Aussie mumpreneur warns others after losing thousands to fake Shopify developers

When Australian entrepreneur and mum Svetlana Foox set out to build her dream business, she thought she had found the perfect web development partner.
 

After months of planning, she searched online for a company to build her new membership platform, VainishPerks.com.au. The business promoted itself as a Shopify development partner and appeared professional, experienced and trustworthy.
 

Confident she had found the right team, Foox paid the full development fee upfront and then they disappeared.
 

"They simply vanished. My calls weren't returned, my emails went unanswered and I realised the money I'd worked so hard to save was gone," Foox said. 
 

"It was one of the worst experiences of my life.  I am too embarrassed to share how much money I lost but it was in the thousands."
 

A dream almost destroyed
 

Foox had spent months developing the business concept for Vainish Perks after recognising two growing problems across Australia.
 

Women were abandoning beauty and wellness treatments because of rising living costs, while many salons, clinics and wellness providers were struggling to attract new customers.
 

"I wanted to create something that genuinely helped both sides," she said.
 

"The idea was simple. Businesses upload exclusive member-only offers to the platform and women log in through their membership to access discounts on beauty, wellness and lifestyle services.
 

"It helps women continue investing in themselves without paying full price, while introducing businesses to completely new customers who often become long-term clients."
 

Foox believed the model could become a win-win for both consumers and small business.
 

Instead, before the platform was even built, her dream almost collapsed.

Thousands gone overnight
 

Foox said finding the developers online gave her confidence because they promoted themselves as experienced Shopify specialists.
 

"They looked legitimate.  They presented themselves professionally and claimed to have the expertise I needed. I had absolutely no reason to believe I was walking into a disaster," Foox said. 
 

Once payment was made, communication quickly deteriorated.
 

"I suddenly couldn't get answers.  Promises weren't kept and eventually they simply disappeared," Foox said. 
 

"The financial loss was devastating and it almost broke me. I'd poured everything into this business and suddenly I was back to square one."
 

Starting again from scratch
 

Rather than giving up, Foox made the difficult decision to rebuild.
 

She spent months researching reputable developers, checking references, speaking with existing clients and thoroughly investigating companies before making another commitment.
 

"I became incredibly cautious and I was determined not to make the same mistake twice," Foox said. 
 

"I eventually partnered with a new development team that successfully delivered the platform and the difference has been extraordinary.
 

"They've been transparent, professional and genuinely cared about bringing my vision to life."
 

Today, VainishPerks.com.au is operating successfully and continues to expand its network of beauty, wellness and lifestyle partners across Australia.
 

Helping women and helping business
 

Foox said the platform has become far more than a discount website.
 

"Our mission is to make self-care more affordable at a time when so many women are struggling with the cost of living," Foox said. 
 

"Many women, particularly single mothers, stop spending money on themselves because they're putting everyone else first."
 

"We wanted to change that.  Businesses simply upload exclusive member offers, while members log in to browse and redeem discounts whenever they choose.
 

"It creates affordable access for women while helping local businesses fill appointments, generate new revenue and build loyal customer relationships.
 

"It's helping both sides during one of the toughest economic periods we've experienced."

Foox is now urging every Australian business owner to slow down before handing over money to web developers.
 

"My biggest mistake was trusting what I saw online. Don't assume a company is Australian simply because it has an Australian website or markets itself to Australian businesses."
 

"Do your due diligence and ask for referrals.  Speak directly with previous clients and make sure the people you're trusting with your business actually have a proven track record."
 

She said excitement can cloud judgement.
 

"When you're building your dream business, you want to believe people are genuine.  Unfortunately, scammers know exactly how to exploit that," Foox emphasised. 
 

From heartbreak to hope
 

Looking back, Foox said losing the money was devastating, but refusing to quit became one of the best decisions she ever made.
 

"I nearly gave up but I kept reminding myself why I started," Foox said. 
 

"I wanted to build something that genuinely helps women feel good about themselves while helping Australian businesses grow.  

 Today VainishPerks.com.au is doing exactly that.
 

"One bad experience doesn't have to end your dream.  I have learned from it, rebuilt and never stopped believing in the idea that inspired me to start this journey in the first place."
 

About Vainish Perks
 

Vainish Perks is an Australian membership-based platform providing women with access to beauty, wellness and lifestyle services at concessionalised prices through a growing network of partner businesses. Founded by Svetlana Foox, the business is focused on making self-care more affordable while supporting local businesses to grow.
 

Website: www.vainishperks.com.au
Instagram: @VainishPerks