Real stories from real business owners doing the work behind the scenes.
This series shines a light on the people holding it all together – the creatives, strategists, service providers, and operators who are building businesses with heart, boundaries, and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-they-go.
You’ll find honest reflections, delegation lessons, capacity wins (and misses), and a look at what it really takes to keep a small business running sustainably – without the gloss.
I have a confession, my friends (you totally sung that, didn’t you 😉), this epically Good Human walked me through a huge mindset shift in business that saved it. Truly. I had come into our meeting with the intention of “this is one last shot at busting through whatever-the-heck I’m not grasping because I am physically-mentally-emotionally-financially burnt out”.
If you need a fresh perspective on your finance, come and meet my money mentor, Jodi. You can connect with her at all the links below.
Share a snapshot of your business with us – who you support, and what you do?
I help people think differently about their money. I’m not a financial adviser but I love structures around money – both personal and business. I teach money management skills from young people to retired people and everyone in between – but my favourite people to work with are couples who both work, who think they are doing OK but could do better.
We work together to come up with a plan for their money, and work through what systems need to be set up and help to get a rhythm and routine in place. This works for people on a salary with fixed income, and also small business with seasonal or variable income.
What do people think your work looks like – and what does it actually involve most days?
Doing tax returns. I actually quit doing taxes in 2021, so that I could focus more on training and teaching. Now I present training sessions for small business owners, for couples, for people wanting to learn bookkeeping skills, and my team who does the traditional accounting work.
What does “being supported” look like in your business right now?
Having people to ask questions when somethings working or not working. Having people deal with the technical stuff when I dilly dally. Being able to do things faster than what I can on my own.
What’s something you’ve delegated (or are considering delegating) – and what made you decide it was time?
Email management – I was getting behind and not keeping up and letting things slide.
Website management – I wasn’t keeping up with changes I wanted to make – but also – I am not a graphic designer so what I was putting out to the world wasn’t the standard I would expect from someone I would pay.
How do you manage your capacity – or at least try to keep things workable during busy seasons?
I am forever prioritising. Staff first, then clients. Always time for business development, even if it’s just 30 minutes.
Are there any boundaries or non-negotiables in your business that have made a real difference?
I only have outlook on my phone so that I can check my calendar and set the alarms for the next day. I never check my work emails on my phone unless I am away from my desk and waiting for confirmation for something. I have read response on my emails, saying I work Mondays – Wednesdays and don’t expect an answer on Thursday or Fridays.
Turn my computer off each night, so I’m not tempted to just take a look.
What would you tell another small business owner who’s struggling to hand something over or make space for support?
If you don’t love doing something then it can really drain your energy. There’s other people that love that sort of stuff and this can free you up – and give you back time, energy and headspace.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through running your business?
That I can’t do it all by myself.
And now – some rapid fire Q’s ♥
Work soundtrack: silence, Spotify, or background chaos?
Silence, unless I need to do some “boring” work and then the music comes on. Usually something I can sing along to.
Biggest distraction when working from home?
People making nice smelling food when I am in meetings.
Best time of day to get work done?
3-6pm
Go to snack..
Sultanas and choc chips and nuts. A bit like trail mix but heavy on the soft and juicy sultanas.
Connect with your new Small Business neighbour below:
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