Tell us a little about the person behind the business? My name is Donna, we live in Brisbane, Im married, mum of 2 boys 4 and 1 with another baby on the way (due in July). I grew up in Sydney, traveled the world when I was 19…lived and worked in London for 3 years, came back to live in Adelaide, decided to study Advertising and Graphic Design, met my husband, moved to Brisbane and have been here for 7 years. Im a qualified Graphic Designer with over 10 years industry experience.
And now a little about the business itself? I specialize in corporate branding and print based advertising. Because of my many years as an inhouse graphic designer I have a lot of really great printing contacts as well as a lot of knowledge of printing. I offer a the whole package from an idea…right through to printing and delivery. I pride myself on being professional and strive to keep my clients looking professional as well.
How did you come up with your business name? donnas|creations… obvious choice, I guess!
What made you want to begin a WAH business and how did you get started? Definitely the work the work life balance, but when we found out I was expecting my 3rd baby, working full-time and having the kids in daycare full-time was not an option but I did’nt want to give up my career that I had studied so hard for. My Husband had been telling me for years I should go freelance, So I took the plunge and donnas| creations was born! At first I thought I would focus on something more creative and started out doing invitations… But I soon realized that I was not being true to my training as a graphic designer, and went back to my professional roots and offer my services to business owners who want to get serious about their image and advertising.
What motivates you to keep your business going? Sometimes thats hard, especially with all the competition out there… but I stay focused and I dont try and be something Im not! I do what I do, and I do it well, yes there are plenty of people out there that are cheaper than I am, but most dont have the experience and knowledge that I have! At the end of the day you get what you pay for! But, I stay motivated because I love what I do Im extremely passionate about design, and you know what they say… if you love what you do you never work a day in your life!
Do you have a current best-selling product or service? Probably my logos and advertising flyers… And the fact that all my printing is done in Australia at very competitive rates. SUPPORT AUSTRALIA!!!
How do you advertise your business and which methods have proven more successful? Facebook mainly, I have an ad running on the connect 2 mums site too as well as Support a WAHP. But the best form of advertising for me had been word of mouth and thats freeeee!!
How do you juggle your family and your WAH business? Any tips for other WAHPs? My kiddies are in daycare 3 days a week, at the moment. But I also have the most amazingly supportive husband, And I really couldn’t have done it without him!! (love you babe!!xx) Unfortunately dont have any family up here in Brisbane so it just the 2 of us for support. (we dont get out much!)
And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a WAH business? DO IT DO IT DO IT!!! you will never look back!! its the hardest, most scariest thing ever!!! …but also the most rewarding! And I have never worked so hard in my life (for not even close to the same amount of money) but just to be home with my family and do what I love makes it all worth it! and Im kind of loving being my own boss!!
Website: http://www.donnnascreations.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/donnas-creations/64320283233
If you have had the pleasure of dealing with donnas | creations, please feel free to leave a review below.
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Great interview Donna, where in Sydney did you grow up? You are doing an awesome business and family wise!