Keep an eye on the competition, or promote yourself if you are the competition!
The Lady in Charge: Carol Resnick
Business name: Gorgeous Gems
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Launched: April 2008
Website: www.gorgeousgems.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
We believe in individuality, therefore most pieces are one-off. I hand-pick everything from the world’s best sources. Being a gemmologist I select the rare, unusual elements of quality jewellery. We want you to afford many Gorgeous Gems so we aim to bring you the best value. We aim to be the leader in unique online affordable bling!
What drove you to go it alone?
I LOVE jewellery and was inspired by my cousin’s amazing jewellery shop in New York, so I learnt about the business by becoming a qualified gemmologist. As an ex-teacher, I like to be my own boss and tend to be a perfectionist. I also tend to be a workaholic, so this way I can work as long as I like!
What’s the most difficult and the most rewarding aspect of running your own business?
The most rewarding bit is the joy you bring to other people when they love their purchase and recommend you to their friends. You are at the “coal face” and see the results directly. I don’t like to think in terms of difficulty, but you are where the buck stops.
The Lady in Charge: Almira Pizovic
Business name: Picaholic, Inc.
Location: Sydney & Los Angeles
Launched: May 2008
Website: www.picaholic.com
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
Your website is your face to the world. The way your site looks says a lot about you and your business. Picaholic is a web design service catering for the creative industry. Most people don’t have the time, resources or funds to consider and implement all the variables. On a subscription basis, clients pay a low monthly fee, and with only basic computer skills, can immediately deploy a sophisticated, configurable, state of the art, flash website.
What drove you to go it alone?
I believe that we all have our own dreams. It’s very hard to achieve those dreams when you follow someone else’s visions. Working on my own gives me the freedom and focus to find the exhilarating, balanced, self-directed career and work with people whom I choose to work with.
What’s the most difficult and the most rewarding aspect of running your own business?
Running your own business requires a lot of courage and bucket-loads of drive. The buck stops at you and there is no one else to blame. Every decision I make is carefully considered and implemented. Seeing an idea come to life and having clients use the creation is the greatest reward.
New Kids on the Block is a SNOBS’ initiative to help startups (started by women) that are still less than one-year old. If you’d like to grab a bit of the spotlight for your new business, write to us and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.
