Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I am still trying to figure that one out! Whichever screams louder? For now, I continue to work part-time as a web developer, as well as juggle family commitments, alongside running Cow & Coconut in any spare time where I have the energy to do so.
We’re all “busy” these days, however, the most important thing is that I don’t feel like I have to do everything all the time. I often try to maintain my focus on one or two things and don’t get hung up if I don’t do something by a particular time. At the end of the day, everything can wait, and it’s more important to spend time with loved ones, creating memories and capturing precious moments.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When I launched the site in November 2019, I thought there was nothing to stop me and I was eager to make the most of it. One month later, bushfires hit and everyday life showed up, slowing things right down. We had terrible smoke and ash in the air for weeks and were on edge with possible evacuation.
Another month on from there and Covid was rearing its head. I did sell a lot of hand sanitiser that month, but after that, the business stalled for a bit, and so did I. That was OK though. My biggest lesson was understanding that I really only get more visitors and sales when I am actively marketing, be it running ads, posting on social media or sending emails.
I took my time with getting the business out there. Instead of diving straight in with loads of social ads like we’re told to do, I opted to let organic search and some very specific Google Ads drive my traffic. It’s kind of been tinkering along for the past couple of years.
This year I’ve been more driven to grow the business to its next level. I’ve expanded advertising a little, paid more attention to email marketing, as well as ran a market stall to engage locals in the area. As a remote working introvert, I’ve also been re-training myself on the social skills needed in this situation!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros continue to outweigh the cons. There are quiet periods that cause frustration and worry and there’ll be stock and inventory issues, it can be a struggle to keep up with marketing, as well as having so many ideas that seem impossible to get out there.
And then you have those days where you talk to a customer about product options for their skin type, or you hear how they love using the products and can’t wait to come back. It’s those discussions and the interest shown that fills me with the energy to keep going because I really do love doing this.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Keep going! There’s always something to be done to tweak things here and there, so improving our website and online offering is definitely at the forefront.
There are also plans to set up a party equipment hire service, offering sets of dinnerware, cutlery, cups, and a range of decorations, all eco-friendly and reusable. It’s a small part we can each play in living a low impact life, instead of shopping for gimmicky party items that are thrown out almost instantly.
I’d very much like to set up a brick and mortar store in our local town within the next 2-3 years. After the pandemic and lockdown, I think it’s important to engage in the local community and having a retail presence will play a big part in that.
Head to the Cow & Coconut website to view their gorgeous range of natural, eco-friendly products. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
