Starting out in business is never easy (at least we’re yet to hear from someone who says it was) so New Kids on the Block is a SNOBS’ initiative to help businesswomen who’ve set up shop within the last year.
The Lady in Charge: Claire Pearson
Location: St. Ives, NSW
Launched: November 2008
Website: www.schoolxchange.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
schoolxchange is a website that allows parents to buy and sell pre-owned school items on a school specific basis. I had the idea after talking to mums at school who all had uniform or other items their children no longer used. It became clear that there was a demand for a way that parents could purchase things they needed or sell items they no longer used.
With the main function of the site geared towards school uniforms, the idea has expanded to include text books, musical instruments and sporting goods. We now have every school in Australia listed on the site.
What drove you to go it alone?
My idea was born of a desire to provide a service to parents that didn’t already exist. With so many websites launched every day, I thought, ‘How hard can it be?’ I soon found out, it’s very hard!
Without experience in web design or marketing, it’s been a very challenging experience. It’s important to establish fairly early on where your strengths lie and know when it’s time to ask for help.
As a busy mum myself, the flexibility of working from home is ideal although with a business that is never closed, the temptation to keep checking the site’s activity and emails is there all the time.
Give us five words that best describe you, since becoming your own boss?
Proud, Inspired, Busy, Multi-Tasker (does that count as two?)
What do you find the most difficult, and the most rewarding, aspects of running your own business?
One of the most difficult aspects of running my own business has been the amount of new things I’ve had to learn. From the initial stages of developing the website (trying to make it easy was the hardest part!) to blogging and email marketing.
The most rewarding aspect has been the incredibly positive feedback we’ve had from people. To hear from a customer that has purchased something from our site is very encouraging. But as with any business, the most important feedback is the criticism that is received when a problem arises. This is where you’ll learn the most important aspects of improving and growing your business.
The Lady in Charge: Elissa Baxter
Location: Sydney, NSW
Launched: June, 2009
Website: www.elissabaxter.com.au
Hit us with your elevator pitch:
I specialise in taking beautiful, candid photographs of babies, children and families. I hate the posed, formal look of most studio portraits but the more candid portraits tend to be taken by either Mum or Dad which means most people don’t ever have a beautiful photograph of the whole family. My photographs aim to capture the connection and love between the people in them. And a little sparkle in the eye!
What drove you to go it alone?
I’ve been thinking about starting this business for, well, forever really. But the real impetus came from a friend who recommended me to photograph a wedding. I was terrified – then I was exhilarated! It made me realise that working for myself tested my mettle and brought out the best in me.
Give us five words that best describe you, since becoming your own boss?
Organised, motivated, critical (of my own work), focussed and exhilarated.
What have you had to give up since becoming your own boss – and what’s one thing you’ve acquired that makes up for it?
I’ve had to give up parts of my weekends – most families want to have their portraits taken then. While it limits the time I get to spend with my own family, it’s made up for by the fact I get to be flexible during the week, so I can go to my kids’ schools for special events or to help out. I know a lot of parents don’t have that luxury.
The other great benefit is when I’m working; I’m spending time with people who are relaxed and happy. It’s so much less stressful than working 9 to 5 in an office where everyone is working to deadlines.
If you’d like to grab a little spotlight for your new business [and you're a woman, in business in Australia] write to us via the contact page and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.
