What inspired you to start a business?
Seeing my father develop and run a national commercial manufacturing organisation in Australia.
Once I got to the age where I started seeing the product my father’s company made in many places (airports, ferries, theatres, offices), I felt such a sense of pride.
After trialling one business, which I closed, and working in advertising as my day job – I realised actually how difficult it is to start something and get it off the ground.
Being able to build something, shape it in the way that you foresee and actually ‘make it happen’ for people to experience is something that keeps me going. I’ve always wanted to build and create a business that lives on and people can experience.
What is the greatest challenge and the greatest reward in being your own boss?
The challenges are that you have to be forever resourceful you can’t do everything and you really need to regularly ‘tap into’ help.
Plus, getting to what you want to create on a particular budget is always a challenge, because things always cost more than what you initially budgeted for.
So, you need to keep an eye on your vision, don’t loose sight of it and be patient. But always do something… small actions lead to big steps.
Whilst there are a lot of challenges, being able to shape something that is truly your own origination is the best reward.
What motivational tips can you give to our members about goal setting and managing both successes and failures
Know your market and why you are doing this business. You need to have a good reason, and facts that back up why there is demand.
It helps to actually ‘like what you do’ and be interested personally in it, because you will be thinking about it 24/7.
Once you have that and pure clarity about what you are doing… Try not to let too many voices and opinions ‘sway you’. There will always be opinions.
However, constructive feedback is important. When seeking this, know what it is you’re seeking feedback on, and what you want to get out of the feedback… then go and get it from ‘trusted’ sources from people that understand your industry, have been in business before, are finance specialists etc.
How have you benefited from mentoring or coaching?
Yes.
Mentors and coaches are two different things. And, I have had the pleasure of working with both.
What advice can you give about the benefits of networking?
Networking can be immensely invaluable; but it can also be very distracting.
Understand what it is you want to get out of networking. Pick and choose your networking events carefully and who you associate with.
What are your tips for scaling a business and how do you plan for and manage growth?
We are in this phase of seeking finance to build and grow our business. So ask me this question again in a year or two’s time!
What does the future hold for you?
The future for Home of Artisans is that we will be the destination for specialist objects for home from around the world. For beautiful interior purchases or looking for unique gifts for that special someone then Home of Artisans will be the place.
Visit Home of Artisans and @homeofartisans
