One of the questions I am often asked is – How did you get started in all this?

Although you and I have never met, I would like to start a conversation between us. I thrive on meeting people like you, be it online or offline. I believe that every person I meet is my teacher and knows at least one thing I don’t.

I have been an entrepreneur all my life. My earliest memory of this goes back to the tender age of four. I was an outgoing, very curious and open-minded child always full of ideas of building an enterprise one day for the good of mankind. I was the hero of my own story.

Entrepreneurial success didn’t happen at that time, but much later in my teens life took on an unusual twist of fate. It might sound a bit dramatic to you; I guess drama is at the source of a successful story.
Heroism is more about courage and the confidence to embark on the unknown journey, with an open mind and curiosity to learn.

Let's go back to where it all began... 

When I was four years old, my parents used to read me heroic stories at bedtime, usually about travel to far away places and the hero using his genius for the good of mankind. I was totally absorbed in these journeys. There was the excitement of it all, visiting places in the different parts of the world, scenarios of exciting adventures, and of many players. I was mesmerized by different parts of the world, about nature, animals, people’s cultures, overcoming life’s hurdles and importantly, the courageous hero always saved the day.

But my mood changed when I was told that ‘you are only a little girl, need money to finance the adventure and don’t have the know how to make it a reality.’

I am sure you will recognise what I am talking about …

After a discussion with my imaginary heroic friend, an action plan formed in my mind, before I fell asleep. Every Wednesday, my mother and I travelled on a tram to meet her friends for a regular lunch. Although, it was a very busy day, the tram was full of commuters but I spotted two vacant seats next to a well-dressed man. I asked my mother if we can sit there, and got comfortable next to him. I immediately imagined this was my big opportunity to launch my plan.

He gave me an inquisitive look and asked why do I want to know. Then I shared my heroic true calling idea with him. I spoke so vividly, with such passion, he could feel it, he could see it - it was like painting a story with watercolours, he said. He smiled back, agreed to count him in, as he knew the how, but the money was a hurdle. I explained that was being taken care of: My father called me his Princess, and I was going to auction the title in exchange for the money and as an added bonus the gentleman could adopt me; surely such a bargain could not be refused. Do I have his word to shake on it? I knew from the stories read to me this is how genuine deals were made.
Unfortunately, my mother was so embarrassed by my entrepreneurial pitch to this stranger, that she rang the next stop bell and made me exit the tram. It only hardened my ambition.

In my late teens, I emigrated to Sydney, Australia to stay with my uncle and auntie, whom I had never met. You would think an easy task to accomplish, so what’s the fuss. But, because Australia was a country with a different language, culture, lifestyle and climate, it was quite heroic from where I stood. It took some guts to do just that...

... a challenge at first, but by assimilating one step at a time I never stopped being curious and open-minded in trying new opportunities to gain experience in life. Hence my first job, as a hosiery shop girl in an upmarket store in Sydney. Best way to learn the language, culture and lifestyle of my adopted country.

From studying business and computers, working in a multinational IT company, my career took off. From an internship in a computer room to learning leadership, then training, running roadshow events and marketing, I became a software/business consultant, project managing development and implementation on national and international levels.

Step by step, I gained the foundation to stand on my own feet and decided to change my career from corporates to a personal business. I took on branding courses from experts in graphic design, including of human psychology and behaviour, and then set up my own Deep Vision branding boutique agency in 1997. I felt I could use my influence for good in this way.

Accomplishments

Mercedes Fashion Week

A few other accomplishments along the way included working at MFW with the NSW SRD, when I was hired as a PR for an educational and cultural trip of fashion students to Egypt, acquiring their sponsorship from AWI.

Dubai Fashion Launch

I launched a selection of Australian fashion in Dubai, acquired a sponsorship from Dubai-based DHL and its success earned me a personal commendation letter from the NSW Governor. The sponsorship and launch was heard and promoted on Dubai radio interviews, seen on Fashion TV channels and articles were published in the Australian, New Zealand media as well as Emirates media.

Indigenous Artists and Image Programs

I took indigenous artists abroad to festivals, by organizing their sponsorship - ran personal brand and image programs, both abroad and on national level, as well as representing companies at trade fairs.

Black Dot Art Gallery

At the same time, my interest in art led me to set up my own Black Dot Art Gallery helping emerging artists. And I even had a hand in foreign tour guiding in Australia, for three years. There are plenty of stories to tell from this experience.

Los Angeles New Modern Media Conference

I participated as a panel branding expert at the e360TV LAX2017 - ‘New Modern Media’, being a keynote speaker ‘How to create an AHA Brand’ at the Celebrity Fast Track event in Los Angeles, and have been a keynote speaker at various national and international educational and business events to inspire and motivate the participants.

I was one of the main speakers and co-organizer at the Westpac Bank launch of ‘Women in Business’. Donated Australian made gifts to the Taronga Conservation Society, the well-known Zoo on the Sydney Harbour.

I’ve written a personal brand chapter in Sir Richard Branson #1 Best Seller” book “Think Big” – being insights from Sir Richard Branson and international thought leaders. Published February 2019. I am currently working on two of my mastery of life books.

There were challenges, and these not only made me stronger, but also helped me discover my potential in life and its purpose and also opened up unimaginable horizons to my living on this planet.
I had a colourful life, and the acquired experiences along the journey not only shaped my life, but all taught me valuable lessons that made me, who I am, today.

As I say: