How to Face Your Fears When Starting a New Business
- Written by Jemma Giovannucci
Late last year, Erin Williams decided it was time for a change.
She had spent five years building a successful daycare service from her home in Melbourne’s bayside. But she had found a new spark, a new idea so exciting that she realised it marked the next phase in her business evolution. Despite having no experience in publishing or journalism, Erin made the bold decision to start a magazine, naming it ‘The Modern Day Living’.
Now, this isn’t your average, daggy old parenting magazine.
The Modern Day Living offers a contemporary, stylish take on all things lifestyle and parenthood - providing accessible and valuable information for mothers. Moreover, it designed to be a beautiful piece of art that can be displayed on a coffee table with pride, not shoved under a cushion when guests arrive for fear of being falsely labeled as an imperfect parent who lacks natural instinct and needs support.
The best part for many mums? It’s totally free.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the notion that you are weak or ungrateful for “giving up” on your first baby - your first business - and pursuing something new. Especially when you have been quite successful” says Erin.
“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you is a phrase we’re all familiar with.”
However, she wholeheartedly encourages other business owners to take the leap if they believe they have more to offer the world.
“The Collective Hub actually played a big part in my decision to pursue my dream of starting this magazine. In what is often portrayed a dying industry (print media), it really shone a light for entrepreneurs and a reminder that anything is possible. ”
“Then just as I was starting to promote my launch, Lisa (Messenger - founder of The Collective) announced they were shutting down the print mag. I gave myself a second… okay a minute… maybe half an hour… to freak out. But then I realised that she didn’t fail - she made a conscious decision to adapt and change.”
A choice which Erin is only too familiar with.
Starting April 23, The Modern Day Living is available at a variety of stockists around Melbourne.
