Donna Hann
For many years, Gaylene Drew had a vision to start her own business as an interior designer. She had completed her studies, she had worked for other small businesses for nine plus years, and was well regarded by her employers, industry contractors, builders and suppliers. But taking that leap to break away from the security of employment and start her own business was scary. And as a business owner, there's never a guarantee that your vision will actually come to life. And that added responsibility to carry the business rather than just working in it as an employee is very, very different. And that's maybe you've experienced this yourself when you first started your business. Or maybe right now you're in that space of deciding to continue with your current employment, or follow your dreams and take a risk to open your own business. Today, I'm chatting with Galen Drew, who opened her business in September 2022, just five months ago, and she's sharing her journey with us today. I'm incredibly proud of her and what she has accomplished in such a short space of time. And also the way that she's doing it in considering all sides of being in business, paying attention to her own energy levels and self care while she's raising her two young kids. She's doing it in a way that supports the season of life and the season of business that she finds herself in. So I'm really excited to share this episode of the podcast with you today.
Donna Hann
Hello, I'm Donna Hann, a business coach, and an online course creator. And this is the She's in Business podcast. You can think of me as your business bestie, who's a few steps ahead of where you are right now. As a month fueled with ambition and determination. I've created and sold three businesses. I've learned the lessons made mistakes, and I understand the daily juggle in the hustle. I also know what it's like when relationships fray and burnout taps you on the shoulder. That was my world until I reshaped and transformed the way I ran my six figure business. Today I help women to transform their businesses and go from being the overwhelmed entrepreneur to becoming the thriving entrepreneur feeling energized, empowered and fulfilled within their business lifestyle. I want to inspire your business journey and help you to stop spinning your wheels, because I want you to burn bright instead of burning out. And I'll invite other entrepreneurs to share their real life stories too, because I want you to know that you're not alone. You can be the savvy entrepreneur that you are born to be, and enjoy the freedom to do the things and be present with the people that mean the most to you. So if you're ready to rise to the next level and build a business by design, this is the shears in business podcast for moms who are made for more.
Donna Hann
Hey, and welcome to another episode of the She's in Business podcast. I'm your business buddy, Donna Hann, and today I'm joined by Gaylene Drew, an interior designer who has recently started her own business, she took the plunge to step away from her safe, stable, consistent employment to chase her dreams and carve out her very own version of success. And she's here today to share with us about her, you know, really her passion for what she does as an interior designer and shed some light on her journey thus far into small business owners shift. So welcome to the show, Gaylene.
Gaylene
Hey, thanks for having me.
Donna Hann
You are so welcome. I can't wait to get started and chat with you all about everything that you do. But before we dive into the business stuff, would you mind sharing a little bit about you, so that the listeners can get to know you a little bit more?
Gaylene
I'd love to. I do find these things nerve racking. I don't really talk about myself too much. But I guess to start off with, I'm a mother and a wife, foremost. And then I'm an interior designer. I also have a background in building design and drafting which has led me to where I am today in pursuing my passion for interior design. So yeah, I'm a mother of two kids, a boy and a girl. They're six and nine and now well actually nine going on 19 So it makes for a great family environment. But yeah, trying to juggle all that and and start this new business. So by new I'm going into the fifth month of my business and really enjoying it and really learning a lot along the way about how business runs and also running a business with a family as well.
Donna Hann
Yeah, because that can be so challenging. I think Um, you know, I've ran businesses, pre kids, and then the kids in tow. And it's vastly different, you know, the amount of time that you can spend on your business, the amount of things that you have in your mind as a mom day to day, and then you're building the business stuff on top of that. It can be Yeah, it can be really tricky. So you're set in that space I led to and I know a lot of the listeners are also moms in business. So you've been doing interior design, and like you said, work in the building sort of industry for like nine plus years. Is that about right?
Gaylene
Yes. So I guess I started, when I first left school, I decided to study interior design. I did a year of studying. And then I was like, I wasn't sure if this was was the job for me. I was like, I don't know about this. And so I took a year off and really had to think about where my passions lie and what I want to do and pursue. And after that year, I decided no, it is where I want to be it is what I want to do, and continued my studies in interior design and gaining my diploma. We then made a big move like I was in the city in Brisbane, and me and my partner. Now my husband decided to make the move to Gladstone up here where, unfortunately, I guess the jobs within that sector are not as prevalent and available. So I worked in retail for a bit and eventually got a job doing drafting and building design with local company. And yeah, I was there for nine or so years before I'm working with another interior design business in town. Yeah. And that has now led me to my own business.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And so rewind back to the decision making process like actually moving from being an employee having a stable part time job to deciding it was time to step out. In your own business. Was this something that had been on your mind for a while?
Gaylene
Yeah, it had been on my mind for a little bit. Yes, working in the building design part of the business, I've worked with a lot of families, on the floor plans of their new homes, and how they work in regards to the function and the flow. But then, during that process, I'd always hear from those clients as well the struggles that they were having with the interior selections and how many things they need to select and how many things they need to decide on and injecting their personality into this space. And but also making sure it was functional and practical and aesthetically pleasing as well. And I really, I had a passion for that. But it was hard to follow whilst I was working as a building designer, because that wasn't my job or my role. But I really wanted to pursue that and work with those clients on bringing clarity to the interiors of their new homes or renovations as well. And so it had been a thought in my mind for a while, I was lucky that a job came up that I was able to then pursue that and and work with clients and really did discover that, yeah, I want to do this on my own and really prioritize, I guess, the client experience and making sure that they're involved the whole way and communicated with and have a clear understanding of what's going on within the renovation or new build.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And so at that point, when you're like, Okay, I want to start my own business. Did you have a clear plan of how you're going to do that? Or what did you know, at that point, I need extra help in that area.
Gaylene
I didn't have a clear plan, I it was actually a really difficult decision to make, because, you know, had to consider my family and the financial impact it would have on my family as well, because you know, starting a business isn't always cheap. There's lots of things to consider. It's not a consistent, no guarantee of a consistent income. But the hardest part was that I wasn't leaving a job that I hate it. You know, I wasn't in a bad place with my job. I was working in a fantastic environment. I was working with wonderful women. I was getting to be creative, it was stable, I was earning an income and a wage that I could rely on. I didn't have the stresses I guess of that other behind the scenes accounting and emailing and all the other stuff that comes with running a business. So it was it was difficult. It took a lot of deep and meaningful conversations with my husband about I guess a the financial impact also the impact it would have on my family. But you know, I we had those conversations, we came up with a clear plan. You know, we worked out well if it doesn't work out. These are things that we can do or this is how long we can sustain you doing this. But then also, I guess I found I met us several years ago, and then had been following your journey and with your businesses and starting the ready to rise program. And so I decided to get in touch with you. And we had a chat about how I was feeling and, and how your program could help with that. And I think having that initial chat with you really helped set some clarity in my mind about, you know, sometimes you just got to take that leap, and you've got to do it, and you've got to give it a go, or else, you know, later on down the track, you might regret it that you didn't.
Donna Hann
Yeah, and it's, it's so tricky, because as a business coach, I hear this a lot. I speak with a lot of women who are wanting to either break from the corporate role or start their own business or take a, you know, a business that's kind of been more of a hobby on the side for a number of years and really go to feed in with it. And this is, you know, part of why I wanted you to come on the show is because I want women to know that they're not alone, that it is 100% possible to go all in and that it can be done. And you don't have to necessarily do it alone, because it is bloody scary. You know, each time I've started the business, I've gone through the same thing and myself and going oh, my goodness, like there is I know that there's so much more work involved, then a normal part time or casual job, or even a full time job where you're walking in and walking out each day, and you get your pay packet at the end of the month. There's so much more that goes along with that. But like I said to you, when we very first had our conversation about you starting your own was, you can continue doing what you're doing. But you'll always have this feeling of, you know, am I not really jumping in and pursuing the thing that I know is really going to light me up? And yes, it's a risk. But what's the worst thing that could happen? And I think we've talked about what the worst thing that would happen could be and how you would troubleshoot your way through that there's always risk in anything that we do in life, but it's figuring out what is a risk that you're comfortable with? And then what are the areas that maybe are making you feel uncomfortable with that change? And can you get some support, and some structure around that to help you through that. And I think that's where, for me, the whole purpose behind the ready to rise program is it's helping women who have this dream to go big with their business or to start a business for the first time, or to take their hobby business and really make it something it's the support that you need. So that you don't have to go it alone to make the costly mistakes, and potentially, you know, fall into that, being a reality.
Gaylene
Like, like minded women in a similar situation. So, I guess I like to it's as an example is like, you know, when I first had my children, and first time Mother, I'm like, oh, you know, my kids not sleeping at night, maybe this is unusual. They're not eating this and not eating that and being a part of a mother's group. And realizing that we're all in the same boat, you know, their child's not sleeping, their child's not developing at the same pace. We're all different. We're all individuals, but we are like minded in the same boat, essentially in the same situation. And we can share our experiences and relate to each other and help and guide each other in this like minded community. Yeah.
Donna Hann
And that's part of why we're ready to rise, there is that community, and that's why we do the group coaching sessions each week. But I think the other thing that's a little bit different from a mother's group is that having a business coach at your fingertips, someone who's actually done it before and done it many times successfully, is the difference. And I hope that you've really seen the, you know, the benefit of that. Because, yeah, it's great to have business buddies that are on the same level as you doing the same kinds of things. But having someone who is, you know, 10 steps ahead and has done it successfully that you can draw from their knowledge and that they're happy to really pass that through.
Gaylene
Yes, yeah. A bit of someone with that experience that can guide us down the path. Yeah,
Donna Hann
Yeah. And you chose to invest in the program before you've started earning any income from your business. Tell me about that.
Gaylene
I guess I wanted to have a stable base on which to grow my business so you know, a clearer understanding of why I was starting my business, the goals that I wanted to achieve and how to achieve them as well and you know, have someone who has that business experience and who is 10 steps ahead of me to help me and guide me who's been there before because I haven't done it before. So I decided it was a worthy investment. To just help me make sure I was starting on the right foot and having some systems and processes in place before hitting the go button.
Donna Hann
Yeah, for sure. And what for you has been the biggest benefit of being in the program.
Gaylene
I guess the support and having that understanding from yourself and like minded women and your experience, like on my side to help me has been definitely the biggest benefit with the program.
Donna Hann
I think that that's really important to acknowledge. And getting that level of support. We can have friends in our life, we can have family who are supportive of us being in business, but they don't necessarily get it. And that can be a challenging as
Gaylene
Just getting my husband to get it. So. I have been had a couple of winges to you, he's not understanding, he doesn't get it done? Donna will.
Donna Hann
And that's a thing, and we can't expect them to get it because they haven't lived it, you know. And that's the difference, I think in having like minded women who are on the same business journey as you, plus having a business coach at your fingertips who really understands and gets it and has the knowledge of moving through those challenges, or, you know, avoiding the mistakes that potentially you're fearful of making is where it's it really stands alone, I think. But you've also been a private client of mine as well, we Yeah. It's interesting that you've been both through a group coaching program and an online learning kind of self paced program to then being in the sort of the Zoom Room with me as we do with one on one coaching in comparison, what does that experience been like for you?
Gaylene
I guess in the group process, it's been great to chat with other women and yourself and go over things and you know, learn that we are on the same page and experiencing different things. But I guess in the one on one private coaching is enabled, like with you to really knuckle down on some key issues and key goals that I have within the business, and really talk about them in detail and have a clear action plan on where to go, how to achieve the and have the clarity moving forward in a in a personal more personalized environment, but also casual as well. And, you know, a bit more freedom to really talk about how I'm feeling and how we can get past it and move forward.
Donna Hann
Yeah, and like you said, like, sometimes we're touching on stuff that can feel quite private, that you don't necessarily want to have out there in a group environment. We do definitely within that group environment. We practice confidentiality, and we're very respectful of each other. But I think sometimes just having that one on one chat is completely different to being in the group setting. Yeah, definitely.
Donna Hann
If you're enjoying today's podcast, I think you would love the practical strategies and frameworks that I share inside the Ready to Rise program. And right now the doors are open. So you can join. If you have the passion and determination to take your business to the next level without burning out, which I know you do. And you want to make this year the best one yet. And for the record, it's finally possible that you need my framework, the ready to rise program will take you from feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and burnt out to feeling energized, inspired, and armed with the skills to grow your business. The overall goal of the program is pretty simple. It's to equip you with the actionable strategies and frameworks to create a business that lights you up, not burns you out so that you can really enjoy the freedom to do the things and be present with the people who mean the most to you. It's a program specifically designed for moms looking to leverage their time and productivity to build a business that lights them up is higher profit and low in stress. So if you want to get the essential skills and strategies to build a profitable business that works for you, your lifestyle and your bank balance, then why not take action, sign up today and start on a path towards the life and the business you've been dreaming off. Go to www.donnahann.com/course. Doors close Wednesday, the Eighth of March.
Donna Hann
And so something else that's really unique about our working relationship is that I've been lucky enough to be on the other side. And you've actually been my interior designer.
Gaylene
We're doing this so lucky.
Donna Hann
Lucky. You know what I really am and I'm glad to hear that. Yeah, I've been reflecting on this because obviously I've known that we're going to be doing this podcast recording together and You know, it is unique that I have been able to work with you as your client as well as you being a client of mine. Yeah. And my husband and I are starting a full house, Reno. And oh, my goodness, it is, and I've never worked with an interior designer before. My hobby was kind of apprehensive, because, you know, he thought we'd be fine. We can just do it ourselves, how? How could it be that kind of thing. But I can say that, you know, going into the project, I was feeling completely overwhelmed. And you know, by the size of it, knowing what comes first in the line of like normal renovation, since you're doing things in a particular order that impacts different trades and all of that kind of stuff, like, whose responsibility is it to organize this isn't mine? Is it the builders? Is the trainees? Like? How do I figure out the sizes and the dimensions and the structural changes in the furniture and the textures and the colors that like, my head was exploding. And it's not like we had a conversation. And you said to me, it's kind of like the flip like, you're the business coach that knows all the things of that business. And I'm the interior designer that knows all the things about interior design. And it was a pretty cool experience, actually, because once I started working with you, I felt instantly guided and safe knowing that you've done it so many times before. And you did so much of the legwork, like you know, and I know I'm just like, I just probably just need to shut up and let you explain the three. Yeah, and the 3d designs that you do have been so helpful to bring the vision to life that I think my hubby and I probably didn't realize we were on different pages with some stuff until it was there in front of us. And we looked at the layouts and went on. Actually, I thought we would do this. And the other was I thought we'd do that. And, you know, making the decisions on the textures and finishes. I think you've saved us like so much money. And I know you're not a marriage counselor. And you're very specific about that, which I think is great.
Gaylene
I'm there to mediate and assisting and guide.
Donna Hann
But I think it also saved us a lot of arguments to you know, in everything that you do without even really needing you to be a mediator. But you know, it's helped us so much. So I know the process of working with you. But can you share with us your process for working with a new client? What are the steps that you take them through, because I think it's really important to share that and bring more light to what an interior designer is and where your value. It really sets in the designing process. And ultimately, the I guess the budget at the end of the day, like we've already worked out that we think you've saved us like 25 grand when we look over all the different things. Yeah. So can you walk us through what the process is?
Gaylene
Yeah, well, I guess initially, you would make contact with me and that can be easily done online. On my website, there's a quick form you can fill out, I'll contact you within 24 hours. And we can have a bit of what I like to call a discovery call, which you know, we spent 15 minutes on the phone having a chat about your project and discussing how Galen drew designs can assist you and help you through the project. So like reducing the overwhelm and helping with selections and finishes or floor plan layout, budget and getting quotes 3d visualization like I can assist with all those things. And then from there, I like to meet with the client on site and go through the project and actually view the space in discussing a deeper detail about how I can help from that point we do like a scope of work which outlines the project just it's to ensure that we're on the same page and I haven't misunderstood what you want to achieve from the design and working together and do a quote and then from there we we go into I guess what we like to call the fun stuff so creating the mood boards making sure that I'm picking up on your vibe and what colors you want what look you want do you want modern Do you want country do you want coastal and refining that and this is also a good point where you know we find out maybe your husband's thinking coastal and here you are thinking industrial and it's a good starting point to realize our we need to get on the same page here in our partnership as well for the rest of the design. Yeah, and so we get we start with that creating the vibe and the feel. And then we go into working out how the space is going to work and flow and function best for your family. So you know for example, you're removing some walls. So you have a more open environment hobby, once a his own media room and space. So making sure that that space works to what he wants. And he wants to. And we're doing going through the selections, again, making sure they're practical, functional, but also within your budget and working out ways that we can maybe change up some selections and finishes so that we can reduce some costs elsewhere, but maybe allow you to splurge a bit more in other areas.
Donna Hann
And then incredible, because that has been something that you really have helped us with, in getting the vision that we want, but making sure it's coming in on budget as well, because it is such a big Reno, that you think you've got a big budget, but then once you start stepping everything out, it's like, Oh, we've also got a lot of space to spread that across. And you've been really helpful with that as well. So if people want to get in touch with you to work with you, what's the best way that they can do that?
Gaylene
Yeah, um, probably the best way is my website. So there's a quick contact form on there, fill it out, and I'll give you a call. But you can also contact me on Instagram. So um, that's yeah, Gaylene Drew underscore designs. And you'll see like a bit of my work there. And I'll offer some free hints and tips and advice when it comes to interior design on there as well. And yeah, you're awesome, fun and pretty moodboards.
Donna Hann
Yeah, your stuff on Instagram is really great. And I know that's been a big strategy that we've been working on together is making sure that your Instagram as a designer is really visually appealing, and is helpful to people in building that trust and credibility so that then people are going to be wanting to work with you. So it's been an amazing journey thus far in working with you as the client and me being your client. It's been really interesting. Yeah, it's been really good. So is there any other tips that you would like to share? From the perspective of being a new business owner that maybe other people listening would be, you know, it would be beneficial for them to hear?
Gaylene
Yeah, I think, get someone on board that's on your side to help and guide you. You know, it, it definitely is just even to someone else to bounce ideas off of who has experienced that can offer advice on yeah, this works, this doesn't work. And they can also help you in introducing you to another community of people that you can all work together and bounce ideas off. But having somebody on your side, that's there to be a voice of reasoning, as well, you know, sometimes you need that voice there that, say, maybe that's not a great idea, or how about we try something else or do something different, but knowing that they're coming from a place of experience and expertise that I don't have, and then probably your listeners, some of them don't have, but also have confidence in yourself and your own abilities. I guess, like, you know, I really did. That was the other part questioning whether I was even good enough to go out on my own and had the confidence and the ability to do it. But I think we're a whole lot stronger than we think, and a whole lot more capable than we give ourselves credit for. So have a bit of faith in yourself and your abilities and take the leap. And, you know, there's always yes, there are things that can go wrong. But there are also amazing things that can happen.
Donna Hann
Yeah, absolutely. And I think the other thing here as well is that it's always progress over perfection. In you know, getting in there giving it a go and doing your best and working around the concept of progress over perfection. Because, you know, if we're always striving for perfection, if we're always striving for the right time to step away from your part time job and step out on your own. If you're waiting for that perfect moment, it's never going to happen. And you'll find yourself 10 years in the future, wondering why you didn't just take the chance 10 years ago to do it and how far along you would be now you know, that saying like, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the next best time is now. And it's like you said, believing yourself jumping in there giving it a go. Sometimes it can feel messy, especially at the start. It can feel messy. But if you get the right people around you to support you, and you do what works for you and your family and just keep thinking it's gonna get better, it's gonna get easier. I'm a work in progress and so is my business, then I think that that's a really good way to, you know, wrap up our conversation today and give people the self belief and confidence to do what you've done and step out and start your own business. I think it's Yeah,
Gaylene
give it a go. You know? Yes, you're stronger than you think. Yeah. More capable.
Donna Hann
Yeah. Well, thanks so much for joining me on the podcast today, Galen. It's been a pleasure chatting with you, I don't know, linked in the show notes all the ways that you Get in contact with gaylene. And yeah, thanks so much for being on.
Gaylene
Thank you.
Donna Hann
Thank you for listening to this episode of the season business podcast. I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on Instagram and Facebook and I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a review on iTunes. Be sure to include your business name and your Insta handle so I can give you a shout out to if you want to know more about what I do the programs that I offer and how you can work with me then head over to Donna hann.com and follow me on Instagram at Donna Hann underscore coach. I hope this podcast inspires you to be courageous to step into your potential and take action on building a successful and profitable business beyond what you thought
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