Today we chat to an inspirational lady who shares our belief that it is possible to achieve positive and lasting change by designing a life that you love. Homaira Kabir is a positive psychology coach, cognitive behavioral therapist and writer who is on a mission to help women break free from the grip of low self-confidence and stop living half-lives, something she says “is a disservice to us, and to the world.”
Through her scientifically backed strategies, courses, resources and the articles she writes for Forbes, The Huffington Post, Positive Psychology News Daily and her own website, Homaira helps women discover the power of self-worth and empowers them to show up fully in their relationships and rise to their full potential at work and in life. Enjoy the interview. ~ Rachel
Today we speak to Laura Knight, a lady who has combined her three biggest loves – travel, motorbikes and writing – to make the world her office. Laura has been riding motorbikes for over 10 years, a passion which has opened her up to many life-changing experiences and inspired her to give something back to the travel industry.Here she shares her story and top tips for making it as travel writer…
A few months into a great job at a hedge fund, I decided to pack up my New York City life into a tiny orange R.E.I. backpack, sublet my cosy bedroom, and hit the road. I didn’t know where I was going or what I’d end up doing to stay fed and sheltered, but I knew that working a desk job just wasn’t for me.
Fast-forward three months and here I am: writing this from a vegan coffee shop near my new digs for the week – my travel friend’s apartment in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Working from coffee shops around the world – that’s what’s in store for you as a travel writer. And, to be honest, the Wi-Fi in Cambodia is spot on!
So… how did I get here?
I love to travel. Meeting people from cool places, sampling new cuisines, and experiencing some of the most beautiful places in the world are all things that I want to do. Every. Single. Day.
As a motorcycle travel writer, I get to ride roads like this, then write about them. Then I get paid. Why would anyone want to work in an office again?! But the starting wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies…
Until I found myself in Bangalore, India, I hadn’t really given the money issue much thought. I have a brain and can string coherent sentences together, so I figured (all too nonchalantly) that I’d just be a freelance writer.
One slight problem – you need contracts if you want to get paid for writing freelance. And those contracts don’t just materialise the instant you decide you want to write for money. Only now, after working my butt off, I’m finally earning enough to support myself (albeit in Southeast Asia, which is an incredibly affordable place to live).
Here are a few things I wish I’d known before I launched my new writing career…
Starting out
There are two ways you can slice this pie. You can:
go full out sink-or-swim, quit your day-job and book a flight (like I did). The advantage here is that you are really putting yourself in a situation where you MUST succeed. No ifs, buts or maybes. No procrastinating. For those of you who are motivated by pressure like this, take the leap!
keep your job and slowly start to build out a portfolio of work and develop a few long-term clients that will sustain you once you finally get to the flight-booking stage.
Either way, you’re going to have to do step number two, it just depends on how much pressure you want to throw into the mix.
Plan… a bit
When I left the States, I had about $1,000 in my savings and checkings combined, as well as a credit line of about $4,000 left for emergencies only.
The money disappeared fast and looking back, I wish I’d concentrated on building up my client base and generating an income before making any big travel moves. I should have made time to actually sit down and look at the daily cost of living in the places I wanted to go, and then doubled it (or at least added on a few bucks) to come up with my daily budget.
If you are ever in a situation where you are running out of money, my advice is to be an adult about it and don’t bury your head in the sand. Find a cheap hostel (or better yet, someone to host you on their couch via CouchSurfing), then put on some tunes and rock out those job applications.
Decide on your niche
As a travel writer, you still need to come up with a more defined notion of who you are in terms of your voice and target audience. This is the topic you’ll be writing about day in and day out, and you’ll have to adjust your content to match.
I write about two things, both of which I have firsthand experience – motorcycle travel and cycling travel. The motorcycle travelling pieces are easy and fun, I just tell my cycling adventures in written form and throw in a few buzzwords and the writing is good to go.
Using your own travels as inspiration and getting paid for it is one of the coolest parts about travel writing!
But, at the end of the day, if you are travelling and writing, you need money to continue to travel and write about your travels. So, I also write some career consulting and resume advice columns. While not travel-related, these are my chance to maintain well-paid and consistent contracts which allow me to fund more travels and write more about the topic I love… travel!
Do some research and figure out what options exist for you
Look into websites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and even Craigslist for job opportunities. I rely entirely on contract work through Upwork, and it’s enough to keep me going from Vietnam to Cambodia to Thailand, and beyond!
There will be highs and lows
Don’t get me wrong, there have been lows. My biggest was the day I realised I had only $15 cash left in my pocket and nowhere to stay. I had spent the week before lounging around on a beach hammock in Koh Rong, an island off the coast of Cambodia, blissfully unaware of the financial impact taking a week off work before developing a steady flow of writing jobs would have.
By the time I realised it, I had only enough (almost to the cent) for a night bus to Siem Reap, where old travel friends were willing to host me until I could earn enough to keep moving. Fortunately in this instance, good luck and timing were on my side but I won’t make this mistake again in a hurry.
At the same time, being a digital nomad can bring the highest of highs, especially when you aren’t expecting them. My biggest high came out of the blue one morning when I was scheduling my full day’s work as a “professional” person. I suddenly realized that I’d actually done it: I’d created a life where I could be self-sufficient, save a little, and travel around some incredible places. This was the moment I knew I’d done the right thing by taking a risk and quitting my life in NYC. My new life was totally worth it.
Don’t give up.
Yes, I know it’s the most clichéd advice anyone could give someone making a bold career move or a life change, but SERIOUSLY, do not give up. All too often I meet folks who tried their hand at freelancing and travelling only to not make it in the first few months, pack up their backpack, and return to their cubicle.
Working from the beach is so much nicer than being stuck in a cubicle all day. Stay focused and this could be your workplace, too
If that’s what truly makes you happy, by all means, work from cubicle to corner office. But if it isn’t, and for many of you reading this, it probably isn’t, stick tight to your dream.
Over the course of a couple weeks, when I was living entirely off my dwindling savings, I applied to 10 jobs per day. At certain points, I was sending out nearly 50 applications every two days only to hear back from two potential clients.
In my experience, Upwork is brilliant for allowing you to work when you want, where you want, and it offers any type of job you can think of. I enjoy writing about things that interest me, so I use it to apply for travel and career-related writing gigs.
My only advice is to do a bit of background research before sending out your first job proposal as a cover letter on Upwork is a little different to a full-on professional cover letter.
Beginning to land contracts on Upwork is interesting. My first day I landed a $35 contract writing a travel guide on an island in the Philippines that I had never been to.
It wasn’t until I started receiving more regular contracts, where I could be certain of additional work coming in after I turned in each article, that I started to really feel a bit of financial security and even excitement about the work! Instead of spending all day proposing to new jobs, I was able to just continue on, writing about topics I found interesting. But as I learned, you won’t get there overnight (or even in a few weeks). Patience, grasshoppers!
You’re your own boss now!
Don’t make excuses. The thing that nobody realises when they are getting into freelance, especially when you are transitioning from a 9-to-5 office environment, is that you are your own boss. You need to stay motivated, apply to jobs, meet your deadlines, and turn in high-quality work. Being the very best you can be is the key to gaining more contracts (especially the challenging ones that you’ll learn and grow most from!).
Dream on…
Whether this travelling, writing and wandering lasts or not, there have been a few things that I’ve learned about myself from diving right in to a new life as a freelance travel writer.
First and foremost, that balancing savings and spending (that’s getting to a point where I earn more than I spend) takes a huge amount of dedication, discipline, and willpower.
That you do have to plan ahead, be organised and work really hard.
Ultimately, that whatever I end up doing in the future, whether it’s continuing to travel the world, or settling down with a hoard of cats, I know that I have the brainpower and the chutzpah to make it.
Good luck fellow wanderlusters, may the Wi-Fi be speedy and the coffee be plentiful and locally ground, wherever in the world you are!
In addition to her work as a freelance writer, Laura has also created MotorManner.com, in which she shares the best information about motorcycling and travelling to help people get the most from their adventures. Visit her blog for useful motorcycle travelling gear reviews and helpful travel tips.
As we come to the end of the year, it’s only natural to reflect on what has gone before. Did 2016 turn out how you wanted? Did you get closer to your dreams? As the founder of a company called Do What You Love, I am often asked what is the single most important factor in doing what you love. And you know what? I think it’s commitment. Perhaps not the sexiest answer, but it’s the truth.
But what if I don’t know what I want to commit to? You might ask… I hear you. That’s a tough one, right? Well, actually, early on simply committing to stepping forward in the direction of your dreams, is as important as committing to one specific idea. Because those early steps are where the dreams are shaped.
So if your 2016 was frustrating, or depressing, or simply another year of not very much, seeing your friends have the things you want for yourself, then I invite you to join me in committing to making 2017 different. And here are three simple steps you can take to do that:
Winter is on its way and what better excuse to curl up by the fire and snuggle up with a good book – or three! This month I’ve been reading (and loving)…
In The Company of Women: Inspiration and advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney
Say the word entrepreneur and who comes to mind? Bill Gates? Richard Branson? Mark Zuckerberg?
Chances are we’ll picture a white, straight, go-getting male, but Grace Bonney, founder of the popular design blog Design*Sponge is on a mission to change that.
In her book, In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs, Bonney profiles over 100 influential women from all ages, races, backgrounds, and industries to show how women across the globe are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and starting creative businesses.
This book is packed full of practical, inspirational advice for those looking to forge their own paths. The interviews detail the keys to success and highlight the importance of everyday rituals, and dispense advice for the next generation of women entrepreneurs and makers.
This book just goes to show that no one woman was handed a perfect business and a perfect life. It’s all about how they’ve found the balance in life and created a support system that works for them. And we love the gorgeous original photographs of them all in their work spaces.
In The Company of Women: Inspiration and advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney is out now from Artisan.
[Tweet “Starting my day with a little inspiration from an insightful book by Grace Bonney @designsponge #IntheCompanyofWomen”]
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero
If you’ve ever taken stock of your life and realised that you aren’t living the life that you want, then this is the book for you.
In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and world-travelling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up hilariously inspiring stories, savvy advice, easy exercises, through bite-size chapters like: Your Brain is Your Bitch; Fear is for Suckers; and My Subconscious Made Me Do It.
You Are a Badass will take you on a wild joy ride to your own transformation and helps you create the money, relationships, careers and general all around awesomeness you so desire. And, if you’re ready to make some serious changes, it will help you:
Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want
blast past your fears so you can take big exciting risks
figure out how to make some damn money already
learn to love yourself and others
set big goals and reach them
These are a few lines (amidst many) that really stood out for me…
Everyone screws up and you’re not special for doing it.
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to make change. You can just decide.
If you believe it, it is your thoughts and beliefs dictate reality, so if you don’t like your reality, change these.
Respect yourself instead of catering to your need to be liked. Never apologise for being you. Own your ugly.
Your friends really do have a major impact on your future, so ditch the Negative Nancys.
The only failure is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information.
Fear lives in the future. It hasn’t happened yet so why create the drama?
Procrastination is the easiest form of self-sabotage – you’ll either find a way or an excuse.
Basically this book shows you how to create a life you totally love, and create it NOW. And by the end, you’ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero is out now from Running Press.
[Tweet “Unleash your inner badass with this bestselling book by @jensincero #youareabadass”]
Messy: How to Be Creative and Resilient in a Tidy-Minded World by Tim Harford
When we get busy, life can sometimes feel like a battle to stave off chaos. The desk overflowing with an ever-mounting pile of paperwork. The kids’ room strewn with clothes and toys. And our minds overwhelmed with to-do lists and negative chitter chatter. If we could only get everything in order, we think life would be so much better.
Tim Harford, Financial Times’ star economist, has a different theory: that sometimes mess is far better than precision and order. Mess, by his definition, can range from actual untidiness—which can function better than precise filing systems—to disruption, distraction, unexpected collaboration, and context-switching. All of that, Harford, says, can prove extremely fruitful in all areas of our life.
His book explores many situations where accepting messiness has led to greater creativity and productivity, from Brian Eno’s randomly picked Oblique Strategies cards, which inspired David Bowie’s Berlin albums, to the time when Martin Luther King was forced to abandon his practice of preparing his public performances and improvise, resulting in his I Have a Dream speech. It makes a compelling case that there are a lot of areas where it pays to open up to the idea that mess is to be embraced rather than fought against.
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Happy Wednesday!
Friday is fast approaching but if you’re feeling the midweek blues you’re in the right place to be inspired!
Today the Do What You Love team is sharing what they’re up to and what is motivating them at the moment. We hope their thoughts get you thinking about what lights you up and how you can get more of this into your life…
I’ve been meaning to brush up on my sewing skills for years but since becoming a mum it’s a creative dream that’s fallen to the wayside… until recently! Through Hagglers Corner, a creative community of makers and doers, I was introduced to Running With Scissors, a business which runs small craft workshops, and it has inspired me to make time to make. It’s been over 10 years since I last used a sewing machine so I’ve carved out some ‘me-time’ and booked myself onto a beginner’s sewing course. Being a beginner can be scary so it’s good to know that I’ll be amongst others who are also there learn the basics. I hope that my new-found knowledge and skills will give me the confidence to experiment with interesting tools and techniques and that (one day!) I’ll be making all sorts of gorgeous gifts for my family and friends and giving my home a truly handmade feel.
My thought of the week: Maybe you feel stuck. Or bored. Or frustrated. Or maybe you quite like the life you live, it’s just that you suspect there’s something more. Some greater sense of meaning or excitement. New connections. New adventures. New possibilities. Well possibilities are always within reach. You may not be able to quit your job or develop new skills by osmosis, but every day brings new opportunities, dictated by the choices you make. Sometimes even the smallest shift in thinking or doing can create the biggest opportunity and set the stage for positive life changes. Nourish your mind, body and soul today by making choices that make you feel most alive and give your creative dreams a boost by living them. How can you give yourself time and space to create today? Do you have any passion projects right now? What creative dream are you going to start working on?
As soon as I wake up (and before logging onto my computer!), I head down to the beach for my morning walk. This is such a great way to start the day as I take time to appreciate a quiet moment in nature and sink my feet into the sand to soak up the earth’s healing electrons. This time of year is perfect as it is quiet and the sun is rising over the sea which sends beautiful reflections across the water. Spending time in the great outdoors is so good for us all, whether it’s a walk on the beach or through a local park on the way to work. Taking time to do this first thing in the morning sets me up for the busy day ahead, and leaves me feeling inspired, motivated and positive.
Louise’s thought of the week: Leading naturalist and author of the nature Principle, Richard Louv, is right when he says: “We can be happier, healthier and smarter if we weave more nature into our lives.” You can read more about why nature does good things in this article.
How can you strengthen your connection with nature today?
Fiona Duffy explains why her work always feels like ‘me-time’
I recently joined the team at Do What You Love to help Beth with the launch of her book Freedom Seeker, to be released in April 2017. I’m lucky that more often than not I feel very energised in the work I do. On reflection I realise that is because I always try to set myself realistic and personal goals that are super-aligned to the work projects I’m a part of. Doing this means that ‘work’ actually feels like ‘me-time’ as I can clearly see how my job is enriching my life on a daily basis.
For example, whilst the team here supports Beth with her book launch, I plan to use the stories and exercises within the book (lucky me, I get a sneak peek!) to identify exactly what it is that makes me feel free, and introduce more of it to my working day, and life.
Fiona’s thought of the week: I’ve found that choosing fun and uplifting locations to work from, like cafés and co-working spaces, and jazzing up my home office to make it an inspiring place to hang out, makes me feel creative, free and ready to take on the day.
What changes – small or big – could you make to enhance your workspace today?
We’d love to hear what is inspiring and motivating you this week so please do share your thoughts in the comments below.
Today we bring you an inspiring interview with Nic Bottomley – co-owner of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, an independent bookshop based in Bath that has twice been named UK Independent Bookshop of the Year. In a past life Nic was a capital markets lawyer but in a bid to do what he loves he gave it up to live and work in the world of books. Fast forward 11 years and Nic has never been happier as he continues to play his part in proving how precious well-stocked bookshops, run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, are to our cultural life.
We caught up with Nic to find out what drove him to make such a major career change all those years ago and what life is like now as a successful independent bookseller…
With 2017 on horizon, now is the perfect time to invest in yourself. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing yourself personally or professionally, tapping into your creativity, hiring a coach, or taking a break before the Christmas festivities start, making time for yourself is a powerful thing to do.
Nurturing yourself and your dreams sends a strong message into the world: I’m listening to the voice of my soul. I’m willing to give myself the time, energy, and space I need to develop and grow. I want to be the best possible version of myself.
When you say yes to exciting new opportunities, doors start to open as if by magic. Just try it and see!
Whether your inner voice is calling you to start that business, take up yoga, write a book, or do a digital detox, here’s our pick of the best upcoming festivals, retreats, and events across the globe to take you a step closer to your dreams.
A BIT ON THE SIDE: START A BUSINESS AND KEEP YOUR JOB
When: TONIGHT! November 7, 2016 @ 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Frederick’s Place, London, UK
Cost: £60
Organiser: Escape The City
More info & to book: https://blog.escapethecity.org/event/a-bit-on-the-side-start-a-business-and-keep-your-job-3/
Are you sitting on a business idea but don’t have the time, money or resources to start it? Are you curious about the new world of startups and freelance careers? You’re not alone in wanting to branch out and create something on your own. This workshop will give you tools, tricks and inspiration from those that have set up businesses whilst remaining in employment. It’s ideal for: anyone who wants to learn what small steps can help them to explore their business idea alongside their day job; community lovers who want to build a network; advice hunters and doers who want practical tips to help them get started. You’ll hear from people that have done it – both those that have transitioned into their startup full-time, and those still in full-time employment but running a business on the side. Most excitingly – you’ll get started on your business, right in the room, surrounded and encouraged by your fellow attendees!
THE WRITER’S WORKSHOP 2016
When: November 19 – 20, 2016
Where: The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
Price: £279
Organiser: Hay House Publishing
More info & to book: https://www.hayhouse.co.uk/lectures-events/writers-workshop-london-2016
Are you a writer with a great book idea and a strong desire to be published? Do you just need the inside scoop on how to perfect and publish your book? Then this is the workshop for you! This is your chance to publish a book with Hay House UK and become a bestselling author – one participant will be awarded a publishing contract with Hay House and a £5,000 advance! Join this special two-day workshop with some of Hay House’s finest speakers and authors – many of whom have firsthand knowledge of creating and writing bestselling books. Learn from Michelle Pilley, the Publisher and Managing Director of Hay House UK. She will offer key advice learned from her 30 years of successful publishing experience and expert knowledge of how to nail a publishing deal.
THE HAPPY START UP SCHOOL CANVAS
When: November 22, 2016 @ 5pm – 7.30pm
Where: Wagner Hall, Brighton, UK
Price: £22 (+ £2.07 booking fee)
Organiser: Brighton & Hove Social Enterprise Network in partnership with The Happy Startup School
More info & to book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/startup-the-happy-startup-canvas-tickets-26284104464
This inspiring workshop will help you to clarify if your idea is a social enterprise and support you, as budding social entrepreneur, to go from idea to action fast, and learn techniques for validating your idea with customers without the need for big budgets. It will give you the knowledge and tools to help you to tap into the growing trends that will affect how your business operates and start to bake happiness into your DNA.
DIGITAL DETOX WEEKEND
When: December 8 – 11, 2016
Where: Finland
Cost: £1,159
Organiser: The Flash Pack
More info & to book: https://flashpack.com/adventure-trips/finland-digital-detox/
If you’d love to swap your mobile for a snowmobile and indulge yourself with a short and energising recharge ahead of the Christmas festivities, this digital detox weekend in Finland delivers. Designed for solo travellers or small groups of friends, it a chance to unwind by immersing yourself in Finnish culture, cuisine and adventure. For four days you can switch off from modern life and sink into the wonderful Finnish snowscape. Go trekking, skiing, husky sledding, ride a reindeer sleigh, relax in the sauna and spend evenings watching the Northern Lights or warming yourself by the fire in a cosy inn straight out of a Christmas card.
Torassieppi Wooden Cabins, Muonio
OSHO WINTER FESTIVAL: LIVING FROM THE HEART
When: December 8 – 11, 2016
Where: Osho Leela, Dorset, UK
Cost: from £129
Organiser: Osho Leela Community
More info & to book: https://osholeela.uk/events/osho-winter-festival-2016/
Dive deep into the roots of your being and fly high on the wings of love and connection. This festival will warm your heart, heal you from the inside and expand your vision. It is a fun and nourishing celebration in beautiful countryside setting – perfect for winter rambles. Innovative and playful workshops include things like Shiatsu, singing, tantra, art, Biodanza, ageless vitality, discovering your inner child, self-enquiry and comedy. There’s also a full meditation programme including satsang with live music from band Satvaa, evening meetings, dance and live performances followed by an Osho video discourse.
THE INSTANT PAUSE
When: January 14, 2017
Where: Berlin, Germany
Cost: £140
Organiser: Life by Danielle
More info & to book: https://www.lifebydanielle.com/retreats/instant-pause/
In this one-day workshop, led by Nicola Moss, you’ll get time and space to think about you and your life and bring yourself back into balance. The Instant Pause workshop helps you look back to move forwards. You may be at a point of transition in your life; considering where to go next in your career, feeling burnt out from corporate life, or you may run your own business and are in need of some time and space to ensure you’re focusing on the right things. Your focus might be personal – life may be nudging you right now to stop and take a pause. Whether personal or career, this day away will create space for you to slow down, reflect and focus on what’s important.
WANDERLUST GREAT LAKE TAUPO
When: February 2-5, 2017
Where: Wairakei Geothermal Valley, Great Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Cost: $70 to $480
Organiser: Wanderlust
More info & to book: https://www.wanderlust.com
Unplug from the ordinary. Adventure awaits. Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo is an all-out celebration of mindful living. Bringing together a remarkable group of yoga and meditation instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs for a transformational retreat this is an experience that will get into your mind, body and soul. Regardless of what starts you on your path, Wanderlust is an experience that will leave you different than when you came – with new ideas, new friends, newly-discovered abilities, and greater peace. Find your true north.
ENVISION
When: February 23 – 26, 2017
Where: Uvita, Costa Rica
Cost: $298.00
Organiser:
More info & to book: https://www.envisionfestival.com
Want to venture to new lands of self-discovery? This festival has one of the biggest line up lists, and a mixed bag of eco, spiritual, yoga and development courses and classes on its menu. A celebration dedicated to awakening our human potential, Envision provides a platform for different cultures to co-exist in sustainable community, and inspire one another through art, spirituality, yoga, music, dance, performance, education, sustainability and acknowledge our fundamental connection with nature. Definitely worthy of a trip!
BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL
When: Mar 19 – Mar 26, 2017
Where: Ubud, Bali
Cost: Early Bird full pass: $575 until February 1, 2017
Organiser: Co-Founders Megan Pappenheim, Kadek Gunarta, and Robert Weber
More info & to book: https://balispiritfestival.com
Seated in the spot of Elizabeth’s Gilbert reinvention from Eat, Pray, Love, the Bali Spirit Festival is an energy-charged event that will be sure to spark your soul. From music, yoga, health and wellbeing to eco and social change it has all the elements you need to learn, grow and develop a holistic lifestyle. You’ll spend the days on lush terraced lawns with open pavilions, and at night the party moves to an outdoor stage for a world music concert like no other on Earth.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.
This is what I constantly seem to be saying to Beth at the moment, in fact I have been saying it for the last few months. There is an energy and a level of optimism in what we are doing at the moment that I don’t think we have experienced for a couple of years in the business. Not to say that it hasn’t been enjoyable, far from it, but we seem to be in a position where the foundations of our plans have been laid and all those hours, days, months and years of hard work are paying dividends.
Why the level of excitement? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, Beth is realising her dream of writing a book and is working with her dream publisher to bring ‘Freedom Seeker’ to life and out into the world. Stay tuned for more on that very soon! To watch someone so close to you achieve a lifelong dream is a reminder that life is what we make it. (Beth is looking over my shoulder right now and telling me that ‘Life is what you make it’ was her motto in her school yearbook over two decades ago!)
Secondly, the actual writing of the book has provided a fresh focus for us here at DWYL. The world of publishing is new to us but finding out about it, working with new people and learning new skills has been a very enjoyable learning curve.
Thirdly, it became very apparent that to achieve all our new goals we needed some additional help. So it is with great pleasure that I can introduce our newest team member… Fiona Duffy.
Welcome Fiona Duffy – the latest addition to the DWYL family!
We are absolutely over the moon to welcome Fiona into the DWYL family. She brings with her invaluable experience working with The Happy Startup School, an infectious enthusiasm, a huge smile and a refreshing honesty and openness. And she gets it! She really does. She gets what we are trying to do, where we want to be and has so many ideas to help us get there.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the guys at The Happy Startup School for supporting Fiona’s decision to go to part time so she can spend the rest of the week with us, and embarks on the phase of her career and life. You are going to love her like we do!
Recruiting for your own business is often challenging, because when you have a small team you really have to fit together. But sometimes someone comes along who makes it very easy for you. In this case it was a complete no-brainer. Fiona oozes charm, a zest for life and is a huge force of positive energy. Welcome Fiona – we hope you enjoy your role with us!
Thought of the moment
We are all works in progress. Beth spotted this written on a window in New York on her travels last week, and tells me she suddenly felt like the pressure was off. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that we are works-in-progress, that we don’t have to be perfect, and that every day offers an opportunity to learn and grow. So here’s to you being a work-in-progress too!
“Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.” ~ Terry Tempest Williams
Today we meet artist and educator Jennie Oppenheimer, a lady who passionately believes that creativity and play not only illuminate our strengths and originality, but help us to discover our unique purpose and potential. As the founder of SOULIO, a business that delivers fun artful workshops to help people discover their authentic voice and take the risks necessary for growth, Jennie is now doing what she loves, using creativity as a teaching tool for soulful investigation and self-expression. Here she shares how training to become a facilitator for SoulCollage® changed her life and her work.
When Hazel Cushion gave birth to triplets in the late 1990s she wondered how there would ever be room for anything else in her life. Back then she’d never have imagined that her babies would become the impetus for her to launch a successful publishing business from her bedroom.
Hazel started Accent Press in 2003 when Julia, Felicity and Richard were just five-years-old. With husband Bob working abroad, Hazel was effectively a single mother who needed to do something for herself, that was family-friendly and that would bring in some cash. So, after completing her MA in Creative Writing at Trinity College, Carmarthen, she decided to become a publisher. “As part of the course I learnt how to put a book together, and I was hooked,” Hazelexplains. “I’d never set up a company before, so I asked the Welsh Assembly for business advice and applied for a £5,000 business loan.”
Hazel decided big names sell so she began by asking well-known authors to donate stories for a book to raise cash for breast cancer – and raise awareness of her new company. The plan worked like a dream and best selling romantic novelist Katie Fford was among those who agreed to donate stories. Next Hazel rang WHSmith and said she had a book coming out to support breast cancer called Sexy Shorts for Christmas and they immediately put it in their top 300. “That was very, very unusual,” Hazel recalls. “I just happened to get the right person on the right day and that was how it all started.”
13 years on and Accent Press is an award-winning independent publisher which employs ten staff and turns over more than £1m. Earlier this year Hazel also opened a vibrant new bookshop, café and wine bar in the heart of Cardiff Bay’s creative quarter. Now Hazel is keen to inspire other mums to find the courage and confidence to go it alone. ~ Rachel
1. How are you doing what you love?
My work involves making people’s dreams come true by publishing their books – that has to be the best part of my job. I also love the variety – from meeting new people, marketing, creating covers etc. Every day is different and there are always new things to discover and learn.
2. What’s your background? Talk us through your journey to the point of setting up Accent Press…
My previous career involved managing shops on cruise ships, running a charity in Dubai, working in recruitment and having a wine business in the South of France. It was all very varied but it helped me develop a wide range of skills which have been very useful in setting up Accent Press. I think if we harvest our history we can usually find a wealth of experiences that help build our businesses.
3. What was motivating you?
I have always had lots of energy and love learning new things. Initially I was motivated by money – I needed a business I could work around my children but I quickly became addicted to overcoming the challenges and discovering I loved running my own business. It was the freedom to be innovative and try new things unfettered by corporate policy etc. I made loads of mistakes but I view each one as a learning opportunity, not a failure.
4. Once you had your idea, how did you bring it to life? What were the very first steps you took?
I started the company in my front bedroom but quickly rented a tiny office in an industrial unit and hired my first staff member. This was key to our rapid growth – she was a very bright young lady and came up with lots of good ideas. She learned quickly how to handle the production side of the business and freed me up to sell and network. I joined the Independent Publishers Guild and found this an amazing help and resource.
5. When you started your business your triplets were still young and your husband was working abroad. How did you find the time?
Certainly in the early days it was always a juggling act but that is why my first employee was so important. She could man the office while I took the kids to school and then collected them in the afternoon. I would then spend time with them, cook tea and we’d have time together before they went to bed. They did have a very early bedtime however! Once they were asleep I would work for several hours.
6. How did running a business from home enable you to better juggle the responsibilities of being a mum and the demands of work?
When we outgrew the tiny office we then bought a house that was big enough for the family and the business. Working from home had some great benefits – if the kids were ill we were already home etc but it also made it very hard to switch off. I would work all day, every day and then go back in the evening after supper. There wasn’t much worklife balance but the benefit was that the kids saw just how much effort went into building the business. They have really learned from that and all seem to be focused about achieving their own personal goals.
Doing what she loves: Hazel at work
7. As the saying goes: ‘Nothing worth having comes easy’. What sacrifices have you had to make in order to grow such a successful business? And how do you feel about these now, looking back?
I sacrificed a social life for many years and that did get quite lonely. I’m now enjoying being able to step away slightly, follow my own interests and meet new friends. Money was always tight too as we constantly reinvested in the business but you reap what you sow and that pressure has now eased.
8. Your kids are all grown up now. What do they think about what you do and what valuable lessons have they learnt from your work/work ethic?
I think the kids have learned a great deal from seeing me run the business. They all have a good work ethic but probably, the most important lesson is seeing me pick myself up after something has gone wrong. It’s shown them that making mistakes or something failing shouldn’t be seen as a disaster but as a learning opportunity. That has given them a level of confidence that it took me half a lifetime to develop.
9. Why do you think so many women lose themselves a little bit when they become a mum? What’s your advice to them?
I used to deeply resent being referred to as ‘the triplets’ mother’! We do get defined by our kids and it is easy to lose your identity. One tip I used was to write down key skills and career achievements from my pre-baby days. It was a useful reminder some days and became something I enjoyed adding new things to as the business grew.
10. Describe your life now. Talk us through a typical day…
This year my life has changed dramatically as I’ve started two new businesses. The first is a self-publishing division of Accent Press called Octavo Book Publishing & Marketing Services. The other is Octavo, a book shop, café and wine bar in a beautiful old Georgian pub in Cardiff Bay. The area is home to upmarket residents and office workers and it’s a real creative hub. There was a real gap in the market for a book café so I seized the opportunity. Octavo is a wonderful place to promote and sell Accent authors and also, through running writing workshops and book groups, a place to attract new customers to our Octavo publishing services.
My day involves overseeing all three companies but I will usually start my day at the café. It’s a great place for meetings and we also have a lot of events there. I love checking the book sales and ordering in new titles and stock for the shop. Then I’ll head up to our main offices where I employ twenty staff. These include managers, editors, designers and sales and marketing. We’ll have meeting about new titles, cover designs etc and I’ll also be working on other aspects of the business. I then usually go back to the café for the last hour or two before it shuts at 7pm.
Hazel with a prize hamper after Octavo won Bookshop of the Month
11. What passion projects are you currently working on?
There’s the possibility of a TV series using a similar format to The Great British Bake Off but for writers. The ultimate prize will be a publishing deal – I’m hoping that comes off as I think it would really appeal to both readers and writers.
12. What is it you are looking for when a manuscript lands on your desk?
The key is that it must hook the reader in very quickly. I have the attention span of a tea bag so am a great test for this. If I don’t read beyond page three then I’m afraid it’s rejected.
13. What have been your biggest highlights in the last year or two?
I think growing the company so I now have a structured management team. I have been able to step away slightly and let them move the company forward. For so many years I was the one trying to make it all happen that it is great to see how they work together, their commitment and pride in the business. Not only have my kids grown up but my business has too!
After winning Best Small Business at the Merthyr Tydfil Business Awards, Wales, UK (Hazel in centre)
14. What’s your ultimate dream?
I love helping other women and would like to develop a business network to empower entrepreneurs. I like talking about my journey and the fact that you can run a business without MBA’s or formal training. In fact, I’m the proud owner of an ungraded Maths O’level and I am dyslexic – these are things that have helped me learn to overcome challenges and I’d like to help others to do that too.
15. What advice would you give mums who want to do what they love but aren’t sure what that means to them in their life, or how to go about it?
Just do it. This isn’t a practice run at life and you never get that hour, day or week back. Do your research, asks lots of questions, write a business plan but ultimately – just do it!
For more information about Hazel visit the Accent Press website. You can also check out ‘How to Be a Million Pound Mum’ Hazel’s inspirational business audiobook series aimed at mothers who dream of running their own business HERE.
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