This month marks my 10 year business anniversary — where on earth has that time gone!?
When I started my business back in May 2015, my main goal was simple: I wanted freedom. Freedom to work from anywhere, freedom to be my own boss, and freedom to create something that worked around my life — not the other way around.
And while there have definitely been some bumps (and a few potholes) along the way, I’m grateful for everything this journey has brought me. So I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on the good, the not-so-good, and what’s next.
The Good Stuff ✨
Freedom to work from anywhere has been one of the biggest gifts this business has given me. It was the whole reason I started in the first place, and it’s been invaluable over the years.
- I was able to spend a few months in Melbourne when my daughter moved there back in 2016–17
- I had the flexibility to travel back and forth to Geelong when my parents moved into aged care, and later when my mum was unwell
- My hubby and I have enjoyed some wonderful travels, with six weeks in New Zealand and five weeks in Canada being the highlights
Another great thing has been the constant reinvention. I love dreaming up new ideas and planning things out, and working for myself means I get to do that as often as I like. It keeps things fresh, even if sometimes it means my plans don’t always turn out the way I first imagined.
The local business community here in Mandurah has also been a huge positive. I’ve met some wonderful people, joined many networking groups, and made great connections that have not only helped grow my business but made me feel part of something bigger.
Most of my business over the years has come through referrals and word of mouth, largely thanks to those networks. And I’m so grateful to my long-term clients — some of whom have been with me since the very beginning.
The Not-So-Good 😬
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Burnout is real. In early 2024, after a particularly rough patch, I hit a wall. I took on too much, pushed through some difficult projects, and eventually it caught up with me. The stress impacted my health in ways I’m still working through.
One thing that helped at the time was the New Access for Small Business program — a free mental health support service for small business owners. It was a great starting point for getting back on track and helping to set new boundaries, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who’s struggling.
I also realised that one of the harder parts of being in business for yourself is the self-doubt. The imposter syndrome. The shiny object syndrome. The constant questioning — Is this good enough? Should I be doing something else? Why haven’t I nailed this yet?
And honestly, that’s something I’m still working on.
What’s Next for Me 🔮
Right now, I’m enjoying a slower pace. I’m spending more time with family and our grandkids, planning future travels, and focusing on my health — which is priority number one.
I’ve scaled right back, working mainly with my existing clients, and I’m not taking on big new projects. And you know what? It feels good.
Looking ahead, I want to get back to what I really love: teaching.
I love helping people — especially startups and DIYers — make sense of the confusing world of domains, hosting, websites, and now AI. While it’s easier than ever to throw up a website, it’s not so easy to create one that actually works for your business. That’s where I want to help.
I’ve thought about starting a membership with tutorials and live Q&As, but for now, I’m leaning towards something simpler, like a Substack newsletter. A space where I can share tips, ideas, and maybe even some behind-the-scenes of small business life — without the big commitment.
But before any of that happens, my main focus is on clearing out the clutter — both physically (hello, old office files) and digitally. It’s amazing how much mental weight that stuff carries, just sitting there in the background.
Once I’ve done that, I know the way forward will feel clearer.
Thank You ❤️
So if you’ve been part of my business journey — as a client, networking buddy, friend, or silent cheerleader — thank you. I appreciate you more than you know.
And if you’re in business too, know that it’s okay to take a step back sometimes. It’s okay to reinvent, to feel stuck, to change your mind, and to just pause.
Because that’s business, and that’s life.
Here’s to whatever comes next! 🥂
