The Business of Smiles is a charity focusing on men’s mental health and community connections. How did it come about?
The Business of Smiles came from my experience of navigating life’s pressures, relationships, and expectations as a man without always having the tools or safe spaces to process what I was carrying. The catalyst was when a business partnership dissolved, creating a very tough situation and painful experience for me.
I learnt it’s good to have a challenge to focus on when times are hard, so I rang two of my fittest mates and signed us up for Spartan Trifecta, a two-day obstacle course in the hills around Bright with 90 obstacles to tackle. It’s an event we needed to train for every Sunday along Mornington’s Esplanade running track. It gave me a positive outlet – both physically and mentally – as I talked about what I was going through. We invited others and it grew from there.
What’s the intent of your signature yellow socks?
The Smilligan socks are our smile in disguise. Bright yellow with black polka dots, they’re impossible to miss – and that’s the point. When a man wears them, it becomes a subtle yet powerful invitation: ask me what these mean. That question opens the door to a deeper conversation about connection, mental wellness, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. These are our tool to connect with hearts we have never met as we walk the streets, thanking people for doing their best and handing them a pair of socks.
Your Smiles for Life dinners have become a regular gathering. What makes them so effective for supporting men’s mental wellness?
At our dinners, men are invited – not instructed – to show up as they are. We eat, laugh, listen, and explore what really matters in life. We frame the night around courageous conversations, and something powerful happens when one man shares openly: it gives others permission to do the same. Every man who attends is met with respect, curiosity and warmth.
How can people support your work?
Support starts with simply showing up, whether it’s attending a Smiles for Life dinner, sharing our message, gifting a pair of socks, or checking in on the men in your life. For businesses, we offer tailored presentations that bring courage, connection and contribution into the workplace. These sessions reignite purpose, build emotional literacy, and create more cohesive, understanding teams.
What are your goals over the next few years?
We’re working towards establishing a permanent Smiles for Life Hub, a physical space where connection, support and purpose can grow daily. We want to take our Dream Road Trip national, visit 50 towns, and create an online community platform where men can access resources, events and each other 24/7. Our goal is simple: that no man stands alone in the fields of life.
