Can you describe your business in one or two sentences?
I build websites for established people who’ve already built something real, and are ready to hand the online side of it to someone who can do it properly.
What drove you to start your business/get involved in this industry?
I love storytelling and I’ve wanted to work for myself for as long as I can remember. When I discovered I had a knack for coding – I thought – let’s give this a real shot.
What do you love about running your business?
My husband and I decided to have just one more (baby) in 2021 – we had a 9 and 12 year old at the time – and the universe sent us triplets! This forced us to really evaluate our lifestyle, and we had to make the hard (but really only) choice for one of us to stay home. I’d been on the fence wanting to start my own business for a long time and while taking care of the kids, completing my masters in a new field (tech), I decided there was no better time to try then now!
What have been some of your biggest challenges?
I wanted to be an entrepreneur for so long, I never lacked ideas or skills, but I felt shackled 1. by the golden handcuffs – working in a corporate role for 14 years getting paid well, with plenty of opportunities, development and autonomy and 2. feeling like I had to replace my salary before I could take the leap. I struggled with self confidence and spent most of the time doubting whether I could do it, if I would be good enough – all the things. It wasn’t until I was studying my masters, surrounded by super smart and capable people, that I realised I had what it takes. Learning a new trade essentially over 18 months and excelling at what I was doing, something finally clicked and without the shackles of the corporate life holding be back I finally backed myself.
What is your biggest ambition?
For YourHQ I want to capture 1% of the market I set out to break into. That was the 47% of SME’s in NZ that didn’t have a website, then broken down into three industries (tradies, creatives, professionals). That gave me a pool of 65,000 – so my north star was to sign up and build 650 websites! I’ve been asked before if I think that is realistic, but I’m an optimist and I think hey – out of that 65,000 – how hard can 650 be! I’ve since focused my target audience to be more defined – but also not restricted to NZ, which changes that available market but I’m keeping 650 firm in my mind.
What does success look like to you?
Ultimately, having the freedom to choose how I spend my time.
That will change with the seasons of life, but right now that means being able to work from anywhere (I’d love to take my family abroad to experience other cultures) and being able to make new memories and experiences with my kids.
If you had to walk away from the company tomorrow, what would you be most proud of?
I’m an early stage founder, but I still have a lot to be proud of if I left today. The biggest thing has been starting slowly, using the time that I had while I was studying, to test out the market and then using what I learnt to get crystal clear. In the past I may have just given up when things didn’t work out from day one – but now I’m bringing curiosity with me everywhere I go and I’m way more open to being wrong and learning from feedback and what my target audience/friends/family/networ
Who inspires you and why?
My husband and kids are the reason I work so hard and try to do things that I love. I want them to know they can enjoy the work they do and that it’s okay to change careers! I am living proof.
Otherwise, I’m very inspired by people who show up for themselves! That might be in business, health and fitness or general life. I really admire people who set big goals they have no idea how to achieve and then get to work. I love a good story of adversity and overcoming barriers and challenges.
What growth have you experienced being in New Zealand Businesswomen?
It’s been fantastic. I had been working/studying from home and I knew I needed to get out there more and start talking to people. I was having business coaching and it didn’t matter who I spoke to, all roads led to networking. When my friend Chloe, suggested I come along to check out the group, I thought hey why not give it a go. And I signed up that week. I’ve made some great connections already and I am looking forward to getting to know more of the wider network.
What’s your favourite pastime when you are not working?
I love getting into nature for walks, going to the gym, having coffee and lunch with friends. I am a big rugby fan, watching and playing when I can. I also love listening to and reading fantasy books, big epic world building sagas!
