Julia Busuttil Nishimura, Cook & Author

Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Journey with Kearney Group.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, the celebrated author behind best-selling cookbooks Ostro, A Year of Simple Family Food, and Around the Table, has captivated many with her culinary prowess. Her recipes, influenced by her Maltese heritage, Japanese family influences, and the vibrant seasons of Melbourne, bring people together around the table. Behind her delightful dishes and heartwarming story lies a journey of personal and professional transformation, one that has been guided and championed by Kearney Group in recent years.

A Passion Turned Profession.

Julia’s love for cooking is evident in everything she does. “For me, cooking and eating is just the most pleasurable thing in the world,” she says. Her cookbooks offer a glimpse into her world, inviting readers to explore her culinary mind. And while her kitchen skills were well-honed, managing the business aspects of her career presented different challenges.

“I never really set out to be a business owner,” Julia confesses. “I just wanted to focus on the cooking and anything to do with finances or money, I kind of pushed it to the side.”

Without a budget, reporting systems or a personal financial plan in place, Julia found herself a bit in the dark, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of running a business and managing a busy household too.

From Introduction to Integration.

The turning point came when a good friend introduced Julia to Kearney Group and our truly integrated advice model which works to help both businesses and their connected households thrive, simultaneously.

Julia recalls her initial expectations: “When we had our first meeting, I kind of expected to go through all of our finances and dissect the money side of things.”

However, she was pleasantly surprised by Kearney Group’s unique approach to business advice: “What we went through was our dreams, our goals and what we wanted for our family. It was so surprising and so refreshing.”

And as Julia discovered, finance isn’t just about numbers and budgets; it’s about understanding people’s hopes, dreams and aspirations.

“Having Kearney Group take my hand and walk me through the steps of how to be a better business owner and how to feel in control of our goals and dreams was really empowering,” says Julia.

Empowered and In Control.

Julia’s collaboration with Kearney Group marked a significant shift in her financial journey.

“You know, I’ve always told myself that I’m not really good with money,” she reflects. “That’s definitely changed.”

With the guidance of Kearney Group’s Business Advisory and Private Wealth advisers, Julia found herself equipped with the tools and confidence to manage both her business and personal finances effectively.

From business budgets and household cashflow, through to detailed forecasts and long term financial strategies, Julia and her family are on their way toward making their dreams a reality.

“We have dreams like any family. You know, we’re saving to buy our first home and it’s not really about if we can do it, it’s when,” Julia shares.

This newfound confidence and clarity were crucial in helping her and her family feel secure and optimistic about their future.

The Importance of Relationships.

For Julia, the success of her partnership with Kearney Group goes beyond financial advice.

“For me, everything in life is about good relationships,” says Julia.

“When you’re talking about the dreams you have, it can feel quite vulnerable to open up and say, this is what we want our life to look like.”

The relationship she developed with Kearney Group’s team was integral to her experience.

“They know our story, and they see you as a person, and as a business owner. It’s the whole picture that they see. For me, that’s been really, really special.”