Tell us a bit about your business?

2013 My Business at this point in time is Marketing and Promotion of my product.  Watrwing,

2006 I went back to study and I received my Small Business Management Certificate 1V, I then started my Company, Trademarked my product and started the Patent process.

2008 Watrwing has now been manufactured;

2009 Watrwing has received many great endorsements from top Australian Swimming Teachers and Coaches it is being used in many Australian swimming schools.

2010 I decide to go to USA to exhibit the Watrwing at the United States Swimming Association; People travelled from all over the world to be there and Watrwing was sold to and is being used in many swimming schools and back yard swimming pools all around the world.

Why did you start up your business?

I started with the hope of changing my life and being my own boss.

What are the major hurdles you experienced when starting up your business?

Biggest hurdle apart from inexperience, and lack of money, would be trying to get people to accept a new product into their arena.

What tips can you give other SavvySME members that are thinking or in the process of starting up their business?

Try to explore every angle of any Business matter that you are working on, whatever the project it is very important to get it right the first time. Be determined and don’t give up. Seek professional advice when needed or unsure. Watch your expenditure. 

What made you decide to take the jump and focus on your business?

 2005, I was driving a Taxi part time and I was a fulltime employee at Cole’s meat packing department in Broome 8 hours a day.  I decided that I must be able to have a better life than this,  I had been thinking about an (idea, aquatic device) for many years, and with the encouragement from friends, I decided to try to put get my idea from imagination to concept, so I started researching matters on how to get a product into the market. I then decided I had to get the education and Business knowledge that I needed, and that is what I did.

 How did you family and friends react?

I had total encouragement from every one.

How has your life changed?

Having the freedom to direct your own Company in the direction I want it to go, has been a very exciting and humbling experience both at the same time.

What success have you experienced since starting your business?

I have been nominated for Awards, I have won awards. I have travelled to many different places and different countries, and I have met some amazing people and learned an awful lot about Business and Business practices.

What is the vision for your business going forward?

I have a few different markets I want to explore and I would like to introduce a new product into the market, starting a new journey.

What tips can you give other SavvySME about motivating yourself to push through the challenges that rise up while building your startup?

Go to Networking meetings, there are many people wanting to start up their own Business, most of the places I joined were free and the people are all dedicated to their own Businesses, search for Government funding and Network places with like minded people, it is amazing how much you can learn for free..