[3-minute read]
This is Part Two of our open and insightful conversation with designer-turned-business-owner and Truevo customer, Claire Murphy. Be sure to read Part One before you dive into the second segment of our chat.
To briefly recap, Claire started Cindy Choo Design Studio in response to the many requests she’d get from friends and family to bring creative ideas for their wedding stationery to life. After working as a designer and creative manager for years around the country, Claire faced a reality that so many did when Covid-19 struck: she lost her job. Fuelled by the inadvertent stroke of good fortune, Claire took the leap of faith to become her own boss and decided to take Cindy Choo to the next level.
In Part One, we focused on Opportunity, Offering, and Preparation through the lens of Claire’s journey with Cindy Choo. In this instalment, we turn our attention to Attitude and Community.
Attitude
The traditional wedding industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. What has it meant for Cindy Choo? I’ve used the time [Covid lockdowns] to my advantage… Working for companies as a freelancer has given me the financial space to really step back and see how I need Cindy Choo to function when restrictions on weddings are lifted and the path ahead becomes clearer for the brides and grooms. Learning about the tax system, getting my accountant, doing the short business course with the Local Enterprise Office, and working on my mindset around money and charging people for my work were all invaluable steps in getting me into the right headspace and to where I am now… There is no greater way to learn about business than trialing it.
Community
Right now, you work on your own. Are there any types of team members that you’d love to join you one day? Who’d be the first person you’d hire? I’d advise everyone starting out to have someone to be a sounding board, or look for a business mentor. I’d love to hire someone to help with social media and reaching out to newly engaged couples. I find it much harder to push myself out there when it’s for my own business, rather than working on someone else’s business! I would also like some help with Google search and SEO.
