The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
My own confidence has probably been the biggest thing. I left school at 17 and went to the UK for 7 years at age 20. So, I have always felt a bit of an imposter, especially around those with degrees. But time has taught me extra schooling doesn’t always mean more knowledge.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The freedom is a big pro. I have always been at school assemblies, sports events, etc, so it has been great having the flexibility, especially those first few years on my own. Plus – I have met some amazing Kiwi business owners. I love meeting new people and I am learning new things all the time.
As for cons, COVID really showed that I was responsible for my team’s income. We were closed for weeks and yet I had 10 staff depending on me for their mortgages, living costs, etc. All my friends that worked for someone else were baking cakes and gardening. I was major stressing out on what to do next, how to pay the company bills, etc. As a business owner, the buck stops with you.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
From a business perspective, I want to really get a toehold into the disability market. We have a separate website –www.IndependentlyYou.co.nz – where we are always looking to develop new products or make existing ones more comfortable and more stylish (anything waterproof of course). This is a market that for years has been presented with sterile, hospital-like products. I believe everyone should have dignity in their everyday life. Products that look great and still function really well, plus products that will last. I hate the disposable society we are becoming and believe in buying once and buying well.
As for personal dreams, Glenn and I are pretty much empty nesters, so I would like to travel more, maybe having a month away each year. We have the freedom to be able to work from anywhere, so it may be possible. But – can I actually stay away for a whole month? I love going into work.
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