Katherine Sampson

Katherine Sampson started life in a Big Fat Greek Family. Leaving school at 16, marrying at 18 and having her first child at 25, she had no aspirations for a career outside of the home.

Life took a turn, when facing life as a single mother with 2 children, she decided to create a future for her family and in 1992 bought a rundown sandwich bar in Knox City Shopping Centre for $300k. She worked hard, upgraded the store and renamed it Healthy Habits.

Healthy Habits was soon after awarded Food Retailer of the Year three years in a row, and the following year, Katherine was named Best Retailer at Knox City Shopping Centre. 

Katherine decided to open additional Healthy Habits stores at Southgate and Glen Waverley and shortly thereafter, a Café concept called Infusion was launched. The businesses were growing and life was comfortable for Katherine and her children, but her dream and vision for a franchise were never far from her thoughts.

In 2004 Katherine took the next step and started the Healthy Habits franchise. 41 stores were opened in Victoria, Canberra, New South Wales, Queensland and Christchurch New Zealand.

In 2009, Katherine decided it was time to bring on additional expertise and funding and sold 80% of her business to the Dymocks Group of Companies. In 2012, the remaining 20% was also sold to them.

She was featured in 2009 BRW Magazine’s Fast Franchises, 2008 BRW Magazine’s 100 Fastest Growing Start-Up Companies and 2008 BRW Magazine’s 50 Fastest Growing Franchise Successes.

After taking a well-deserved break and rebalancing her life, Katherine recently launched a new Burger concept called HELLO SAM.  She is working on the model and intends to expand it in the near future. 

Allow Katherine to take you through her journey. She has had many highs and some lows, all of which she shares with her audiences.​ Her broad range of speaking topics include everything from food business and starting a franchise, to building a brand and taking a chance in business. Katherine has business presentations suited for any request and audience. 

Katherine’s honest and raw presentation is unique and absolutely perfect for people wanting to take a step into the unknown, or for others heading along a similar business journey. She is able to present her strong and innovative ideas across Australia.