The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Last year my printer broke down, and was out of action for almost two months while repairs were done and we waited for parts to arrive. Fortunately, a lovely local signwriter helped out, and let me use their printer so I get the backlog of orders completed.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
One of the obvious benefits is being able to do what you want, and run things your way. It can also be a con as well, because there is no-one to tell you what to do!
The things I miss about a regular job are having that regular contact with other people, and being able to bounce ideas off them. I also miss having a regular income! Running a business is a bit of boom and bust – one month things are running well, and the next sales have slowed down, and you’re wondering how you’re going to pay your bills.
I like the variety that working for myself gives. Doing the same thing day after day can get a bit boring, so I like that I have a varied range of tasks to do. I can go from shipping orders, printing new stock, posting on social media, doing my accounts and designing a new product all in one day!
To combat the isolation of working by myself, I find that meeting other like-minded creatives and business people is really good. It gives you a chance to talk about what you’ve been up to, and get feedback from other people. I’m part of a collective in Christchurch called The Kōwhai Collective (formerly Pay it Forward), where we run a store in the city centre selling our wares. Everything we sell is made in Christchurch, and we all share the jobs involved with running the store.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’ve got so many ideas – I’d like to see them all to fruition! I would like to keep growing the range and adding more designs. I’m working on some hot air balloons, and I have plans for farm and vehicle designs too. I also have more New Zealand birds to add to the range, and I’d like to add some more trees again too.
Head to the Sticky Tiki website to find out more and to browse their gorgeous selection of wall decals. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
