Tell us a bit about you and your business. Why did you decide to start your own business?

The Life Style Edit was started in 2014 when there was a gap in the digital market and content and marketing were starting to become part of the day-to-day of business. As a stylist previously working in magazines (home beautiful) I knew the difference that good imagery could make to a brand. At that time, there were only a select few brands doing their own shoots, now it is a way of life.

Our demand grew and so did The Life Style Edit (TLSE), we adapted and evolved as the market needed us to. We eventually added services like social media management, graphic design, web design, SEO, strategy, digital ads, etc to our repertoire to meet the growing needs of businesses. What we were doing at TLSE we knew businesses needed, so we do for business what we do for ourselves.

Each member of our team works on a specific area so when you work with our team, if you need design, shoots, content, etc, you get the whole team working across your brand; it means we are really an extension of your team and we are all working together for the greater good of your brand.

What was one major challenge you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?

Like most people when you are starting out there are always the naysayers, the people who think you are mad at doing what you are doing and skeptical that you can make it work. I have found that people will always come from their own fears and their own limiting beliefs and as much as I appreciate people looking out for me, my drive has always been greater than their fear, so I just kept marching to the beat of my own drum instead of taking on other people’s views. 

I always rely on trusting my own instincts, I listen to myself to see if it feels right, and then I have a plan of attack and get in and get it done, the biggest thing we have had to overcome is people not being clear about what they want, not being able to express themselves in ways that can be interpreted. People don’t like giving feedback and when you are working collaboratively that is a really important factor. To overcome this, you need to be able to listen, communicate, read between the lines and treat people with patience and respect and trust the process, it’s a personal development workshop every time you work with someone new, and it takes two to tango. We have gotten pretty good at attracting people and brands that understand us and align with us, but it takes time and patience and a very thick skin sometimes.

For those starting out, such as the New Breed entries - what is your advice for new start-ups?

My best advice is always you, do you? No one else can do that, that is your key to starting up. Always ask for help when you need it and hire people smarter than you at things you don't like doing. If you get scared, be realistic, ask yourself what is coming up for you and choose whether it has value or not. Don't try and be all things to everybody, don't take offense if someone doesn’t like your product, find your tribe, and embrace them. Every day, week, and month is different and full of possibilities. Make sure you take time to work on and in your business and learn to say thank you for advice, take what you need, and leave the rest!

Is there anything you would have done differently if you were starting out now?

I wouldn’t really, because I follow my gut instincts, I find that it always leads me in the right direction, if I need to learn a lesson along the way I try and navigate that the best I can and I am grateful for it and then I move on. I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s all a part of this awesome journey.

How do you define success?

Success to me is when you choose to walk a certain path, you have self-awareness enough that you leave something better than it was when you started, you take care of people along the way, you get to do what you love and provide for yourself to live the life that you imagine and that aligns with your vision and values. To me, it must always be a win-win, good for me, good for my team and my business, and good for the greater good, if I am ticking all these boxes, I think I am winning at life.

As loyal members of our Life Instyle family, how has Life Instyle helped your business and how can it help others in the retail industry?

We love our LIS family it is such a great community for connection, support, and lift your spirits. We have made so many friends personally and professionally through our involvement with LIS and it continues to grow and evolve as time goes on. It’s great to have a community that you can call on if you need anything. For anyone starting out this is such a great place to be welcomed into. There is a wealth of knowledge from every area and people are willing to support and grow with you and celebrate your wins and successes with you too because let’s face it sometimes out there in the big bad world it can get lonely walking the path of business. I tell everyone I can that is starting up to join this community. You won't regret it.

Website: https://www.thelifestyleedit.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_life_style_edit/