2020 is 2010 all over again

2010 was much like 2020 for me- life came to a screeching halt in more ways than one. My chapter as the National Manager of the fashion brand Ed Hardy Australia, UK & NZ ended as horrifically as the company’s liquidation- I was left stranded in the UK after working there for 3 weeks, with travel expenses accumulated on my personal credit card. You don’t need an economics degree to understand the damage of the British pound. To leave the hotel, I needed to pay the accommodation. Signing that credit card receipt, I almost threw up on the front desk attendant- I knew I would never be reimbursed, nor for my flight or other work-related expenses. So, with a $10,000 debt that wasn’t even mine and no income, I got my ass on a flight out of Heathrow back home.

Like many, work was a big part of my life. In fact, it was my life. And I loved it. It stung that I gave so much to a business and people that literally shit on me (and a long line of others mind you) and I had the constant reminder of a credit card debt that wasn’t even mine. I needed a job. And I needed to pay that distressing debt.

I would like to clarify that the business I was cheated by, was an Australian licensed distribution branch of the US company and the above has nothing to do with the US corporate head office or licensees- I worked very closely with these people who were often friends and more like family, which to this day, I value. What I experienced in my role could never be taught, for the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier phenomenon I was a part of was no text book lecture. More of that on another blog.

We find ourselves in a time where COVID-19 has handbraked our livelihoods, our careers. And just like my 2010 moment, many of us are wondering what to do next. Where is that next pay cheque coming from? It has been amazing to see how innovative some businesses have adapted to the recent government changes and rather inspiring, that many businesses have now been born.

I have been fortunate to become friends with many clients and contacts through my career and Australian media personality, Tania Zaetta (TZ), was no exception. To think I would watch Tania host Who Dares Wins on TV as a kid and that one day, I would be photographed with her and people asked if we were related- must be those European genes and that sister-like, work bestie bond because you won’t find me in a 5 meter radius of the TZ- machine in her bikini! I needed some time out and I needed a plan- Tania generously invited me to stay at her Gold Coast apartment and that’s exactly what I did. I enjoyed some salt water, much needed sunshine and a change of scenery. My anxiety was suffocating me and TZ came to the rescue. I practically needed to be surgically removed from the giant bean bag on her balcony. I left that getaway discovering 3 things:

1. That I now drank black coffee in the morning (yes, I am a Greek with a later in life coffee obsession)

2. That I wanted to work for myself and create my own brand

3. Kindness does come back to you when least expected and often when most needed.

I briefed my good friend Albie, a graphic designer, and before the weekend was done, I had a logo that represented me and a plan of what I set out to do. Back to Melbourne, with a tan and plan, I went.

So why did I start Material Girl PR?

1. I had the opportunity- nothing like being forced into a new chapter. If not then or now, when?

2. I wanted to be my own brand- I wanted to love my work and do for my business what I do for my clients.

3. I wanted to prolong my contacts- my networking from my first job, connected me to my second job which meant I had to make a new connection, often with the same contacts, for my own business.

4. I was too traumatised to work for someone else- I was is no hurry to work for someone else after Armageddon was dropped on my head and credit card in London.

5. I wanted to grow with like-minded entrepreneurs- with the rise of social media, I was on the same page with other start-ups, growing and working, together.

While I have had the freedom and self-pride of working for myself many business start-ups will often tell you it’s not always rainbows and butterflies- it’s a massive step out of your comfort zone. There’s often no routine and work, which means income, can be inconsistent. No routine- do you know what that does to a Capricorn brain like mine?

I was not in the brain space to enter the rat-race, conventional job cycle just because that is what is expected of me or because I had bills to pay- and Dad, if you are reading this, hi. I will get to my Year 12 completion and change of university studying 6 months in, on a later blog. The beauty of my entrepreneurial opportunity is that I took control of my career, my destiny, to make decisions for me. And 10 years later, here I am, with my own brand, my own business, still making decisions for me.

Perhaps now is the forced time for you to re-evaluate your career or just even life. Do what you love while you can. Do consider your income and lifestyle potential. Bring that idea you have always had to life. Even if it’s not a full-blown business- it may be a hobby or passion you have neglected. But above all, make choices that make you happy, even when it’s not so easy.

Let me know if you’d like to brainstorm an idea or if you’d like to know what’s involved with starting up your own business by messaging me: www.materialgirlpr.com.au/contact

And if you’re wondering, I was never reimbursed the money from Business Review Weekly’s 6th fastest growing, multi-million-dollar Australian company that I worked my regular salary- ass off for. Good times, classic hits.

Best wishes,

Nicole x

Some photo memories over the years with Tania and of course

THE bean bag!

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