At 21 Ms Cross went out on her own to establish Cross Cleaning Co, which five years on services hundreds of sites each week across northern Victoria.
After high school, she worked in aged care, where she developed a passion for helping others, before taking a job in cleaning.
She said her boss encouraged her to start her own business, which has allowed her to help people in a different way.
But the journey has not been without its challenges, with a serious health issue and the COVID-19 pandemic testing her ability to keep the business running.
“Those challenges … created who I am. Things happen, I learn from it, it just helps in the future,” she said.
Ms Cross is sharing her experience through Greater Shepparton City Council’s What I Wish I Knew initiative, which features local young business owners offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Developed following consultation with students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College, the project aims to give young people practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of running a business.
Ms Cross said one of the biggest lessons she had learnt was the importance of understanding business structures and having the right support.
She also wished she had recognised her worth earlier, having initially undercharged clients.
“Learn your worth because I underpriced myself at the beginning just to get my name out there, and you shouldn’t have to,” she said.
Despite the challenges of running a business amid rising costs, Ms Cross encouraged young people to back themselves and pursue their ideas.
“Anyone can start a business. You can be young, you can be old ... if you have a natural talent for it, I say go for it,” she said.
“Don’t be scared to put yourself out there.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is built through persistence and resilience.”
She also encouraged aspiring business owners to gain experience working for others before starting out, and to avoid expanding too quickly.
“Sometimes it is good to just stay small for a little while and don’t jump it because it can honestly be a lot,” she said.
Creating a positive workplace has also been important to Ms Cross, who offers flexible hours to accommodate parents and students.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve built,” she said.
She was joined in the campaign by AGR Technology founder Alessio Rigoli, 27, and Northmen Brewery founder Jack Mundy, 21, who shared their own experiences and advice.
The project includes a video conversation facilitated by 17-year-old Council Amplify Committee member Guneet Buttar, individual entrepreneur profiles and links to local business support, mentoring, training and grants.
Explore the initiative at tinyurl.com/2fwvpese
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