I Made a Thing

Claire Robinson never imagined she would be so focused each day on bridging generational divides. But it’s hard to imagine a more perfect fit. Although Claire started out working in Public Relations, her CV grew to include additions from tech giants Google and EA Games. Claire was also passionate about volunteering in South Africa and later Australia. But ultimately, it would be COVID that was the turning point for Claire and the start of Basic Tech. This education-based business focuses on empowering the senior demographic with the tech knowledge they need to be confident and independent in our digital world. 

“Overcoming mental blocks about your abilities, even when you have your own business can be particularly difficult. You've got to keep reminding yourself that you are running your own race and constantly reflect back on how far you've come.” Claire Robinson of Basic Tech

What we chat about

• Running your own race and dealing with imposter syndrome in the male-dominated tech space
• The importance and power of networking as a business founder 
• Balancing altruistic passions with a profitable business
• Working with a mix of one-on-one and group clients 
• Organising and raising money to start a business including utilising grants 
• The crucial act of making time for yourself to have fun when you’re a busy founder

“I know that volunteering will always take precedence over money for me. So it's not always easy to find the balance again.” Claire Robinson of Basic Tech

More from Claire Robinson of Basic Tech

https://www.basictech.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/BasicTech4U 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/basictech4seniors

More from Host Sophia

https://linktr.ee/sophiamartine_strategist 

Help like-minded people find us 

Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcast

‍Connect with the IMAT community

How did your path to business take an unexpected turn? Do you want to incorporate giving back to the community as part of your business model? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed.

‍

Speak soon,

Sophia

Macchi & Matcha was born from both need and desire, Megan needed a business she could run from home while juggling study and family commitments. Megan also wanted to channel her passion for barista-quality beverages from the comfort of her home. Megan has created the e-commerce store Macchi & Matcha from her home in Karratha, Pilbara in Northern Western Australia. 

“The more you're able to make your brand around your ideal customer, the more of them you will attract.” Megan Pagel of Macchi & Matcha 

What we chat about

• Choosing a business idea when you've got lots swimming in your head
• Bringing different skills together to create a business 
• Finding and attracting the right customers when you don’t live in a big city
• Articulating your branding with the help of ideal customers
• Deciding what products to stock when you love them but they’re not right for your brand
• Practical and realistic tips for success with TikTok and Facebook groups. Shout out to Tyla TikTok Strategist @stylasocials 

“There are products I look at and I think I'd love to stock this, but I consider is it in line with my brand? Is it going to be in line with what I'm doing right now?”

More from Megan Pagel of Macchi & Matcha

https://macchiandmatcha.com/

https://www.instagram.com/macchi.and.matcha/

https://www.tiktok.com/@macchi.and.matcha 

More from Host Sophia

https://linktr.ee/sophiamartine_strategist 

Help like-minded people find us 

Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcast

Connect with the IMAT community

How have you brought together unique skills to create a business? Did you start an e-commerce business in a regional part of Australia? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed. 

Speak soon,

Sophia 

5: It takes a village with stylist Kerrie, Part 2

Kerrie Carucci, a leading Australian stylist, is back on the IMAT podcast sharing style and business wisdom. Based in Brisbane, Kerrie gives us a glimpse into the day in the life of a personal and editorial fashion stylist. Missed part 1? Go back and listen before diving into this episode. 

In part 2, Kerrie provides detailed insights (with no sugar coating) into the realities of starting and running a styling business. Kerrie explains how fundamental her support network, both professional and personal, has been in business. 

Kerrie discusses why it was so important to reframe what success is for her life and business. And we go deep on practical methods for managing the sometimes toxic but unavoidable comparison trap for small business owners using social media. 

 

“I'm under the firm belief, you can either do fewer things to an absolute, incredible level, or you do a lot of things that are just going to be okay” Kerrie Carucci

What we chat about

• How a corporate career offers transferrable skills into a creative business
• Kerrie’s ‘pricing mirror method’ and how to use this same behaviour test for stying choices
• The comparison trap as a creative in the fashion industry and practical tips to manage it 
• The role of support and business mentors for Kerrie
• How Kerrie chooses to measure success 
• Kerrie’s journey to developing a decision-making and leadership style

“If you are listening to this and you're thinking about making the shift, there's no reason to tell you that it's all going to be rosy 100% of the time, it's really not. You're going to have face-down moments, and you're going to question why am I even doing this? Is this really something that I am purposely driven by? Am I passionate about it? Is this worth it?” Kerrie Carucci

More from Kerrie

 

Website

 

Instagram

TikTok

 

 

More from Host Sophia

 

Website

 

Instagram

 

LinkedIn 

 

 

Help like-minded people find us

 

Loving the I Made a Thing Podcast? Make sure you rate or review, follow on your podcast app and Instagram @imadeathingpodcast

 

Connect with the IMAT community

 
Do you suffer from the comparison trap? Are you thinking about making the leap from a corporate career to a creative business?
Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed. 

 

 

Speak soon,

 

Sophia 

Effort trumps price with stylist Kerrie, Part 1

Kerrie Carucci, a leading Australian stylist, is back on the IMAT podcast sharing style and business wisdom. Based in Brisbane, Kerrie gives us a glimpse into the day in the life of a personal and editorial fashion stylist. Kerrie shares her business tips for tapping into your purpose for an authentic and sustainable business. Kerrie explains how the four pillars of style help to define your professional style and business brand. 

The episode has been split into two parts, so subscribe on your podcast app or keep an eye out on Instagram @imadeathingpodcast for part 2. 

“When you are in alignment, you become magnetic because there is this authentic, raw passion that you speak.” Kerrie Carucci

What we chat about

• The day in the life of a fashion stylist
• The magnetic power of purpose for a sustainable business
• Communicating how you want to be perceived with the help of style
• Kerrie shares the four pillars of style
• Price tags aren’t as important, as effort is to your brand, business and style 

 

“There are no rules around your personal style and there's no one size fits all. We're not shaped in a certain way because everyone is so beautifully unique.” Kerrie Carucci

 

More from Kerrie

 

Website

 

Instagram

TikTok

 

 

More from Host Sophia

 

Website

 

Instagram

 

LinkedIn 

 

 

Help like-minded people find us

 

If you love what you’re hearing on I Made a Thing Podcast, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. Thanks so much! 

 

 

Connect with the IMAT community

 
Do you struggle with your sense of style? How did you figure out how you wanted to show up as part of your brand in business?
Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed. 

 

 

Speak soon,

 

Sophia 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Georgia’s purpose 

Georgia never thought a panic attack would be pivotal in her business journey. Reflecting on how this confronting event and the 15 years working for a legal firm and real estate agencies ultimately shaped Georgia’s virtual assistance business. 

IMAT podcast is proud to present our interview with Georgia Anne Virtual Assistant recorded in September 2021. 

“Even though you can work long hours in your own business, I wanted a kind of freedom and flexibility that you can only get when it’s your own. I saw the opportunity, and if I can work this hard for someone, then imagine what I can do for myself.” Georgia Anne Virtual Assistant

What we chat about

• Overcoming networking nerves and making connections online and in-person
• How to engage the right virtual assistant
• Core skills you need if you want to be a professional assistant 
• Coping with the comparison trap when you spend a lot of time online
• Building your pricing confidence and understanding your worth

 

“Start talking to people and ask questions. Because it's not the courses or programs that I've done. It's surrounding myself with the right people that has helped me the most in business.” Georgia Anne Virtual Assistant

More from Georgia

 

Linkedin

 

Instagram

More from Host Sophia

 

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Help like-minded people find us

 

If you love what you’re hearing on the i made a thing podcast, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. Thanks so much! 

 

 

Connect with the IMAT community

 

How long did it take you to find and connect with your purpose? What advice would you give someone starting out? Let us know over on the IMAT Instagram feed. 

 

 

Speak soon,

 

Sophia

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Whitney the brave

Whitney Hartmann has a niche in the beauty industry; natural brow restoration. But before specialisation, Whitney had a dream that she thought would bring her happiness, money and maybe even fame. But it wasn’t until she nearly ‘made it’ that she realised what she thought she wanted wasn’t the right fit. 

“I wanted to be this successful makeup artist. I wanted to do editorial runway. I had that image, that's what I want. Once I was actually doing all the things that I thought I wanted to do, I didn't feel content and I couldn't figure out why.” Whitney Hartmann  

What we chat about 

• Pursuing a childhood dream (and then deciding to let it go)
• Working in a big, fast-paced city
• Going against your industry norms and completing overseas study 
• Sticking to business decisions, even if means turning down Amy Shark
• Our bodies health limits (even in our twenties) 

“When you're living in the city, you're very much caught up in the rat race and you're climbing the ladder no matter what industry you're in because that's the energy in a big city. If you don't take those opportunities, someone else's waiting in the wings to take those. So if you really want to be successful down there, you've got to be open and available to all of the things that you want.” Whitney Hartmann.  

More from Whitney Hartmann 

Instagram  

Facebook  

More from Host Sophia

 

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn 

Help like-minded people find us

If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing podcast, please subscribe and take a moment to leave a rating on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with the IMAT community

Have you bucked trends in your industry? How did it turn out? Let us know on the IMAT Instagram feed. 

 

Speak soon,

Sophia 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Kerrie Carucci finds her magic

In our first interview of Season 2, I speak with Kerrie Carucci. A Brisbane based stylist, who shares her journey from working in engineering to crafting her own business as an editorial and campaign stylist, content creator and speaker.  

“I started to investigate and come back to what my core values were. What my hobbies were and what I would really even enjoy. Because I'd gotten so far into my career that I'd lost myself in trying to fit into this box.” Kerrie Carucci. 

What we chat about

• Growing up in Far North Queensland
• Working in male-dominated workplaces
• A practical and strategic mindset can be successful in a creative industry 
• The importance of taking time to figure out what brings you satisfaction, excitement and gets the creative juices flowing
• Recognising your transferable skills 
• Taking a chance on yourself 

“I'm a believer that we have a feeling and it's something little. And little reminders will keep coming up in life, and if you follow that feeling, then that's where the true magic happens.”  Kerrie Carucci. 

More from Kerrie Carucci 

Website 

Instagram  

TikTok

More from Host Sophia

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn 

Help like-minded people find us

 

If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing podcast, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

 

Get links to resources and the full show notes at   www.imadeathingpodcast.com

 

 

Connect with the IMAT community

 

Have you or are you planning to make a big shift in your career? Let us know on our Instagram feed. 

 

 

Speak soon,

 

Sophia 

What we learnt in 2019

Do you set aside time to reflect on the year passed?

Do you believe in the seasons of business? 

Is it ever OK to quit? 

And when should you listen to your ego?

“I stopped focusing on what I looked like, my sales, my following. Instead, I showed up and stayed true to what I had planned. And that's how I removed all the ego and stress around my launch.”

- Rachel Kurzyp

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The importance of reflecting on the year ahead and year passed
• When you should listen to your ego and when you should ignore it
• The eight seasons of business and how to know what season you’re in
• Why looking after your physical + mental health should be a priority
• When should you park a project and how do you talk about your decision
• How to quieten your inner critic + self doubt
• Using your values to help you say yes or no to opportunities

Get links to resources and the full show notes at   www.imadeathingpodcast.com

“We are trying to build something that is sustainable for the long term. So if we flog ourselves and try and win the popularity contest, what are we really achieving?” 

- Sophia Colquhoun

Quick questions for you

Have you ever stopped a project or given up on an idea halfway through? Have you ever suffered from “business” exhaustion? Let us know on our Instagram feed. 

Help like-minded people find us

If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment over on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks so much!

Speak soon,

 

Rachel + Sophia 

Client management

Is the client always right?

Should you go above and beyond to keep your clients happy? Is it ever OK to fire a client? 

“You need to treat yourself like a business not just someone with a laptop. Once you switch your mindset, you will be more confident and the decisions will be easier.”

- Rachel Kurzyp

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is Client Management?
• What skills are key and when does mindset matter?
• The processes you should put in place to make the work go smoothly. 
• Who are nightmare clients and how do we decide if they are worth the hassle?
• Should you ever fire a client? And how to handle this delicate situation. 
• How to create a dream and nightmare client persona. 
• Our client stories and our practical tips for successful client management. 

“So many of us, particularly when we first starting out, we might not have a lot experience leading, or being the boss, or being a manger...so we default to the employee / employer style relationship. So there’s an unequal distribution of power and the client becomes like a tyrant. But you need an equal level of power so you can contribute your best work.”

- Sophia Colquhoun

Help like-minded people find us

If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment. Thanks so much!

Get links to resources and the full show notes at   www.imadeathingpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram  @imadeathingpodcast 

Speak soon,

 

Rachel + Sophia 

Ageism

What impact does age have for small business owners and women in business? 

Can you use your age as an advantage?

Should you keep your age a secret?

“I think you need to be prepared to leave situations and let go of clients who don't respect your age, your processes and your way of doing things.” 

- Rachel Kurzyp

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is the difference between age, experience and wisdom?
• How relevant is age?
• Do you need to have 10 years of experience before you are entitled to start a business? What about a family? Living overseas?
• How do you deal when someone asks, “how old are you?”
• Should you make yourself seem older? Or broadcast your age on your business platforms?
• Can you use your age to your advantage?

“I did have some concerns about people looking at that photo and saying ‘oh a young female she can’t know anything so I won’t work with her’ but that hasn’t been my experience because my ideal client isn't a d!ck. ” 

- Sophia Colquhoun

Help like-minded people find us

If you love what you’re hearing on i made a thing pod, please take just a few seconds to leave a rating and / or comment. Thanks so much!

Get links to resources and the full show notes at   www.imadeathingpodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram  @imadeathingpodcast 

Speak soon,

 

Rachel + Sophia