July 12, 2013
Amy Palmer-Millin, Kookery
Bio The path that led her to this point
I was working in Financial services, specialising in Risk Insurance. I had studied this both in the UK and in Australia over 5 years, working towards being a Financial Advisor, always feeling like I was going in the wrong direction.
I did become a Financial Advisor and then subsequently resigned once I realised it really didn't fill me with joy.
After I had my daughter, and was at home, I needed to occupy my brain. I'd launched an online business the year before and decided to I close it down - the epiphany being, I have ALWAYS only ever wanted to create my own product line.
So I sat down with a HUGE piece of paper, covered in circles and wrote all the things I love and are important to me, like community, beauty, food, tea, coffee, humour, playing with words and design.
I wanted to be passionate about what I created, and before I even knew what the product was going to be, I needed to know what my priorities were.
I feel like it was always my destiny to own my own business, it sounds rather grand, but it was always my dream.
I never really enjoyed being an employee, even though I always worked diligently it can never beat being passionate about what you do.
As I mentioned earlier, it was the arrival of my daughter, that made me wonder what I was waiting for.
It created perspective for me and more then anything else clarity - about what I needed to do, the thinking space and also I learnt better time management.
This year, I was able to finally work full-time on Kookery.
It has been a revelation to be able to work continuously without interruption and to see Kookery in the media, and really grow our stockists.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
My most favourite Kookery achievement was to be printed in Gourmet Traveller in Nov 2012, they featured 'Pastry, that's how I roll' product.
It was a mark of recognition and gave me the confidence to believe in Kookery and helped me realise I was on the right track.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Working on your own, and being responsible for the small and large decisions in your own business.
It is essential to connect with other small business women in your area - so you can vent, talk and assist each other over coffee and cake.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
I would be more confident of my product, if I felt more confident, I think I would have started wholesale earlier, which in turn would have assisted with the growth.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I love Facebook for Kookery - instant connection and feedback on ideas.
It has been fun to get to know my customers, and I really enjoy trying to understand what is important to them.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
This is a tricky one, there are so many brands that I love, I think the one that made me think, 'this is possible' is Envirosax. They had an idea, they knew who there were, they are an ethical business, they are Australian and they are now global.
I have seen them grow, from a single purchase I made in Byron Bay years ago, when I had never seen them before to a brand that is recognisable and a part of our day.
My goals for Kookery are greater because I know what is possible.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Believe in your product and never take rejection of your product from a stockist personally. There could be any number of reasons that it isn't right for them and it might just be they are not ready to stock you. Make sure you ask them - always get feedback.
Most people at the start are asked to offer consignment, make sure you always do the paperwork, and if you don't want the extra paperwork, it's ok to say no.
Lastly, love your customers because they allow you to do this, reward them and engage them.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
My friends and husband started to see the vision I had seen for my business and they started to realise this wasn't just a hobby. It has never been a hobby, there was always intent.
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