You grew up in Thirroul – how did this shape you?

I went to Waniora Public School and Bulli High School. I wasn’t great at school, definitely misunderstood by a lot of teachers, sometimes naughty, was labelled the “ring leader” and was told that unless I changed my behaviour I would never get a good job or have a career of any kind. But I knew that if I enjoyed what I was doing, I would do it VERY well. I thrived in sport, art, photography and design and technology.

In my earlier years my family lived on Lachlan Street in Thirroul. When I was 12 my parents bought an acreage behind Bulli Pass (where my step-dad Terry owned and ran Jackson Swim School, which is now iSwim Swimming School).  

I spent a lot of time riding my horses after school and playing outdoors. If I wasn’t in my own backyard I was at Pony Club, TDA Dance Academy, Swim Club at Thirroul Pool and loved spending time with my friends at the beach. I’m still close with my Bulli High friends to this day. 

Meet Tahnee Valentine, owner of #tahneesocial

Just after finishing high school, I lost my father, Neil, to brain cancer and this definitely shaped my belief in hard work and independence to create a secure future for myself. 

I was very lucky to be surrounded by family support – living very close to my nan and pop, uncle Perry, Aunty Kellie and my cousins Hannah, Kasey, Joel and Josh. We are all still very close. My sisters Renae and Siena and my step-dad Terry and my mum are my best friends.

Tell us about your career path, and how it’s led you to open an office in town. 

I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school … 

I moved to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and secured a job in a real estate admin position. I gravitated towards marketing, assisted the marketing manager within the office and after a while the marketing manager left and I was promoted to her position. It was here I fell in love with web design, graphic design, photography, property styling and event management. My last position was at Laing and Simmons Double Bay and Bondi Beach. On the day I resigned, I decided to start my own business, #tahneesocial. I drew upon the networks and contacts I had gained along my journey.

Thirroul has always been home to me so I decided to move back with my husband, Shane, with hopes of starting a family. 

I gave birth to my daughter, Zadie, all while working from home. 

I had always envisioned opening my own office, but was waiting for the perfect space. Thanks to the help from Jennifer at AM RUTTY Austinmer who helped me find my dream space, a beautiful office with amazing natural light, on Raymond Road, Thirroul. The new home to #tahneesocial. 

How has the pandemic changed your life/work?

Luckily my business has thrived during the pandemic, everyone now knows the importance of having an online presence and a lot of retail stores that have had to close their doors are coming to me to set up a Shopify website. 

Like everyone, I haven’t been able to travel for work or holiday or see much of my friends or family but we are lucky to have technology where we can pick up the phone and Facetime or Skype. 

In business, what are you passionate about?

I want to build an all-female team and business. I love being surrounded by strong women with a good work ethic. Any way that I can support women’s empowerment in their careers I am all for it, including promoting a flexible work/life balance. I thrive on the social aspect of what I do. I’m a people person and love building connections. 

Where are your 3 favourite places in the Illawarra?

Thirroul pool, I have been going there with my mum since I was a baby and now I take my daughter there. My office, a dream come true. Blackbird for coffee and my daily green juice and Bar Franco for pizza and cocktails.