July 3, 2014
Merryn Padgett, Earth & Sea Creative
Bio The path that led her to this point
I've always been a creative person, with my main form of expression coming from photography, drawing and painting. In 1997 I moved from country NSW to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Fine Art (Printmaking) with a minor in Digital Art at RMIT. Like most arts students, I worked in hospitality as well.
In 1998 I deferred uni and took up a traineeship in hospitality. While working as a barista at Zappa, in South Melbourne in 2000, I was offered a receptionist role for an IT company. This was my break into the corporate world, where I held a number of administration and creative positions. A life of coordinating photo shoots, designing brochures, maintaining websites, developing newsletters, wearing designer suits, partying and having long lunches was something I enjoyed for a number of years.
I had a 180-degree turn in my career in 2006, and with the support of my boyfriend I studied a Diploma Holistic Counselling Practice. After the birth of my son, now seven, I sea changed to East Gippsland and continued my studies, completing a Diploma Community Welfare Work.
I worked in the welfare sector in East Gippsland for a number of years and in 2011 I welcomed my daughter to the world.
I reluctantly returned from maternity leave when my daughter was five months old. 2012 was crunch time: I was working in an emotionally draining job and really wanted to be at home with my daughter. But like most independent women, I didn't want to walk away from a career I spent years developing.
Without much planning I launched Earth & Sea Consulting, a virtual assistant service with a focus in graphic design. I worked from a small home office, helping people with their administrative needs. I scheduled work around my family and invested in the business incrementally.
In October 2013 I rebranded to Earth & Sea Creative, allowing me to focus on what I love the most: being immersed in creative projects.
I devote 10% of my work time to community work. I’m a member of the Paynesville Art Show Committee and help with a variety of projects at Paynesville Primary School.
When my daughter is at school, I will be able to work full time in the business and strengthen the networks I’m now forming with a range of people in Melbourne.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Growing a whimsical idea into a fully fledged business, overcoming self-doubt and enjoying that liberating feeling of freedom that comes with self-employment.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
The first year of being in business was full of little challenges, which enabled self-growth. There were times when job adverts in the local paper looked really attractive, but I kept reminding myself what I love about self-employment (flexibility, freedom, creativity to name a few) and this helped me stay focused.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
I launched Earth & Sea Creative without a plan and very little idea of who my ideal client was. I thought that casting a wide net would be a good way to start out, and then I would refine my offerings after six months or so. This is not a great method! Have a plan. Know your ideal client.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
WordPress - my inner nerd just loves the simplicity of the WordPress content management system.
Adobe Creative Cloud - Illustrator and InDesign are the most used software programs in the studio!
Blogs - Ash Ambirge always makes me laugh, Chris Spooner has awesome creative tutorials, Bernadette Jiwa has a fresh perspective on ways to do business.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
Bernadette Jiwa - a thought-provoking marketer who is Banksy of the marketing world.
Salvador Dali - an insanely unique individual who left a lasting impression on the world. And I share his birthday!
Banksy - I love street art, and adore the simplicity of Banksy's work. I also admire his tenacity & the anti-establishment message his art carries.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
The heart of your brand will be built on a core passion. Keep this in mind because the marketplace is saturated with "just another [insert product/service offering here]". Don't worry about what the competition is up to, just stick to your plan, be yourself and allow your authenticity to radiate to the world.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I rebranded in October 2013. I developed a plan, refined my value proposition, discovered a stronger sense of who my ideal client was and created a visually appealing brand identity. By reflecting on Earth & Sea's strengths and weaknesses, I created a stronger brand direction.
Visit
WEBSITE
Tweet
Like