Directors’ Circle – Abby-Jane Walsh, Stomping Elephants
Abby is one of my most favourite businesspeople. She’s super creative, not afraid to learn as she goes and always wants to improve what she does and push the boundaries. She’s also a wonderful friend, and a kickass jewellery maker who started out just doing the markets in Mackay and now has reps all through Queensland and Victoria, and an ecommerce site that is off the charts! A true inspiration, and a damned good person – meet Abby.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I was a stay-at-home-mum and I just wanted a bit of independence and a way to pay to get my hair done. I also can’t wear mainstream retail jewellery due to my sensitive skin but I still really wanted to wear super fun jewellery, so I started making it for myself.
What do you do recharge when you're feeling drained?
Plan a holiday – just book some time away with my beautiful family.
What do you consider the key to success?
Surrounding yourself with likeminded people who are motivated to succeed and want to see you do well too. I’m all about chicks building chicks up, not pulling you down.
What's your favourite part about being a business owner?
Being the creative director and steering the ship. When I get a crazy awesome idea, I delegate to my team and then watch it come to life. It is so exciting!
What is your top productivity tip?
My senior staff work off a Default Diary which sets out their weekly tasks and gives them a guide for how long they should spend on each task. Basically, it helps make sure that our crazy workload gets done.
Who are three local businesses you’d like to do a shout out to?
We’re gonna break the rules and do four!
BB Print have been really helpful with innovative printing solutions to deliver what I need every time. BB Print is also a great local, community-minded business and we love that.
M’s Enchanted Flowers is a great supporter of Stomping Elephants, including stocking our earrings in their store. Megan has really gotten on board with our stuff and we have built a great partnership. You can buy floral arrangements from M’s that include a pair of Stomping Elephants earrings - that’s the best gift idea ever!
BD Creations is one of my fellow local handmakers who is kicking butt. Brook supplies the beautiful keyrings and lanyards that we sell, and she is just awesome!
Lisa from Fastways Couriers is an absolute gem who plays a massive part in getting our customers’ orders delivered as quickly as possible. I couldn’t live without her!
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