COLOUR & CORK
What is your business/what do you do?
We are a ‘Sip ‘n’ Paint’ studio.
Where did you get your idea?
My best friend (now business partner) and I went to a similar concept interstate and had an unexpected awesome night, a night we always talk about. We both knew that Hobart needed something similar and that locals and visitors would love the concept and fun aspect to the sessions. The sessions are more than learning how to paint a “Painting of the Day”, it is about using the creative side of your brain to release endorphins, make you laugh, smile, mingle with strangers, sing and walk out feeling awesome!
Tell us of your biggest challenge in starting up?
I would say the hardest thing about the start up is educating the community about what Colour & Cork is all about. As there is no ‘Sip ‘n’ Paint’ concept in Tasmania, people are unfamiliar with what we are all about. We are noticing, now we are all set up and people have experienced our sessions, we are getting a lot more traction with bookings and the community is more aware about our offerings. People are learning we are all about having fun while letting the creative juices flow!
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
Besides still running classes from our Macq01 studio, we are planning on opening our second studio early next year in Launceston. From there, the sky is the limit, more studios around Tasmania and no doubt interstate.
What advice would you give to other businesses starting out?
Believe in yourself, your product and your team. Pre-Launch ensure you have actions lists, delegate tasks and prepare for anything. Spend as much time promoting your business while you have time up your sleeves and cross promote with other local businesses. Train your staff to ensure they are aware of your business ethics, mission and their role in the business, let them be a part of your journey. Post-Launch believe you are bigger than you are. Fake it until you make it. Positive vibes will get you everywhere. Don’t ever forget why you started your business and how much you worked to get where you are. Never stop promoting your business and feeding that funnel as there will be good times and not so good times, that is the way of any business.
Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?
Yes for sure. I have been working for myself for over 10 years. I first started when I opened a wedding and event planning business overseas, followed by four fitness studios and onto Colour & Cork. I love working for myself, with my husband and also my best friend. The sky is the limit when you are driving your own business and possibilities are endless.
Would you look to begin another business/project in the future?
Yes, I am working on a few different business models at the moment.
Tell us about your biggest win/achievement?
There are a few although two that stands out are: 1) My Fitness studio being awarded #1 studio in Australia 2018 (out of 500), something my husband and I had worked so hard to make it the best possible studio and to be recognised for this made all those 4:00am starts work it. 2) Opening Colour & Cork and seeing it in full swing with people laughing, mingling and walking out of our studio so happy. From an idea to opening is such an awesome achievement and also to do this with a long life friend is even better.
Would you be willing to mentor another startup?
Yes, I really believe in having a mentor. I have just engaged a mentor myself, which is helping my business so much. I thought I knew it all although now having someone on the outside helping me, telling me the honest truth and also sharing their experiences is so worth while.
What’s your pet peeve/most hated part of running a business?
This has been a pet peeve of mine since working for myself: Vendors or suppliers not delivering results on time, over promising and under delivering.
Visit Colour & Cork https://colourandcork.com.au/