WollongongOnline discusses life and what motivates the enthusiastic owner/manager of Indulgent Corporate Gifts:
How long have you lived in the area? I have lived in the Illawarra area all my life. When you live in such a beautiful spot why live anywhere else!
Hobbies/passions? I’m very passionate about my family, they mean the world to me, and am kept busy managing my son’s basketball team Thirroul Tidal Waves. I also love travelling the countryside and beyond, plus the business world keeps me on my toes … and I love great coffee!
The hardest thing I’ve ever done: (besides giving birth to my two wonderful children) was making the final decision to start my business.
Your life/business philosophy: Love what you do, because it would be so hard to do something that you had to do rather than because you want to do. Challenge yourself, learn something new every day, try everything at least twice –if you don’t succeed the first time at least you have another go! Don’t have limitations and welcome change – it’s a big world out there, reach for the stars! I always say to my children you never know what you are capable of doing unless you give it a go!
At school: I absolutely loved it. Loved it so much that I thought of becoming a teacher, but did the next best thing and married one instead. Numbers were my calling so ended up working in finance for over 20 years. Had a thirst for knowledge and loved socialising!
I wish: For world peace? Rather, I wish that there were more hours in the day to do all the things that I love to do and spend lots of quality time with my family.
I’m good at: Listening, exceeding customers’ expectations by providing a high level of quality customer service and making pancakes.
I’m bad at: Filing. Hate it but have to do it!!!
I often wonder: What life will be like when I’m old and grey? What my children will become when they are all grown up and what the world will be like when the old and grey bits come.
Describe your business: We make people smile, feel appreciated and thanked/respected. We love helping businesses strengthen their business relationships by providing truly indulgent corporate gift creations that are guaranteed to spoil!
What makes it different / better? What makes us unique in the marketplace is personalised service - at Indulgent Corporate Gifts we offer a personal consultancy where we come to you either by phone or in person to discuss your exact business requirements and desired outcomes.
How long have you worked in the area? I have lived and worked here virtually all my life except for about three years in Batemans Bay.
Short term goals? What about 5 years? Keep enjoying life, grow my business where it can run without me being there 24/7. In five years have a few full time staff, a warehouse and our own courier!
How long in current business? It’s been five wonderful years with hopefully many more to follow.
Your latest project: Is reaching and servicing an international customer from Vietnam. We had to come up with the gift concept, sourcing, creating and delivering – challenging due to distance and language barriers but also extremely rewarding.
What do you love about your work? The challenges the projects bring.
What you would improve about the area/or your work? Extremely happy with current work environment as there is lots of flexibility to fit almost everything in.
Who has been a mentor? Any other business influences?
Over my 20-year career in the Finance Industry I was fortunate enough to have many great mentors.
Has your family/partner been a help? The greatest support I have received is from my husband and family. Without their belief in me the business wouldn’t be what it is today.
What business books do you read? Lots, but my favourite is Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson – have had the pleasure of meeting Sir Richard and got him to personally sign a copy of his book! I am currently reading Advance to Go, Collect $1 million by Kirsty Dunphey.
What formal qualifications do you have? Associate Diploma in Business and I have also completed numerous computer courses.
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