A month ago, I handed in notice at my job of over 10 years. I’d been thinking about it for months and the time was right for me to take that step off the edge. I’m pretty conservative and risk averse and I don’t think you’re ever completely ready, but I was as ready as I would ever be.
Over the past few weeks, I have written and posted a job description for my replacement, sorted through applicants, interviewed, selected and handed over my position to someone else. There was so much that I did without thinking that it was hard to define them all into step by step. When you have been somewhere for so long, it’s all automatic. Which was one of the reasons why I had to leave. I was no longer growing. I was a root-bound plant.
4 years ago, I started a design and illustration company with The Koala under the guidance of a business mentor. We got an accountant, registered for GST, made a website, and set up the things you might need to run a graphic design business from home. Since then, the graphic design work has been strong but the illustration work has slowly dropped away. This has been replaced with photography and food styling work which are now big part of the business and my growing edge.
The quote on the back of my business cards now seem so appropriate.
I love food and I love design and photography for food clients. This blog has been instrumental in this journey.
It’s been fascinating being a business owner and seeing how it grows and changes over time. I’m also lucky that the nature of my work means I also get to see new business grow and develop. I get to help my clients’ dreams come true.
Logos for food brands I’ve designed over the years.
The Koala’s job takes him away from our business but it has also allowed us the freedom financially to take this leap. The last few months have been really good, keeping in mind that I’ve only been working part time in the business. I know I’ll have to hustle to find more work to fill in my days. I’ve never been all that good at hustling, but I’m working on it. I hope that my passion and experience brings clients to me.
I’ve tidied up my office space (a portion of our lounge), throwing out a bunch of stuff, streamlining the storage, and installing a whiteboard to keep me organised. The Koala treated me to a some beautiful plants to keep me company including a very much coveted fiddle leaf fig. I can’t stop admiring my new office buddies and I’m excited to see them grow. We’ll all grow.
I’m both terrified and excited about this new chapter in my life.
I don’t know what the future will bring but I’m ready to knuckle in, work hard and follow my dream of being a freelancing girlboss.
Bunny Eats Design 
Genie, I”ve been a big fan of your work as long as I’ve known you…all the best in this new endeavor!
Thank you Garricks! This means a lot.
Good luck! Your talent will win through.
Thank you Barbara. xx
Awesome. I wish I had your bravery to take such a leap! Congrats 🙂
Jarred, my advice is to set everything up as well as you can and then leap.
You will do well. Good luck! Work hard! And remember tomorrow is another day.
Thanks Frankie.
This is awesome! It’s so great to see someone following their dreams like this.
Thanks Lena. There are so many inspiring NZ bloggers following their dreams. I think it’s contagious!
Wow this is big news! It takes a lot of guts to make such a decision! Good luck with your new company, and I have no doubt your talent and good energy will bring you many clients!!
Thank you Sophie!
If anyone can do it, YOU can! Huge admirer over here Genie, congratulations on your new leaf x
Thank you Rosie! You are too kind!
You’re welcome! Haha not sure what’s happened to my name there… ^_^
I have been my own boss for 4 years now after being at one company for a decade. Now when I see former colleagues I feel that I have grown so much it’s hard to relate to them. You’ll never regret taking the risk to believe in yourself! I’m very excited for you!
Cool! I hope to network with other freelancers as much as I can. I think it’s good to have people to “talk shop” with even if you’re a one man band.
Congrats, this is so exciting!
Thanks Morgan!
Love your work Genie, and so excited for you to take the leap! I’m sure that you will continue to grow and grow and awesome WOM will be on your side. Go getters like you are my inspiration as I would love to be my own boss one day (still unsure how/in what but I’m not worrying about that right now!)
Thanks Lennie. Word of mouth is the most powerful thing. I never would have guessed it.
Congratulations on your new journey. You will continue to be amazing. 🙂
Thanks Colleen! Glad to have you on this blog/career journey. You must have been one of my first followers. Thank you for your support over the years. xx
Wow, but step! I’m so excited for you! Good luck on the next leg of your journey.
Thank you SweetJ. xx
You are amazing. Go girl boss go. I can’t wait to hear how the story unfolds.
Thanks Ms Carli! I’m sure there will be a few career lady lunches on the horizon. If not that, then afterwork drinks 🙂
Congratulations Genie – a very courageous step and I am sure that you will be well rewarded. My husband recently left his job to develop his business so this feels very familiar…he’s working out of our lounge too!
Thanks Chez. I love working out of our lounge. 😀
Well done on taking the next step in your journey! I’m super excited for you and what will come in the near future. Whatever it maybe I’m very sure it’ll be rewarding. Keep dreaming girl!
Thanks Jay! I’m super excited too 🙂
Huge congrats Genie! So stoked for you
Thanks Kelly!
Congrats! This new season sounds like a very exciting one. Love your food brand logos ❤️
Thanks Caryn, fellow foodie graphic designer. There’s a few of us out there isn’t there? They really make a great combo.
How exciting! Congratulations, girlboss! 🙂
Thanks Gina!
Go Genie! You are clearly a bright and clever cookie and this shows in your content. I think you’ll smash it. If nothing else you’ll never have to wonder ‘what if’ because ‘just are’. Good luck with the new business ☺
Thanks Adam. I intend on SMASHING it. I also love that now I’ll have daylight to work on blog posts. Daylight is pure gold for photography.
Good luck!!
Thanks Christina!
Here’s some extra cheese! God bless your new endeavor. I’ve always appreciated the beauty of your food styling/photography.