Written by Jon van Wyk
It’s late afternoon and I have just arrived at SIP on Alice, to meet with owner Eliza Higham, who is buoyant, having just completed a photoshoot – part of a promotion for her latest business venture. With her trademark deadlocked hair, black t-shirt and ripped jeans, she is an imposing figure, who exudes confidence and strength. For a moment I imagine her bursting into a western styled saloon, cigar in mouth, eyeing all present – ready to shoot from the hip.
We settle into relaxed conversation and from the outset it becomes apparent that Eliza’s formative years were anything but conventional, a swirling tableau of creative endeavours shaped by her family’s theatrical pursuits. Her mother’s involvement in local theatre had Eliza surrounded by the arts from a young age. “I spent my childhood backstage, watching the magic of performances unfold,” Eliza recalls warmly. “The energy, the creativity—it all left a lasting impression on me.” Meanwhile, her father’s jewellery business blossomed in tandem with her mother’s theatrical successes, creating a unique environment where artistic expression thrived alongside entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy.
It is obvious that this upbringing was instrumental in instilling a strong work ethic, adaptability, and an instinctual grasp of the fundamentals of business success in the psyche of a young Eliza. These became traits that she would go on to carry into her own ventures. “We were always encouraged to pursue our passions,” she shares. “Whether it was acting, crafting, or running a business, my parents taught me to embrace creativity and hard work.” Memories of late nights spent in her father’s shop, polishing gems or preparing for a big theatrical show, are etched in her mind, providing valuable lessons about commitment and the rewards of working with the community.
Eliza’s business ambitions could have begun and ended in her family’s businesses, after all, it was a world she knew well. However, it soon became apparent that she was destined to explore her own endeavours. After a stint in beauty therapy, where she honed her skills in aesthetics, she flipped the script and ventured into the challenging environment of gas fields. “It was a completely different world for me,” she explains. “I learned a lot about working in high-pressure environments and the importance of safety.”
When the gas company she worked for fell into receivership, Eliza found herself at a crossroads. Armed with a payout from her experience, she took a leap of faith and begun researching retail market factors in Maryborough, observing foot traffic at various locations, and as she puts it, “stalking potential locations,” ultimately choosing to open her first SIP coffee shop in Walker Street, across from the hospital – in hindsight, a perfect location.
“I knew I had to find a spot that had enough people passing through,” she says, recalling the countless hours she spent surveying potential sites. “It was essential to ensure viability before sinking my savings into something that might not work.” The diligence paid off, and the first SIP coffee shop quickly gained traction, its doors becoming a haven for coffee lovers in the community, attracted to it’s convenient location, friendly staff and of course, great coffee.
Inevitably, things didn’t stop there. As her initial venture flourished, Eliza seized the opportunity to expand, opening additional coffee shop locations and adding a coffee van to cater to local events and festivals. – with mixed results. Eliza quickly realised that she had gone beyond a point of ‘balance’, some concepts had worked while others hadn’t.
“The key was learning to cut things loose and move on quickly,” she emphasises, using one of her favourite business philosophies, “You have to be willing to close ventures that aren’t working and adapt to what the market demands.” Failure wasn’t something she feared; rather, it was a teacher. Each ‘misstep’ was a learning experience—a valuable part of her journey rather than an endpoint.
As Eliza continued to develop her business ventures, she continually emphasised that the foundation of her success lay not only in her products but also in her staff’s happiness. “I believe that if my staff are happy, they will create a positive environment for customers,” she asserts with sincere humility. This philosophy permeates every aspect of her business, resulting in a fun, inclusive, and high-energy workplace where personality and banter are encouraged, and customers become friends.
In all her places of business, Eliza fosters a culture where feedback is valued, and open communication is the norm. She actively engages her staff in decision-making processes, making it clear that their opinions matter. “I want my team to feel invested in the business,” she says. “When you value people, they become loyal and genuinely care about our success.”
Looking around at the layout and design of her shops, it becomes clear that the decor and customer experience on offer in her coffee shops is intentional, reflecting Eliza’s eclectic style and vibrant personality. Bright colours and carefully curated artwork (some political), adorn the walls, creating an atmosphere that invites customers to linger. “I want people to feel the energy the moment they walk through the door,” she explains. “It’s about creating a memorable experience—one they want to come back bringing others with them”
As our conversation continues it becomes clear that Eliza is nowhere near being done yet. Plans are afoot for more venues next year, along with her latest endeavour, formulated after she recently identified a shift in customer demand. Recognising the increasing need for healthier options, she embarked on a new venture: a juice/squeeze bar. “It was driven by customer feedback,” she explains, noting her desire to meet the changing preferences of her clientele. Partnering with a long-time friend Rhena Osborne, she recently transitioned part of her coffee shop into a juice bar, focusing on convenience, offering freshly made and sealed fresh juices designed to meet the needs of health conscious, ‘grab-and-go’ customers.
Facing the balancing act of menu variety and resource management, Eliza has handled things with her usual aplomb. “You have to be careful not to overcomplicate things,” she advises. “We want to limit waste in this juice bar while delivering fresh, exciting options that our customers will love.” Careful planning and research helped her navigate this transition, allowing her to supply an attractive menu without compromising quality. Asked as to whether or not she will allow custom juice combinations in the future, Eliza pauses. “It’s a question we’re still working through,” she muses, however her commitment to customer satisfaction remains pivotal in guiding these decisions, as she continuously strives to innovate while satisfying the needs of her customers.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Eliza has learned invaluable lessons about adaptation and resilience in business. “The mantra I live by is ‘pivot, pivot, pivot,’” she shares. The ability to embrace change and rebound from setbacks has been crucial in navigating the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship.
It is clear that Eliza’s business is a direct reflection of her personality—quirky, vibrant, and authentic. She prides herself on not simply copying competitors but instead learning from larger franchise models that inspire her. “I adapt what works, adding my unique twist,” she says, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself in a sea of uninspiring business clones.
It is also evident that Eliza’s strong entrepreneurial spirit was undoubtedly influenced by the women in her family, who have been pillars of support throughout her journey. “I was raised by strong women who believed in me and my dreams,” she shares, her voice filled with gratitude. Their encouragement has guided her through each new venture, cementing the values of hard work, creativity, and authenticity that she embodies today.
Eliza is keen to offer heartfelt advice to young women aspiring to embark on their own ventures: “Don’t fear failure. If you knew you would succeed no matter what, what would you do? Take that leap.”
One of her favourite sayings; “Success is like pregnancy; everyone congratulates you, but they didn’t see what went on behind the scenes to make it happen,” rings true as she reflects on her growth. “People often only see the final product, not the hard work and challenges that go into it,” she adds, underscoring the importance of perseverance in achieving her dreams.
Building a unique local business in Maryborough is a testament to a culmination of Eliza’s resilience and creativity. From her artistic upbringing to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, she has carved a path that embodies both personal authenticity and community spirit. Her lifelong inspiration comes from Theodore Roosevelt’s “arena” speech, which emphasises the importance of being involved in the struggle rather than taking advice from those who haven’t faced similar challenges. “Only listen to those who are in the arena with you,” she encourages, reflecting her unwavering belief in the power of community support. This is mirrored in Eliza’s desire to create not just a successful business but a vibrant hub for her community—a place where connection, creativity, and friendship thrive in an atmosphere of friendly (and sometimes wicked), banter – underscored, as always, by amazing coffee and now -amazing juices as well.
Eliza’s passion and drive serve to inspire many, proving that pursuing one’s passion, embracing failure, and nurturing a supportive environment can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As Maryborough continues to grow and develop, Eliza continues to be a powerful force at the forefront of successful business in the region, a tough, yet humble woman who embodies the principal that success comes from hard work and never backing down.