This article first appeared in the July 2025 issue of Australian Printer
Building strong relationships with customers is one of the foundations of a successful print business. That, together with a love for production and customer service, is what drove Kwik Kopy Eagle Farm centre owner Aleisha Gill to purchase her own Kwik Kopy centre in Queensland.
Gill’s journey in the print industry began more than 20 years ago, when she started as a receptionist at JT Press. It wasn’t long before she became fascinated with the industry, and immersed herself in all things print – from estimating to quoting, through to production, and how offset printing worked.
“I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind print, from how books are folded and produced to the precision involved in impositions,” Gill told Australian Printer.
As she gained more experience, Gill moved into a role handling estimating and impositions – becoming the only female estimator among a team of men at that time – expanding her knowledge of the industry.
“While I loved the technical side, I wanted more interaction with customers. That led me to take on a position in customer service, where I found my true passion: working closely with clients, understanding their needs, and guiding projects from start to finish.”
This passion led Gill to Kwik Kopy, where she managed a local branch for eight years, allowing her to build strong relationships with customers while ensuring they received the quality and service they needed to keep coming back.
Then, about two and a half years ago, the opportunity arose for her to purchase her own Kwik Kopy centre.
“Purchasing my own Kwik Kopy centre was a big step, but I knew it was the right one. It allowed me to shape the business in my own way, build a strong team, take full ownership of our growth and success, and make a real impact in the industry I love,” Gill said.
With technology continuously changing the way print is produced, moving into the Kwik Kopy system introduced Gill to a more diverse range of printing methods – from traditional to digital and large-format printing. Along the way, she also learnt graphic design.
“I wanted to have a well-rounded understanding of every element that goes into print production. Having this knowledge allows me to better support our clients, ensuring their designs are print-ready and advising them on the best way to bring their ideas to life,” she said.
“Learning never stops in this industry. We are constantly adapting to new technologies, materials, and techniques. There’s always something new to discover, and that’s what keeps me engaged and passionate about print.”
According to Gill, gender isn’t a barrier to success anymore. With the gender balance evening out over the past 20 years and more women taking up leadership positions in print, Gill finds it incredibly encouraging that more women are entering the trade.
“What matters most is being confident and secure in your skills. If you focus on doing your job well, continually improving your abilities, and making sure you deliver quality work, success will follow – regardless of gender. That’s the advice I’d give to every woman in print: Focus on mastering your craft and others will recognise your value,” she said.
Gill has never looked solely to women for inspiration. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to learn from both men and women who have been willing to teach, mentor, and support her growth.
“The key has always been surrounding myself with the right people – those who are open to sharing their knowledge and genuinely wanting to see you succeed. This industry is full of knowledgeable, generous professionals who are willing to support others, and I’ve been lucky to have had many great mentors along the way,” she said.
Gill herself looks to give back to the industry through support, saying it’s crucial to the industry’s collective success. She has been involved in initiatives such as coaching programs that help people enter the workforce.
“Our team has supported initiatives like tours with the Youth Development Foundation, where we show young people how jobs are created and get them excited about the possibilities in the industry. By giving back, we can inspire the next generation and make the industry more accessible and inclusive for everyone, she said.
In addition, she said while supporting women in print is important, her broader goal is to support women in business.
“I want to help them build the right connections and network with other women in business, as well as with their customers. These connections are the foundation of a successful business. If you focus on relationships and not just transactions, that’s what truly drives success,” Gill added.
Some of her other aims include continuing to grow a successful Kwik Kopy business, building deeper connections with customers, and continuing to raise the profile of the wider print industry.
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