Georgina Larby

Co-Managing Director, Pure Pops (manufacturer of all natural ice pops)

“ICMS was my first pick to study a Bachelor course in hospitality. The location of the campus was also a major deciding factor… how can anyone say no to the view? Thanks to ICMS I have developed an all-round hands-on approach to business and management. My industry training placement was at Victoria’s, Wategoes Beach Byron Bay and the owner of the business fuelled my eagerness to start something for myself. My business, Pure Pops, is continuing to grow and there is a great community around our brand from our suppliers, to the stores that stock us and our happy customers.”

What is your current role and outline your professional experience?

My current role is Co-managing Director of Pure Pops, a Sydney-based company manufacturing all natural ice pops distributed nationally. Pure Pops is the creation of Alice Storey and myself, and our mission is to offer a healthy and fun all natural ice pop made from local Australian ingredients.

What career achievements are you especially proud of?

Pure Pops is continuing to grow and along the way there have been many great moments. A major highlight is the great community around our brand from our suppliers, to the stores that stock us and our happy customers. We have been fortunate enough to align with some great brands through various collaborations with ASOS, Facebook, Pimm’s, Topshop/Topman and IMG events.

How has your ICMS undergraduate degree contributed to you achieving your professional goals?

Thanks to ICMS I have developed an all-round hands-on approach to business and management. There is not a day that goes by that we’re not thrown in the deep the end. The only way to trouble shoot your way out of these situations is to know your business and not be afraid to think outside the square.

What were the major factors contributing to your decision to study at ICMS?

I loved hotels and travelling and the dream was always to hopefully one day open my own small boutique sized hotel. I did a lot of research online and ICMS was my first pick to study a Bachelor course in hospitality. The location of the campus was also a major deciding factor… how can anyone say no to the view?

Tell us about your industry training placement experience

I completed my industry training at Victoria’s, Wategoes Beach Byron Bay. During this period I worked closely with the owner of the business, Victoria McEwan, who fuelled my eagerness to start something for myself.

What were the highlights during your time at ICMS?

My major highlight would be the people I met whilst studying at ICMS. From fellow students to lecturers, I’ve left with some great friends that I’m still in touch with today.

What advice would you give to someone considering study at ICMS?

Be open to experiences, challenge yourself by doing stuff you’ve never done before as these will be the things you remember.