Self Starter

Remember when you day dreamed as a kid? Fantasising about your future and what you wanted to do with your life? For Trevor Williams, these dreams began as a 16 year old sketching out his ideal gym and through a number of twists and turns over the years, Trevor never let go of what he wanted. Incrementally he built his skills, experience and reputation to a point where he was able to launch Estr Gym, his very own gym in Broken Hill about 4 and a half years ago.Like most of us, the path we take is never a straight or easy one. Trevor used his time between jobs and downtime from working in the mines to gradually work on building a community through personal training. He also worked for others in the fitness industry to gain experience and knowledge so that when he was ready to embark on his own, he had the tools and experience to do so.As a personal trainer, Trevor was able to use his face to face relationships with his clients to build commitments and buy in for the launch of his gym. He has also used his exper

Ronnie Lowe is the Founder and Managing Director of Viridian IT, based in Bendigo with additional offices in Swan Hill and Seymour in regional Victoria. The business started out in 2007 under the name 'Callout Computers' which was a bit of an after hours business that Ronnie had created when he was working as a Computer Technician at Harvey Norman. While he was working his traditional job, Ronnie had found that many of the customers calling in to seek help with their computers didn't want to actually bring their computers into the store to be looked at.As the service didn't exist at the time, Ronnie found an opportunity to create something on the side and address a problem that customer's were having. Years on and changing the name to Viridian IT in 2012, the team provides hardware and software support for clients throughout regional Victoria and also for clients as far away as Queensland. The progress of connectivity and technology has seen the demand for their services increase. As a result Viridan expanded

We have to start somewhere! The Self Starter podcast kicks off with a brief introductory episode which runs through a bit of context and story behind what Self Starter is as well as what to expect over the coming months.To begin with, we will be focusing on one episode per fortnight with additional content being created and shared in between.I’d love to hear from you as Self Starter grows as this is about you as much as myself. We’re all learning from each other and trying to create our own desirable lifestyle (I’m going to say that A LOT).Before I wrap this entry up, please have a quick read below which is the extract taken from the ‘About’ page of this website. I’m sure this will continue to be refined as Self Starter grows, but this is where we begin.Looking froward to you all coming along for the journey!

I’m interrupting your regularly scheduled Self Starter program with a side hustle episode. I’m not sure what I’ll call these types of episodes just yet but I want to give you all some more ideas of how to earn some extra money. Not everyone has the desire to completely immerse themselves in the self employment world or they’re ready but there are plenty of ways to ease in and get a feel of the what the possibilities may be by earning small amounts of money on the side. Who wouldn’t want to earn a little extra money? And it’s even better when it’s something you enjoy.So have you heard of Twitch? Twitch is a live streaming video platform which launched in 2011 as primarily a video gaming platform. Over the years however its been utilised by all sorts of people doing things that they are passionate about such as music, art and other forms of entertainment. I’ve even been made aware of a guy who video streams his turtles, which you’ll hear more about in this episode.Personally for me I don’t know a great deal abo

Arron Kidston and A.K. Gardening & Maintenance is the case study that underpins what Self Starter is all about. Creating the business, 10 October 2017, Arron started small and with very little experience apart from some guidance from his father.Buying second hand equipment and hitting the footpaths to do flyer drops, talking to the local community, Arron has taken a simple and periodic approach to building his business from the ground up.Within months of getting started, Arron has built steady clientele, expanded his services (listening and meeting the local demands) and has been honoured through the local Rotary community group. This early success has built a reputation of reliability and trust in the area which will lead to future return business.Arron’s story is the type of inspiration I had behind creating Self Starter. It’s the perfect example of creating your own desirable lifestyle with the tools you have at your disposal. Starting small, being patient and simple taking on that Self Starter attitud

Yarnsy's Cafe in Tarrawanna opened its doors in January 2017. Since launch the cafe has seen considerable success in a booming Illawarra/Wollongong area. Jariss Shead and co-owner Thomas Bailey have gradually evolved the business into a multi-functional space to cater for not only the local coffee and cafe crowd but also local artists and musicians to celebrate and nurture local talent.The popularity of the cafe has helped compliment and arguably added value the area. With the recent opening of a local beer brewer next door, Yarnsy's is working collaboratively not only with them but the other businesses in the area to ensure that not only are they benefiting but the customers also get a value added experience.I sat down with Jariss in the spacious and chilled open court area at the cafe to talk about the concept, where the inspiration and idea came from, his personal inexperience in running a business and what he did to make it all happen.What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;1. Find the

Sandra Pires is a Multi platform producer and director of Why Documentaries, based in Wollongong. The name was actually first registered in the year 2000 because Sandra needed to create a business name/ABN to get paid for a job. Since then Why Documentaries has gradually evolved into a reputable, award winning business and has become a driving force in creating content with purpose.The business specialises in video production, DVD duplication, corporate and commercial video services. A large focus on that is around Australian history documentaries and multicultural marketing which is where a lot of Sandra's passionate work comes to the surface. Her background in journalism also gave exposure to the freelancer/contractor lifestyle which helped in the earlier stages of creating the business.Sandra is full of great quotes as well as moments of inspiration, resilience and persistence. The chosen line of work that Why Documentaries takes means that there is always a degree of challenge and friction that a lot of o

Syd Green of MonoNest Studio is a freelance musician and music producer who began recording artists on the South Coast of New South Wales in Sanctuary Point around 10 years ago. Syd's background in music is extensive playing in bands such as Mantissa and Iota in the 90s and these days playing with 19Twenty.This episode is an edited/focused version of a longer chat I had with Syd that's featured on episode 124 of The Andy Social Podcast. In this Self Starter episode, however, you will hear us focusing more on MonoNest and the evolution of his business and the approach he takes with the clients/artists that he works with.Now you might think that a music producer and studio may not draw a lot of parallels in your own self employment journey, however I encourage you to listen with an open mind. The great thing about Self Starter is that it's about sharing best practices across all industries and professions. This encourages innovation and a point of difference in your own pond.If you want to learn more about some

Some of us have developed expertise and specialised skills but remain restricted within the confines of an employer. Ellen Thornthwaite of Feel Good Financial Services was working for a large bank for several years and realised there were many things about the corporate culture that didn't sit well with her. Overtime, Ellen made the decision to leave the banking sector, taking her experience and skills learnt to begin working with a mortgage broker as a contractor, learning what life can be like being self employed.Over this time Ellen learnt a lot about being self employed and picking up knowledge outside of her prior experience in banking. This led to the decision to launch her own business in February 2018 called Feel Good Financial Services. The business provides a number of different support options for the Sydney and South Coast regions ranging from first home purchases, reverse mortgages, asset & equipment finance, defence home ownership assistance scheme loans, business loans and more.Ellen has bl

Wollongong City Ghost Tours - Inspiration comes from unusual and unexpected places.When Craig Bloxsome was asked by his children to take them on a local ghost tour in Tasmania, Craig could not have predicted where this fun family outing would take him.Having years under his belt as a Social Worker and at the time as a Program Manager for an aged care facility, Craig wasn't exactly thinking about starting up a ghost tour business. That ghost tour however created a light bulb moment and resurfaced a life long interest in the paranormal.Creating a Facebook page not long after in a hope to reconnect his interests in the supernatural, it wasn't long before the idea of starting his own ghost tours became a reality.Fast forward through a successful stint operating in Tasmania which led to the sale of his ghostly business, Craig has returned back to his home on the South Coast (born and raised) where he launched Wollongong City Ghost Tours. In it's short time in operation, the business has seen a positive response an

Phyco Health's founder Pia Winberg is a marine ecologist based in the Shoalhaven and created her business in the hope of the western world, and in particular Australia, finally catching up with the east when it comes to seaweed farming, which is already a 6 billion dollar industry. The health benefits of seaweed in our [...] The post Episode 11 - When Science and Business Collide With Phyco Health appeared first on Self Starter.

The Dog & Monocle in Nowra was formed out of friendship and a passion for belonging. Owners Carley and Tess have known each other since they were kids and while their backgrounds are vastly different (Carley being a Clinical Psychologist and Tess a Chef for almost 2 decades), the two have come together over their [...] The post Episode 10 - Daring To Be Different with The Dog & Monocle Nowra appeared first on Self Starter.

Niche Massage Nowra was created out a need to balance family and self fulfilment. As business owner Amy explains; When her husband was deployed overseas for 7 months through the Defence Force and a new born having recently arrived, Amy had two choices. Either sit by and feel upset about it or use the time [...] The post Episode 9 - Operating In Your Zone With Niche Massage Nowra appeared first on Self Starter.

Sometimes the path to self employment is not out of choice but rather circumstance. Michelle Milward had found herself out of work and overqualified for new employment. Being in a regional area on any normal day, opportunities for traditional employment are quite limited. Combine that with skills exceeding the expectations of the job openings and [...] The post Episode 8 - Seizing Opportunity With Swabbin' The Decks Cleaning Services appeared first on Self Starter.

Livewire Studios Ulladulla has pioneered the space of performance and personal development in the Shoalhaven region by providing a variety of services based around owner K-m's 25 years of professional experience in theatre performance. Not limited to theatre alone, Livewire runs various workshops and services ranging from writing, poetry, puppetry, and improve to public speaking, [...] The post Episode 7 - A Gap in the Market Performance with Livewire Studios Ulladulla appeared first on Self Starter.

Milton local Karin Neate has been running L'escargot Ivre Photography & Graphic Design from home for the past 5 years. The business supplies a number of different services to individuals as well as other local businesses ranging from Photography, Graphic Design, Marketing and much more including her Girl Friday assistant side hustle. Karin has blended [...] The post Episode 6 - Winning the Work/Life Balance at Home with L'escargot Ivre Photography & Graphic Design in Milton appeared first on Self Starter.

When the Berry Bypass officially opened in July 2017, there were a mixture of feelings in the local area. A high volume of traffic was now being diverted around the small and quaint south coast town, which for years had been known as a routine stopping point for visitors wanting to buy a gift, grab [...] The post Episode 5 - Bypassing Fear and Giving it a Go with Berry Mountain Cycles appeared first on Self Starter.

When worlds collide. Grow Hard Garden Centre in Bomaderry on the South Coast of New South Wales is placing an emphasis on combining the traditional business model of selling plants and garden related products with education, technology and...mmmm, beer. Owner Johny Vynes had found himself at a cross road. On his way to inspect a [...] The post Episode 4 - Plants, Apps and Beer with Grow Hard Garden Centre Bomaderry appeared first on Self Starter.

When you only make $60 on your first day in business, you could find yourself wondering whether you made the right decision or not. Luckily for Stevino Vinetti of Italian Guild in Milton, he had a long term vision and his first day of operation out of his mobile coffee van was only the beginning [...] The post Episode 3 - From 60 Dollars of First Day Takings to a Profitable Licensed Restaurant with Italian Guild in Milton appeared first on Self Starter.

Deciding to open a shop can be a daunting process. Especially if you have no idea how the local area will respond to it. Not only do you have the upfront cost of getting the entire business up and running, but the projected returns are a real unknown and could be met with tears if [...] The post Episode 2 - Scaling from a Market Stall to a Two Store Operation with Kiki - The Hippie Shop appeared first on Self Starter.