small business tips

A Little Light is a finalist in the 2019 Ausmumpreneur Awards!

Drumroll please….. I am thrilled to announce that I’ve been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Ausmumpreneur Awards for Handmade Businesses! It’s not easy or natural for me to ‘sell’ myself or what I do, but looking back over the past 18 years of A Little Light, I felt I had a story to share,… Read more »

5 Insider Tips for Successfully Wholesaling Your Handmade Products

I started my business with great passion and a big dose of optimism, but absolutely no relevant experience.  I knew next to nothing about the gifts & homewares industry.  I had never worked in a retail store.  Terms like ‘merchandising’ and ‘PoS’ meant absolutely nothing to me.  Looking back, I realise that a lot of… Read more »

Tips for Time Management

I think it’s fair to say that I’ve made almost every mistake possible in running my small business. Sadly, I don’t feel destined to be the next billionaire entrepreneur. I’m an artist, not a business mogul. I run my business as an expression of my creativity, and as a way of creating the life that… Read more »

Make your small business idea happen now

One of the best things you can do for the future success of your business is to start trialing it now. A successful business requires not just a strong idea, but planning and research. While understanding your costs, margins and bottom line will be important in the long term, dipping your toe into the market… Read more »

Photo shoot with a professional photographer

With the prevalence of smart phones and DSLR cameras these days, it’s easy to think that anyone can take professional photos.  Instagram filters, free editing programs and the lovely thrill of having your posts ‘liked’ give us so much encouragement to think that there isn’t much difference anymore between ‘what I can do myself’ versus… Read more »

Fulfilling your own dreams, while supporting those of others

A big motivation in starting my own business was to find a job that fulfilled me, where I could pursue my passion for art and design, and make something beautiful and real.  In my previous jobs, I had always felt that I was simply selling my time, and waiting to live outside work hours.  I… Read more »

A simple tool to keep balanced, inspired & enjoying your work

There is a magic that fills me when in the grip of a good idea. I lay awake half the night dreaming about all the possible permutations and opportunities it might lead to. I start each day with a spring in my step. I clearly see the actions I need to take to start making… Read more »

How word of mouth saved my business

In 2005 I was very close to walking away from my business. After some great growth in the first few years, the economy was changing, and I was feeling this acutely. I spent hour upon hour trying to get my products out there – to think outside the box, approach new stores and restaurants, and… Read more »

Finding the Magic Formula For Small Business

When I started my business, I had a very clear vision: to create beautiful handmade candles that could become functional art pieces for the home, with their strong sculptural and textural style.           Here is a photo of one of my first market stalls at St Andrews Market in 2001.  … Read more »

The pros and cons of following your passion

The pros and cons of running your own business are not to be under-estimated. For instance, the occasional sleep in or day off when you need it, coffee with friends who pop by, and the satisfaction of creating something that you are passionate about all weigh heavily on the ‘pro’ side. But when you find… Read more »