Sometimes the most powerful businesses are born from our deepest struggles. For Adelaide-based entrepreneur Marc Ryan, founder of 'Fairy Floss & Chaos', a therapist's suggestion during one of the darkest periods of his life became the seed of something extraordinary – a comedy business that's changing conversations about mental health across Australia.
Now, Marc is set to share his raw and inspiring journey in episode two of 'Start Me Up', this Saturday 5th July at 2:00pm on 10.
When Life Gives You Chaos, Make It Your Business Name
The name 'Fairy Floss & Chaos' captures Marc's entire philosophy in four simple words. The inspiration came from watching an elderly man peacefully eating fairy floss at a festival while surrounded by complete mayhem. In that moment, Marc saw a powerful metaphor: finding peace and sweetness amid life's inevitable chaos.
"I realised that maybe if I could mix stand-up with a message of mental health and hope, that could be a thing," Marc reflects. What started as a therapist's suggestion has evolved into performances across Australia, reaching diverse audiences from football clubs to corporate events.
But Marc's comedy isn't just about getting laughs – it's about creating safe spaces for the vulnerable conversations that people often avoid. His performances tackle mental health, suicide prevention, and breaking down stigma around topics that desperately need more open discussion.
More Than Entertainment – It's Connection
Marc's approach is deeply personal and profoundly practical. He shares tools for supporting others while demonstrating a simple but powerful truth: "Sometimes people just need us to sit in the mud with them." It's about connection, understanding, and showing up for each other in meaningful ways.
His performances don't just entertain; they transform spaces into places where difficult conversations become possible. Through humour, he opens doors that might otherwise remain firmly closed, creating opportunities for healing and understanding.
Like many entrepreneurs with powerful missions, Marc needed guidance to turn his passion into a sustainable business. That's where his Asuria Business Mentor became an invaluable partner in his journey.
Learning to Value Your Expertise
"Working with a mentor has given me extra confidence – having someone look at the business objectively without emotion but still care and explain what I should and shouldn't be doing," Marc explains. This objective perspective was crucial in helping him develop a sustainable business model and, importantly, learn to value his expertise properly.
Many entrepreneurs, especially those driven by purpose rather than pure profit, struggle with pricing their services appropriately. Marc's Asuria Business Mentor helped him understand that by valuing his work correctly, he could build a business that would allow him to reach even more people with his important message.
The mentoring relationship demonstrates exactly why the Self-Employment Assistance program is so effective – it's not just about business basics; it's about building the confidence and strategic thinking needed for long-term success.
Part of Something Bigger
Marc's television debut places him alongside other remarkable entrepreneurs who've turned personal experiences into powerful businesses. 'Start Me Up', hosted by influencer and small business owner Liv Phyland, showcases stories that prove business success and social impact aren't mutually exclusive.
Viewers will also meet:
Each story demonstrates the incredible diversity of businesses that can flourish when passion meets proper support and mentoring.
Your Story Could Be Your Business
Whether you've overcome personal challenges like Marc, or you have a completely different vision for your business, the support you need to turn it into reality is available. For over 10 years, Asuria and the Self-Employment Assistance program has helped more than 1,000 people transform their ideas into sustainable careers.
Marc's story proves that businesses built on purpose and passion aren't just possible – they're powerful. When you combine personal experience with proper business support, you can create something that not only sustains you financially but makes a meaningful difference in the world.
Watch Marc share his inspiring story on episode two of 'Start Me Up' on Saturday July 5th. The full series will also be available to watch and stream on 10.
If Marc's mission-driven approach to business has inspired you to explore how your own experiences could become the foundation for entrepreneurship, we'd love to help you get started. Learn more about the Self-Employment Assistance program and discover how we can support you in building a business that makes a difference.
Start Me Up episode 2 airs Saturday 5 July at 2:00pm on 10. Catch up anytime, with all episodes available to Watch and Stream free on 10.