own potential.

Finally, as Nikki shared, it’s not always about the title or the win - sometimes, the real victory comes from the journey itself. It’s about redefining success, building a supportive network, and embracing the process, no matter the outcome. Every step, every 'first draft' brings us closer to becoming the person we’re meant to be, and that’s something worth celebrating.

ABOUT OAK MAGAZINE

This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.

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For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.

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