There was more than a pregnant pause when mother and daughter business partners Tanja van der Walt and Cara Andersen found out they were nominated for the 2019 Armidale Regional Business Awards.
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"It was a total surprise and we were just over the moon with excitement," said Cara a finalist in New England Young Entrepreneur category.
Tanja, who is a finalist in the New England Enterprising Woman category and her daughter Cara, run Armidale Ultrasound and 3D Baby Bonding from their Rusden Street premises.
And while Cara has been operating 3D Baby Bonding as a mobile service since 2017, the family duo only went into business together in May this year.
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"The nominations were completely unexpected," said Tanja. "I have never been involved in business before so it has come as a real shock. This is my first business venture that I have been involved in so to be nominated is a real thrill."
Cara, who operates 3D Baby Bonding, said she had worked really hard to get her business name out in the community and let everyone know they offered a welcoming and pleasant environment for women to come to and have a 2D, 3D or 4D ultrasound.
"We are very happy to be based in Armidale," said Cara. "Our vision has been to provide an affordable, professional and inclusive service for the whole community.
"We aim to provide all of Armidale's diagnostic ultrasound needs, as well as helping mothers bond with their babies during their pregnancy. We work hard at making it easier for the local community to receive their medical and, or 3D ultrasounds whilst keeping it local."
The idea for 3D Baby Bonding came about after Cara had a bout of prenatal depression during her pregnancy in 2016
"After that experience we thought it would have made a difference if she had been able to see the baby on a 3D ultrasound and make a better connection," said Tanja.
"There has been research to prove that 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasounds help mothers bond with their babies," said Cara. "It can also help mothers going through difficult pregnancies or with babies who are high risk.
"It really is like seeing your baby's face and a lot of people can't believe how detailed it is and say things like 'oh it's got my nose'," she said.
Diagnostic ultrasound, which many people had to travel away to get, are also available at the business.
Armidale Ultrasound offers all diagnostic ultrasound examinations and accepts all referral forms.
"Clients can now have all types of ultrasound scans done with us and do not have to travel out of town for certain examinations anymore," said Tanja.
The business awards will be presented on Friday night at Armidale City Bowling Club.
