Brief background on you and your business journey, what has your pathway been?
I worked in events for years (Good Food & Wine Show, Australian Health & Fitness show) then stepped into the ‘corporate world’ as the National key account Manager for Tissot with Swatch Group Australia. I always had a side hustle as a personal trainer and nutritionist, doing this outside of my 9-5. From here I took the leap and opened my first business – A Group Fitness Studio. While I was in the first year of this I started trialing and testing with Salt Lab.
How did the idea for Salt Lab come about?
I personally needed the product to combat the ‘entrepreneur’ burnout. I couldn’t find a product that I was happy with using and recommending so I created it myself.
What science sits behind your business and why has this be important?
My formula, Our Magnesium Oil is a unique formula that is different from any other on the market, this equals results that are different to any other on th market.
In developing your product what have the trials and tribulations and approach to testing been?
Agh, I often say if I had of been told just how long this would take and how tedious it would be I may never have started haha. I trialed and tested with ‘extremes’ for 2 years. This gave me the confidence to launch a product that I can stand behind with confidence. My approach was select extreme measures (I tested on pregnant mums, new mums, bikini athletes, boxers, and the elderly) if this caliber of people get results it gave me confidence that those in between would also reap the benefits.
What research did you embark on before you began or as part of this venture?
Competitor analysis, Consumer demand (this is a tricky one), suppliers, knowledge. I feel the research never ends, I am forever researching….
What advice would you give others on developing product?
Know where you sit, know your demographic. If your product is suitable for a broad demographic don’t try to talk to everyone find your muse and talk to them. Work your COGS out before going to market and build out your scalable financial model.
What motivates you?
My children. Running a business is hard but showing them resilience and drive is so important to me as a mother.
What do you love most about your business?
The Story and the testimonials we receive.
In one word, characterize your life as a start up/ business owner?
Rollercoaster or Hot & Cold (can I use 3 words :D)
Who has been your greatest inspiration? Why?
My Husband (so cliché), but he has backed me and believed in me through some crazy lows, lifted me up and given me exactly what I needed when I could have walked away. I often wish I believed in myself the same way he belives in me – would make my anxiety a hell of a lot better haha. He has been in the testing kitchen alongside me from the beginning and continues to just be the calm I need to my storm.
Where do you get your creative energy from?
Silence…. Walking or driving…. Strange, I know but I have the most clarity in my thoughts when I am doing these things.
What was a watershed moment in your business journey?
Falling Pregnant with my first born, this resulted in selling my gym and leading me to Salt Lab as it is today. The universe is an incredible thing and will take the reins when it needs to.
How is running a successful business different to what you may have thought it would be?
I underestimated it. Its hard, its isolating and you need a lot of resilience. You will never realise just how little you will work for 😉 But it is the most rewarding investment of your time and energy.
When did you hit your stride as a small business owner?
Hmmmmm, I am not sure I have reached this as a whole… do you ever reach this?? I feel like I have built a tough skin through small business and have definietely ‘hit my stride’ with elements but I am not sure I have really figured it all out. In some ways I hope I never do – I want to be forever learning, growing and feeling somewhat uncomfortable /unsure. What support and expertise from others has been vital? Being able to reach ask for help or guidance, ‘Business’ guidance was a game changed for me. Structure, formalities, legalities, paper work ect – this gave me confidence in the foundation I was building from.
What do you struggle with most as a business owner?
Switching off, not always being available and removing emotion from the business decisions/hurdles, perfectionism and I also really struggle with the guilt its like mum guilt but business-guiilt – “I should be doing this”, “I could be doing that”.
What are you most proud of with your biz journey so far?
Building a brand from the ground up, seeing it in publications, recommended by profiles and in peoples home still blows my mind.
What’s next in store for you and your business Salt Lab?
Some really exciting new products which will be completely new to the market and Launching internationally.
Given your experience, what pieces of advice do you have for women starting or running a business?
- Believe in yourself, Back yourself and take time for yourself.
- You will always feel like you ‘could’ be doing more or ‘should’ be doing more but remember when you use to dream of where you are at now, at every different stage and be proud, celebrate and talk about your wins.
- Know your why, believe in it, love it and don’t stray from it.
Do you ever switch off from business? What do you?
I am really not good at this. It drives my husband crazy….. when I do, I need to be in the country or beach with zero phone reception with my family – that’s my idea of heaven!
What are the 5 fav’s of your life? Book, Movie, Place, song and possession
Favorite Book : Podcast girl; Loving Plant Proof at the moment (I am a health nerd, I love it!)
Movie ; don’t watch a lot of movies, but any cheesy RomCom and I am happy
Place ; Paros, Greece
Song : Tom Odell, Another love, hold a lot of memories for me.
Possession: My wedding band it reminds me of the support I have no matter what.
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