Do not wear too many hats for too long. What I mean is, don't try and do it all on your own. I understand that when we commence our businesses we are trying to do it as cheaply as possible. Whilst this works for a short period of time, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have people in your corner, in your village, who are experts at what they do and handle the parts of your business you don't need to be spending time on.

There is a lot of support out there for business owners in many different forms so don't be afraid to ask for help. Develop a network of like minded supporters around you and take opportunities to learn new skills. And be kind to yourself. Being a business owner is hard work!

A huge highlight for me is when the woman I am supporting reaches out and says how I've reduced their stress levels and they no longer feel overwhelmed. I feel a range of emotions when this happens! I'm so elated for them, I'm proud they took the step to reach out for help and proud of myself for making that difference in their life.

You don’t have to be on call 24/7 if you run your own business. Have good boundaries and make them clear, so when you are present you can work efficiently.

Play business like a game. There will be boogie monsters ahead. There will be levels and lessons to learn. You will have problems to solve. But approach it like Mario Kart. Approach it from a space of play. You get to re-spawn after every loss, don't worry! Then, remember the good you are giving and doing for others. This will fuel your lower moments (expect those too!).

“I think the biggest struggle is deciding what you really want to do and who you want to do it for. When I first started my business I produced a quote for every possible lead I had. Now I understand that not every project is suited to me, and I'm not suited to every project. I'm quite particular about the clients I work with as I've realised that's the best way to do work you can be proud of.”

“I find I can put too much pressure on myself to get too many things done in one day. When clients wanted to make changes to their projects, I felt the need to action them straight away, rather than communicating with the clients and advising that amendments may take a few days. I have learn that with the right communication and setting expectations, clients often understand and are happy to wait.”

“I am a mum of two teenage girls.... I think it’s interesting that that was the first thing that I thought to write!! I love being a mum and I'm so proud of who my girls are as individual people, but that’s just it, they are individuals. I had to really think about who I am as an individual. I am a creative and love all things beauty. Being creative seems to flow into all aspects of my life.”

“Family is the heart behind my business. I do what I do to support my family as well as to provide my family and others, a place to come together and reconnect. We lost a few close family members which sparked the idea to create a place where we could be together, to create memories. Life goes by too fast and we miss so many precious moments.”

“I have so many highlights! I just enjoy seeing my clients happy with their treatments and products that are recommended. I'm very happy to be able to employee local young women and train them well in an industry that is amazing. Most of all, I get to meet and talk to the most amazing inspirational woman from all walks of life every day.”

“Every year brings new challenges, whether that’s from external pressures such as floods, fires; or internal pressures such as recruitment challenges, financial issues or staff turnover. I have learnt you need to be bigger on the inside than anything happening on the outside. This makes you resilient and a problem solver. I see all problems as opportunities to pivot and improve, no matter how I feel.”