The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
During my employable working days, I struggled with a host of serious and life-threatening health issues that often had me bed-ridden or at the hospital. This was one of my biggest incentives to become self-employed. I was perpetually ashamed and overwhelmed by needing so much time off work, and wished I had a job where I could take time off, without guilt, when unwell. Thankfully, working relentlessly on getting my body healthy and making the right sacrifices means I now have energy to pour into the right business – my own this time!
After our daughter died, it took over eight months to get well enough to perform even the simplest of tasks. Driving, eating, showering and remembering anything was incredibly hard. I am so proud of relearning all these tasks and not giving up when everything felt overwhelming and impossible.
I still struggle with a panic disorder; however, I manage to find a way to function through that with the knowledge that everything ends eventually.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros and cons – I’m the boss.
That means: I’m hard on myself. My work ethic must be excellent at all times. I can’t step away if something goes wrong or needs addressing. I am professional and have to be ready to discuss business 24/7.
I’m also the accountant, the marketing manager, the solutions specialist and the operations manager. However, as someone who enjoys control a little too much, I enjoy each of these aspects and they keep me focused, responsible and diligent. I find it helpful to know what’s going on within every part of my business.
There’s only one thing I struggle with – going out and creating new client relationships in person! Thankfully, Marcus, my business development coordinator, is excellent at approaching people. He is a bright, sparkling bubble of energy and enthusiasm. I couldn’t run my business without his amazing people skills.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
As long as I can continue to support others by helping them see their dreams become a reality, I will be happy. Every message of, “Thank you, you made this so easy” fills my personal joy cup. My work makes me happy, every single day.
I would like to move into a stronger social solutions position within the community. I have worked towards this with the creation and development of a Northland-wide online community directory for local businesses (www.northlandvendors.co.nz) – it was a great way to connect Northlanders with local businesses when there were level 3 & 4 restrictions in place during the recent Covid-19 lockdown.
I love my Northland community – any step to support larger scheme community initiatives is very important to my mission.
Visit the Social Paihia website to find out more about the services they offer, and join their Facebook and Instagram communities to follow their journey.
