Meet South Australia’s 40 Under 40
A focus on wellbeing and a connectedness with other people helps these four grow their successful businesses.
Chantal Ryan, Ashlee Kalantarian, Adam Marley and Alexandra Thomas. Photo: Samuel Graves.
Chantal Ryan
We Have Always Lived In The Forest: Founder & Director
Chantal Ryan has created a woman-led studio built on the premise that video games should feel more connected to humanity. Despite having no industry experience, the 33-year-old led a team of five to release a game called darkwebSTREAMER, and is now navigating negotiations with various international powerhouse investors for $1.2m.
Adelaide’s best kept secret?? There are waterfalls in the Belair National Park, and it’s a beautiful hike to get to them.
Ashlee Kalantarian
A’el Este: Director
Ashlee Kalantarian, 38, started A’el Este (pronounced (Ay-El, Es-Tay) about eight years ago in a small garage in Mount Gambier. Since then, Ashelee has directly collaborated with companies in the United States and also started an independent wholesale system with stockists in the United Kingdom, European Union and Ireland, United States, Australia and New Zealand. “I am still working from my garage and will continue to design from here and keep travelling with my family – giving my children the same experiences and opportunities that I had,” she said.
One rule you live your life by? I’m not sure how, but I will.
Adam Marley
Intersection Traders: Co-Founder / Owner
Adam Marley, 35, is a former barista who co-founded a coffee processing station in rural Uganda that exports raw coffee to Australia for specialty coffee roasters to use. Since starting the company, Adam has entered business with two wholesale cafe customers and has started his own cafe which employs five staff.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given? If you’re already running late, don’t bother rushing.
Alexandra Thomas
#PlantASeedForSafety: Director, Principal & Founder
Alex is a diehard advocate for the health, safety and wellbeing of those in rural communities. The 35-year-old’s company is a rural social change initiative that spins yarns that save lives. “We deliver fun, meaningful, community-led activities that put health, safety and wellbeing front of mind, and ultimately, bring people home to their loved ones at the end of each day,” she said.
Favourite winery? Howards Vineyard – it’s our local, the wine is great, the events are fantastic and there is plent of room for kids!
