Meet Michaela.
Michaela Chanmugam
from
Creative Space Design Co
Tell us about yourself
I started my career in Graphic Design in the beauty industry. I always chose to work in-house as opposed to an agency as I enjoyed being part of the full business picture. Being within multinational companies afforded me the opportunity to progress into varying "marketing" roles such as; PR, Strategy and Management. After 15 years of corporate experience, I started my own Marketing and Graphic Design business. I work with small to medium businesses who need to strategise and reposition themselves for success. About 12 months ago I wanted to explore creating a product base in order to diversify my experience. I started playing around with ideas, and landed on Koffee Fix - an awakening, hydrating facial mist.
Tell us about your business
We all know the power of coffee! It improves our physical and mental sense of well-being, as well as providing social and emotional benefits. However, there is a limit to how much coffee one can ingest. Koffee Fix is an awakening, hydrating facial mist that helps hydrate the skin, while awakening the senses. It's the "coffee" you can have anytime, anywhere.
What's the heart behind your business?
I created this product because I was pregnant while also caring for 2 little ones. I would be desperate for another cup of coffee, but wouldn't have it due to being pregnant. I found myself brewing coffee simply to smell it! This made me realise how much of the associated benefits was simply found in the smell. I then combined coffee with some water and antioxidants to develop a hydrating facial mist that gave me the feeling of having a coffee.
What does a typical, or ideal, work day look like for you?
An ideal (and usually pretty typical!) day for me starts with morning cuddles with my three gorgeous little girls. That's hands down the best part of the day. We always try to have a morning activity that fills up our love tanks. The afternoon is when I usually get some work done before starting our evening activities of dinner, bath, stories and bed.
Have there been any struggles in your business that you've overcome? What did you learn from them?
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.
What's been a highlight for you in business?
Moving from single projects to long-term business partnerships. When I first started in business I would complete a small project and then typically move onto another project that was usually with another client. Nowadays I form long-term partnerships with a few clients that I can truly support over a number of years.
What advice would you give others wanting to start a business?
Focus on what you do, and what you do really well and work will come. Don't take on projects that you can't deliver 100%
How can people find you?
