The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Developing a business from scratch is a massive undertaking that requires a great deal of effort. While creating the product came naturally to me, establishing a brand through marketing, web design and logistics was a significant challenge. Despite the many obstacles I faced along the way, I refused to give up. Instead, I tackled each problem individually and celebrated my victories along the way. It was this sense of accomplishment that kept me motivated to persevere.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running your own business requires a deep conviction in your product or service. The extensive time, resources and financial investment involved leave little room for indecision, and the stakes only get higher the further you go. I never doubted the market’s need for my niche product, so every time I had to turn down event invitations, work late into the night and say no to that takeaway coffee, I knew it would all be worthwhile. Things won’t always go to plan though, so resilience and determination are a must.
Being responsible for the growth of your own business is both empowering and daunting. I appreciate the flexibility I have to choose how much of myself to invest in my business. Unlike many traditional careers, running your own business feels like a personal investment rather than a loss. Despite the challenges, the rewards of being your own boss and seeing your business grow make it all worthwhile.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Looking to the future, I have big plans for Rockabye River. We will be launching some exciting new products and play mat designs this year, that I’m confident will become household favourites. As I’m currently in my third trimester with my second child, I’ll be taking some time to focus on my family. I’ll still leave time to dedicate to growing the business, particularly in terms of expanding our media presence and reaching more families. I’m excited about what the future holds and can’t wait to see how the business continues to grow and evolve. So, stay tuned, Australia!
Visit the Rockabye River website to check out their gorgeous play mats, and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
