October 11, 2013
Rae Hewitt, Bright Bliss
Bio The path that led her to this point
After 20 years with Victoria Police as a detective looking after victims of child abuse and sexual assault I felt the need to change direction in my career path.
I had loved my work in this area but noticed it had become increasingly difficult after having my own family - I felt like a change was needed.
I had always had a love of interior design, commencing when I was quite young when my pocket money would be used to constantly redecorate my teenage bedroom.
Eight years ago my husband and I moved to the country in the beautiful tourist town of Bright.
It seemed the perfect fit to commence a luxury guesthouse so I could explore my love of interior design whilst also having a job that fit well with our lovely family life.
In 2012 we opened the doors of a Bright Bliss.
The immediate response was overwhelming as the public seemed to love what we had to offer.
After twelve months Bright Bliss's popularity led to the opening of our second and then third guesthouses, Next to Bliss and Bliss Terrace house.
All three guesthouses were so well received and we were getting many enquiries from guests asking where to find the many gorgeous items we put throughout the homes.
The next progression in our business led to an online store - Bright Bliss Interiors where people could buy the many homewares, bed linen and other items we had sourced and, in effect, take a little bliss home with them.
We are now about to commence building our next venture, Beyond Bliss which will comprise of two more luxury guesthouses that promise to be very special.
It has been a wonderful ride to get to where we are.
A huge leap of faith into the unknown that we are so glad we took.
I love my current job. I love providing people with a truly special place to get away with their loved ones and I am passionate about what I do.
I am so glad I followed my passion as it has allowed me to find a job that I enjoy so much it doesn't feel like work at all.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
We have had so much wonderful feedback and have featured on many interior design blogs, in newspapers and magazines and will feature in an upcoming television program specifically for "beautiful accommodation". Such recognition is so lovely and rewarding.
We have also recently won the 2013 Stayz people's choice award.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
It was a huge leap of faith to follow this dream as I had no prior experience in this area at all. I simply created something I would love and hoped others would like it.
My biggest challenge was to change my thinking from, "I couldn't possibly do that" to "Well, why can't I?"
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
The biggest lesson I have learnt is to listen to your passion.
If you have something you truly love and are passionate about it will show. You will be working without realising that it doesn't actually feel like work because you thoroughly enjoy what you do.
If you can make a career out of your passion take that leap. You never know where it will take you.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I use social media (Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest) as I find it a lovely way to connect with others.
I do believe you must be genuine in your interactions though, don't try to create a brand. Let your brand be yourself and let that shine through. People connect with sincere and genuine interactions.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I most admire my husband as he has totally supported my endeavours from the start and certainly had more confidence in me than I had.
His support of me leaving a safe, secure career to delve into something completely unknown was unwavering. He has believed when I have not.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Take that leap. Don't be satisfied just providing a nice place to stay. Try to provide a unique experience that will provide people with memories for years to come.
A lady in the industry once told me "Today's family holidays are tomorrow's family memories, make it special for them". Wonderful advice.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I changed my mind set from "I can't" to "I can".
If someone told me I would be owner/operator of five guesthouses and an online store I would never have believed them. If you are determined and passionate anything is possible.
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