September 9, 2013
Bio The path that led her to this point
After 10+ years of working in design/advertising agencies, I knew it wasn't the lifestyle I wanted when the time came to raise a family of my own.
Deciding to set up my own graphic design business a year before falling pregnant was the best choice I ever made. Who knew at that time where it would lead!
Working for myself I found the most successful client relationships formed when I worked with other business mums.
Chatting over informal meetings, we understood each other, both personally and professionally, leading to great work results. Plus it was more than a business transaction it was a friendship.
During this time, I needed to find a developer to help me out.
Having experienced such great results working with clients who were business mums, I was looking for someone who was just like me, a mum running a small business around her kids.
Well, did I open a can of worms!
For the life of me I couldn't find one. I knew she was out there but I had no way to find her. And for once Google was no help.
What I did discover was a lack of resources where professional business service mums could connect.
Not knowing where to find each other was ultimately the problem, alas Clever Mamma was born.
Now 2+ years on, Clever Mamma is a community connecting Australian mums in business and specialising in service-based businesses.
We help you connect, with a focus on forming relationships and expanding your network with like-minded mums in business.
Our members gain Australia-wide exposure under the Clever Mamma umbrella.
They network, support, inspire and connect via our exclusive Linkedin group as well as The Clever Mamma Catch-Ups, newly launched casual networking events where real face-to-face connections are made.
Members also increase exposure through guest blogging and sharing industry expertise via our social media channels. Plus their business is showcased on a member page on the Clever Mamma site and regularly featured on the home page.
I am immensely proud of what Clever Mamma has become. We are a true community of professional, like-minded mums in business supporting and growing businesses together.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Apart from my beautiful kids, I feel so proud that Clever Mamma is helping mums in business have a successful career around their own children.
Being a mum, topped off with being a mum who runs a business is far from easy. But if we can understand and support each other and each other's responsibilities, work and otherwise, surely we're setting a new way of working for the future generations, especially our daughters.
We are creating a place where we can say loudly and proudly... "Yes, I own a successful, professional business and YES I'M A MUM!"
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
I think every mum in business (me included!) will say "time" is the biggest challenge. I often am so excited about what is going on with Clever Mamma that I want to jump 10 huge steps forward and go, go, go! But I do have to stop myself and remember, "Yes I can get there, but it is going to take a little while longer. I can only do one thing at a time."
It can be frustrating but it's also a reminder that my kids come first and I need to work around that.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
I started Clever Mamma without a business plan. Coming from a creative background, it was so foreign to me that I simply disregarded needing one.
I now have a vision and a plan that goes with it, but I must admit I only plan one year ahead. This way I can see and act on the results for the year and not have too many pressures of where I need to be in 10 years time.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Social media has been invaluable in making initial connections to fellow mums in business. It's not a short-term money making tool, it's forming connections that need nurturing. Engaging your audience is so important as is providing content that is of value to them.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I attended a women in business lunch where Moira Kelly was the guest speaker. Not knowing a huge amount about her, I was so in awe of her achievements. Her raw real-ness is so compelling.
She's a "do-er" who has changed the lives of so many around the world. All that from an 18 year old Melbourne girl who sold her car to head overseas and work with Mother Teresa, but wasn't entirely sure on where she would live or how she would achieve her dream.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Get out and meet like-minded people. Women are so open to sharing their business journey, and you can learn so much from their experiences. And take it further than Social Media.
Meeting face-to-face is the natural way to make connections. It's not about the hard-sell, it's about creating lasting relationships that are far more rewarding for both parties in the long term. And be yourself.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I wanted to start a family and have the flexibility in my workplace for them to come first. At the time I didn't know where starting my own business would lead, but taking that step has changed my life and my career!