As part of our ‘Start Me Up’ Business Mentor spotlight series, we sat down with Salome Borg, star of the Tea Time segment, where host Liv Phyland looks to the Self-Employment Assistance program and Asuria’s expert Business Mentors for their top pieces of advice on starting and running a business – all in the time it takes to make a cup of tea.
Here’s what Salome had to say.
On being a mentor
What does being an Asuria Business Mentor mean to you?
It’s an honour and a great joy! It’s an opportunity to be part of someone’s big leap into the world of business. I get to walk alongside people right at that exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking point where dreams start turning into plans. That’s huge! I know they’re trusting me with their ideas, their vision and goals — and I take that seriously.
My mission is to be their biggest cheerleader, their sounding board, and their guide. My role is not just to brainstorm strategies, but to encourage, listen and support. I always aim to be a steady, positive presence as they navigate both the excitement and the uncertainty that comes with launching a business.
What do you love most about working with Self-Employment Assistance participants?
I get to connect with them on a real, honest and often transformative level.
A lot of the time, they haven’t shared their business dreams with anyone — maybe because of self-doubt, negativity from others, or just not knowing where to begin. So, when they finally do open-up and share their passion with me, it’s like a light turns on. I get to be that safe space where they’re heard, supported, and believed in.
Watching them grow into their confidence and own their business ideas — it’s inspiring, and it makes me smile every single time! I’m like a proud parent!
What’s the single most important piece of advice you would offer to someone considering starting their own business?
Don’t spend money if you don’t have to.
Starting a business doesn’t always require a big financial investment straight away.
There are so many free tools and resources out there to help you get going — and it’s smart to take full advantage of them. For example, rather than paying for a website right away, you can begin by setting up a business presence on free social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram or TikTok.
These channels allow you to test your ideas, connect with potential customers, and build business profile and credibility without the upfront costs.
It's about starting lean and letting your business grow in a sustainable, manageable way.
On Self-Employment Assistance, delivered by Asuria
Why do you think it’s so important that more people know about the Self-Employment Assistance program?
People often pay thousands for business mentoring, but the Self-Employment Assistance program gives you access to expert support at no cost. That’s right – its free! That’s huge!
Whether you’ve had a business idea tucked away in your heart for years or you’ve just had a lightbulb moment, the program gives you the tools, support, and structure to bring that idea to life.
You get to connect with experienced business mentors who’ve been in the trenches — they’ve faced the same challenges, overcome the same hurdles, and are ready to guide you through it all. From battling procrastination to navigating self-doubt, you won’t be doing it alone.
It’s about turning ideas into action and dreams into plans — and that’s something everyone should know about!
What’s being the best thing about being part of the Self-Employment Assistance program?
Watching people grow into their confidence — that never gets old. Every time I meet with participants, I see the shift. Their questions get bolder, their ideas get clearer, and their belief in what’s possible just keeps expanding. It’s like watching someone step into their own power and realise, “Hey, I really can do this!”
Those lightbulb moments and mindset shifts are what make being part of this program so special.
What kind of business do you think stands to benefit most from engaging with the Self-Employment Assistance program?
The beauty of Self-Employment Assistance is that it’s not one-size-fits-all — it’s made to fit you.
Whether you're just exploring an idea, already started a side hustle, or want to grow an existing business, there's a support stream that suits where you’re at.
Every kind of business can benefit because the program is flexible and tailored. Even just one Discovery Call with a business mentor can help point you in the right direction — and from there, you’ll get a clear pathway of your next steps. It’s practical, personalised, and designed to set you up for real progress, no matter your business stage.
On Start Me Up
How do feel about being part of Start Me Up?
It was way out of my comfort zone — cameras, lights, a room full of people… not exactly my natural habitat! I didn’t feel totally ready, but then I remembered what we always tell our participants: growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.
So I took a deep breath and did it, scared — and I’m so glad I did. Was it perfect? Nope. Am I headed to Hollywood? Not quite (yet!), but it was a huge personal win and a reminder that we’ve got to walk the talk. When opportunities present themselves - challenge accepted.
What do you hope people who watch will take away from the show?
I hope anyone watching feels that spark — that little voice saying, “this is your time”. Maybe you’ve been waiting for a sign… well, this is it! Whether you’ve been battling self-doubt, second-guessing your idea, or just stuck in hesitation, I hope the show gives you the push you need to take that first step. Don’t wait for perfect conditions — just start. That’s where the magic begins.
What did you learn from being part of the show that you can pass on to the business owners that you mentor?
That I’m right there with them — doing things scared, pushing past the fear of being judged, and stepping into unknown territory. The truth is, we all feel those nerves. But action is the best teacher. You don’t have to have it all figured out — just start doing, and the learning (and confidence) will follow.
I’ll always encourage the people I mentor to move forward, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable — because that’s where growth lives.
What one thing would you say to people watching the show at home?
If something in your heart lights up while watching — follow that.
Don’t let fear or doubt talk you out of it. You don’t have to be fearless to get started — you just have to be brave enough to take the first step.
Your idea matters.
Your dream is valid.
And your time? It’s now.
For more actionable business insights from Salome and Asuria’s Business Mentors, tune into ‘Start Me Up'. Stream now on 10.
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