July 15, 2014
Bianca McKenzie, Bianca McKenzie
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
I’m originally from the Netherlands where I spent 22 years of my life but I now live, work and play in Melbourne, Australia.
I originally moved here to do a five-month work-experience placement for university but fast forward 10 years and I'm still here.
My work experience placement was as a marketing assistant for a business coaching company, which taught me things that I now apply in my own coaching practice (funny how things come full circle). Since then I have had multiple marketing roles, mainly in the education sector and small business.
I started my first blog and business in 2007 and have since been lucky to have had the privilege of starting and running various successful creative businesses.
The first was when I developed a creative itch that needed desperate attention. My creative itch was scratched by experimenting with design programs and as a result I started designing patterns that I printed on textiles.
After a few years of flying solo, I started boutique screen printing studio Ink & Spindle with two friends.
Soon enough I started to miss working in marketing and decided to return to a full-time marketing role.
I should have known better because not long after, I was missing the creative side of making and designing. This is when I started miki.o, designing wedding invitations and social stationery, whilst still working in marketing.
During this time I met many creative business owners, at expos and events, who asked me if I could help them with social media and marketing in their businesses. This started to snowball very quickly and whilst still working a 9-5 job, my business was born.
I love working with creative businesses every day and help them feel confident and empowered using the tools to build their brand and grow their business.
A lot of people feel overwhelmed and confused by social media, and this is where I help them. It's something that comes naturally to me and I love sharing this with others who need that little bit of help to feel more confident.
It's so exciting to be doing something I love and to encourage others to learn and explore what social media can do for them.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
It's early days for my business but I'm very proud of what I've been able to achieve in such a short amount of time, with a steady stream of clients and requests. I've also created and launched two online courses, helping businesses with the foundations of online marketing.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Time management is definitely my biggest challenge. I'm naturally a very organised person but I have to learn not to always be working and take time for myself to recharge. I just can't help but loving it so much. I need to take myself away from my desk to relax and get out.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
I'm so glad I decided to work with a business coach. Getting a mentor who has "been there, done that" is invaluable; they guide you in your chosen direction and make you aware of things you'd never think about working alone. All great people have mentors, and I totally understand why!
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I wouldn't be able to run my business without Wordpress, MeetEdgar, Canva, Xero and ConvertKit. They all integrate and work with each other and make my life so much easier and organised. I also love reading books by inspiring people such as Danielle LaPorte and Richard Branson.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
There are too many to mention. I'm always inspired by creative businesses such as the Creative Women's Circle, Ink & Spindle, The Finders Keepers Market etc. Others that inspire me are Natalie MacNeil, Danielle LaPorte, Leonie Dawson and Clare Bowditch because of their constant positive energy and amazing business philosophy.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Follow your heart and don't give up! If you feel that you are born to do this, then keep going, educate yourself as much as you can by reading, memberships, courses and test and measure what you are doing. Nobody has instant success, it takes time and hard work but you will get there if you keep believing in yourself.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I decided not to live the life that society expects me to live, but live it the way I want to. I choose happiness, to help people and not listen to what anyone says about how to live life. It's mine to live, it's my story to write.
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