At just 21 years old, Isabella Del Vecchio owned her own business and brought capital city services to the region.
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Ms Del Vecchio is the owner behind Wagga's Laser Clinics Australia store, which is located in the Marketplace.
In just three years, she and her business has been recognised as leaders in the Riverina and Murray regions.
The NSW Business Chamber awarded Ms Del Vecchio as the 'outstanding young entrepreneur' winner and recgonised the city branch for 'excellence in small business' on Friday evening.
"I'm from Sydney originally ... and I had never been to Wagga before, I had no friends or family here," she said.
"My main reason was that I identified Wagga as a large regional area that was definitely in need of the treatments we offer.
"We opened in 2016 and this was the first regional clinic in all of Australia; it was a big test for the company to see whether our business model would work in the regional environment."
Ms Del Vecchio said taking risks and supporting staff are two major components for any business leader or entrepreneur.
"I was very shocked ... because I didn't think it was on the cards for me, but it's great recognition and a great achievement and I'm very honoured to have received those awards," she said.
"This was a very big risk for me as it could've failed and I got into significant debt to purchase this clinic at a very young age.
"I think my number one goal is making sure my staff are happy, well-trained and are providing a good service; I'm just constantly training and re-training the girls."
The Murray-Riverina winners will progress as state finalists in the NSW Business Chamber's state business awards on November 22.
"The awards showcased the very best of our regional businesses - their innovation and commitment to excellence," said NSW Business Chamber regional manager Andrew Cottrill.
Along with Wagga's Laser Clinics Australia, Borambola Wines was awarded for their excellence in export and the local business chamber was awarded the chamber of commerce title.