Conversations with… | Jenious

Conversations with… Camille Blyth

jenious — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:17:39 +0000

Welcome Camille from Brilliant Blogging!

A few years ago I bought a book called “The Wilderness Years – a parents’ survival guide”; a funny witty book to help me through the madness of being a new mum. It was light, funny, approachable and easy to read. I passed on a few copies to my friends so clearly I resonated with it well. A good sign of good writing right?

I actually met Camille through a networking group and somehow knew that she would assist me in my future work in some way or another. Last month I attended one of the ‘Brilliant Business Blogging’ workshops where I started to really understand the importance of finding my voice with this whole blogging business (so to speak). Camille has clearly found her voice, but how would you find yours? Camille gives us some insight into how you might find yours.

Finding your ‘blogging’ voice! And why its’ so important for your brand.

Thank you Jen, this is such an important topic for people who are starting to blog for their business. I talk a lot about ‘blog personality’ but what I’m really talking about is your brand; who you are and why you do what you do – and how that is translated and woven into the content for your blog.

Businesses go to a lot of trouble to make sure all their visual material is ‘branded’, however written and verbal communication is also part of your brand – it is the voice of your brand and one of the best places to have your ‘voice’ heard is via your business blog. Your blog not only needs to relevant to both your client needs and your product or service, it also needs to match your business personality. When you go to purchase an Apple product, the entire process, online or in real life is seamlessly ‘Apple-ified’.

The goal with your business blog is to make sure it seamlessly represents your brand. Tone of voice, language and point-of-view can all be manipulated to fit your brand – and the stronger your brand, the more personality you can inject into it – and the more you will define yourself in your market. Compare Mail Chimp and Aweber, Apple and JB HiFi – they basically do the same thing – but attract very different audiences. And as a footnote – while we think that people purchase on price, increasingly they purchase on experience – so your brand becomes even more important!

Camille.

And something a little lighter to help us get to know Camille just a little bit better…

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

Coffee

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

Green, I need nature for grounding and for inspiration – Mother Nature has done some amazing things, I use her for metaphor all the time.

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

I’m still recovering from the loss of David Bowie (it could take some time) so anything Bowie.

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Noah Harari.

#5. My passion is...?

Saving Mother Nature’s digestive system from plastic.

#6. Something that I like to do each day is... and why?

I like to spend time not doing. Taking time to sit and do nothing is like mentally catching your breath, it helps you move onto the next thing with a clear mind.

{jenious: I like the sound of a bit of not doing too!}

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

A thinker, a connector of dots, a curious inquisitor.

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

I have been writing for the web since 2000 and business blogging for the last 4 years.

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

We pay attention to our reputation by making sure our clients are getting the best possible service. We make sure our processes are constantly being refined and we are constantly asking ‘what will content marketing be tomorrow?’

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Starting your own business from scratch is such a challenge but every step is becomes a satisfying experience and an inspiration to keep moving forward. I also love getting to know business owners, why they do what they do and how they impact the lives of others.

Want to connect with Camille and reap the benefits of her skills?

Please get in touch directly on 0401 245 298 or email camille@brilliantbusiessblogging.com

Conversations with… Cherie Vernon

jenious — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:42:36 +0000

Welcome Cherie from Lighthouse Life!

There seems to be a whole lot of talk at the moment about wellness ‘this’, abundance ‘that’, mindful ‘this’ and intention ‘that’. And yes, I am one of them! It’s 5 years since I first met Cherie and I can honestly say that she is someone that I am blessed to have in my life. Not only does she radiate with a special sense of ‘being’, she is an awesome massage therapist, ally and friend.

As we all seem to need to remind ourselves to be mindful and remember the moment (even as simple as having a shower or driving to the shops), I felt that we would all benefit from hearing her thoughts behind “Being Mindful with Intention”.

Take a moment, sit in peace and just… BE!

Words from the gorgeous Cherie...

Mindfulness means “attention”. It is not a ‘thing’, it is something we do. To be mindful is to “pay attention to something”. To pay attention to what we do. It can also be said that mindfulness is paying attention in a certain way: ie on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgmentally.

What to do when your life feels like it’s completely fragmented, or you’re being pulled in opposite or all directions? The feeling to return to is the present moment. It is the moment of power/healing/clarity/wisdom and the only moment we have.

To bring yourself to the present moment you need awareness of where your mind and emotions and actions are as well as the need to be grounded, that is grounded (ie connected, safe, secure, supported, balanced, centred, aligned, whole) in the physical body – not out there is the ethers (in the past or future). We can all do it, it just takes practice!

And something a little lighter to help us get to know Cherie just a little bit better…

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

Tea – it’s delicate, subtle and ceremonial. There’s nothing that sitting down with a good cup o’ tea can’t fix

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

Can I pick a rainbow? That’s a challenging question, I love all colours. If I had to choose, probably aqua and white.

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

:: True Colours – The Best of Eva Cassidy

:: Real Life – Elbow

:: Just Listen – Oceanlab Sirens of the Sea

:: Divenire – Ludivico Einaudi

:: Stolen Dance – Sad Necessary (this is a song my son and I love to play when we’re in the car together!)

{jenious: What an amazing eclectic collection of tunes… Love it!}

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration by Penney Peirce. It’s my fave self care book!

#5. My passion is...?

Being amongst nature – mountains, oceans, beautiful natural scenery. It inspires me to keep connected with the spiritual realm whilst keeping grounded in this physical world. In essence it charges me with positive vibes so that I may continue to be of service in a healing capacity.

{jenious: I think this is true for me too – being around nature with my feet on the sand or in the water just gives me that special something to keep ‘being’ creative and thus be of service to others.}

#6. Something that I like to do each day is... and why?

Hug!!! – it’s connecting, grounding and loving

{jenious: And they are good hugs too }

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

Engaging, dynamic, healing (apparently)

{jenious: certainly}

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

15 years formally, otherwise my whole life

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

My approach ~ ie the different strategies I use to address each individual’s needs. And an ability to hone in on where the client is at. My approach allows the client AND me to participate in the healing process together.

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Making an immediate difference to the way people feel within themselves. And working with the mystical and divine realm in the process….we have a magnificent amount of love and support up there just waiting for us to ask for help.

Want to connect with Cherie and reap the benefits of her services?

Please get in touch directly on 0419 689 050, via facebook, online, or email cherie@lighthouselife.com.au

ADDED BONUS. As Spring has finally sprung, Cherie is offering a SPRING SPECIAL.

Subscribe to her newsletter to take advantage of this offer.

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Conversations with… The Owner. The Designer

jenious — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 01:42:24 +0000

A little bit of me!

BORN: 17 June, 1975, Manly Hospital, Sydney (to an English Mum & Belgium Dad, with one older brother)

PRIMARY SCHOOL: Collaroy Plateau Primary. HIGH SCHOOL: Cromer High. UNIVERSITY: University of Western Sydney, Nepean

BUSINESS: jenious design studio | DATE STARTED: July 2001

Fun Stuff First!

What was my first design job as a business?

WAY back when… I did some catalogue work for a homewares company “Papaya” over in Double Bay. I would come home from my 9-5 job in North Ryde and then drive over to Double-Bay and be there till midnight helping them work on a product catalogue and then do it all again the next day. Made for a very long day! Don’t think I got paid that well, and I sure didn’t charge for petrol/travel time which I should have – ah to be naïve!

What am I listening to right now?

Flume, Angus & Julia Stone, PINK, Pharrell Williams…. a bit of a mixed tape really.

Last fiction book I read (and enjoyed)?

My Brother Jack, by George Johnston. Great Australian book.

My motto?

Love what you do and be good at it… always! What you give out you will get back in return – swings and roundabouts people? and “Creative Mind Happy Soul” which is tattooed on my arm for EVER!

Favourite TV Show?

More like what channel – LIFESTYLE HOME. sad but true.

Favourite Blog at the moment?

This is Colossal: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/ People just do some amazing things and I love a sticky beak into what and how they do it! Amazing!

Favourite Pantone Colours?

Pantone 382 & 281 – my business colours funnily enough

What’s MOST important to me?

My hubby, my sons, my dog and my iMac & notebook!

Tea or coffee?

Both. Coffee first and then tea!

AND NOW THE BUSINESSY STUFF!!!

What made me start my own business?

I had been working for a large corporate company for over 5yrs and had worked my way to the grand position of ‘Senior Graphic Designer’… of myself! Haha.

So with a position going nowhere and my need to feel creative, independent and have conviction about what I was doing, I asked for redundancy and started pushing my business ‘jenious’ as a freelance design studio, and I have never looked back. I love being my own boss!

What advise would you give anyone starting up in business?

Love what you do! Be organised! And ask LOTS of questions to all those who are already in business. Get lots of mentors!

How do I promoted myself? What works best for me!?

I don’t do a lot of advertising, but I have a website, Facebook and other social media pages. 99% of my business comes from word of mouth and repeat business, which I find the best form of advertising & promotion.

Since 2008 I took the step to go and investigate this whole world of networking – through such groups as BNI (Business Networking International), and PBL (Pittwater Business Limited), and found these invaluable sources of promoting myself. It was a big step to get up infront of people and sell ‘me’ as Jenious is all about me, my talents and what I love to do!

Next time investment will be to update and get my LinkedIn profile happening to its full potential.

What has been my biggest challenge so far?

I find that maintaining creative flow is major, but keeping in touch with the industry is a great source of knowledge and motivation.

As with many other small business owners maintaining a constant cash flow with consistent work projects.

Working on my own in my little ‘bat cave’ studio can get a little lonely at times, so getting out to various networking meetings, and having coffee with other business owners, friends and otherwise, helps keep the balance!

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Conversations with… Luke Spindler

jenious — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:06:09 +0000

Welcome Luke!

On a meet & greet with some creative Mum’s a few months ago I mentioned that I needed a contact for an Illustrator. This is not something that I have a talent for and needed to find someone who did. I was given the details of Luke… and the rest… is a great new contact for all my Illustrative needs, from figure drawings in manuals, to caricatures in books.

Here’s a small insight into the world and mind of an illustrative creative! Enjoy.

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

Lots of strong coffee in the morning and tea when I’m working late at night

#2. What your favourite pantone colour and why?

PMS 368c. I’ve always loved any shade on green but I’m especially keen on the bright ones. My mum had great trouble dressing me as a kid when I insisted all my clothes be green.

{jenious: So no issues on StPats day then?}

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

Pinstripe (acoustic version) – Something for Kate; Everlong – Foo fighters; Back in Black – AC/DC; Sorrowbound – Dan Sultan; How to Make Gravy – Paul Kelly

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

‘A Fortunate Life’ by A.B.Facey

#5. Your most favourite pastime is…?

Eating. Few things get me more excited than food. I tend to plan my days around my next meal.

{jenious: Ha… me too. If it’s not coffee time, its time to eat!}

#6. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

Hhhmmm that’s a tough one. I think I’ll use three words in a row……“Imagination made real”

#7. The reason I do what I do?

I love that illustrating allows me to bring a creative thought to life. Many of us dream up wild and other worldly images in our heads and most of those daydreams will never be shared with anyone but ourselves. Illustrating allows me to bring those fantasies into a tangible form that everyone can share.

I particularly love the effect illustrations can have on children. Even if you’re not fond of the arts as an adult we can all recall our favorite children’s book. Something so simple can stay with you for a lifetime and in many cases will be passed on through the generations.

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been freelancing ever since I left University in 2004.

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

I think my flexible style allows me to deliver ideal results across a variety of industries rather than pigeon holing myself to one style of client. Many illustrators form a very specific style, which can be great (some clients prefer this), however, I enjoy working across a range of mediums and subjects.

Some days I’ll feel like drawing fun, energetic, colourful cartoons on the tablet, and the next day I’ll be drawing a hyper realistic portrait using a fine ink quill. Variety is the spice of life and I hate the idea of having to draw the same subject or style for the rest of my days.

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

I guess it’s a bit of cliché but the best thing about my job is that illustration is something I actually enjoy doing. Whether we like it or not, work plays a major role in our lives. You’re going to spend 5 out of 7 days each week for 50 years going to work. When I worked in other industries I didn’t enjoy I found myself counting down the hours till the weekend. I realized I was wishing away 70% of my life.

Illustration allows me to enjoy each day for what it is.

You can check out some of his artwork and style at his website: www.lukespindler.com.au

Awesome work! Can’t wait to use him for more projects in the future.

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Conversations with… Pru Chapman

jenious — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:08:41 +0000

Welcome Pru from State of Creation!

A few months ago I had the privilege of having Pru Chapman enter my life. It’s always great to be introduced to someone that you just know will have a positive flow on affect on your life and the way that you work. Pru runs a very successful ‘coaching’ business, State of Creation, here on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. It’s all about guiding “…clients to develop personal leadership to create clear focus and realise their potential”. From a creatives’ point of view I think this brings meaning to what I do and I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to promote.

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

Coffee. Hands down. I take it short and strong (kind of like me). Sometimes I try and trick myself into tea, but coffee always courageously comes out on top.

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

I’m always surrounded by blue. I find it to be the perfect balance between a sense of calm and inspiration in my world. I’m also a water baby, and swimming in the sea with a blue sky above is my favourite place to be.

{jenious: We share your love of blue, and the power of water. The energy of both are very powerful & inspiring! }

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

Daft Punk; The Bahamas; City and Colour; Laura Marling; Ceú.

{jenious: Great to see we have no ‘commercial’ music here! Love it!}

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

Start with Why by Simon Sinek. I’m a firm believer that our ‘why’ should drive everything that we do. If we lose our ‘why’ we lose our purpose, so it is so important to connect daily with our ‘why’.

#5. My passion is...?

Opening the floodgates to human potential. I am constantly amazed, inspired, and having my breath taken away by what people are capable of. I am privileged and humbled to often be a part of the journey with my clients. I’m also extraordinarily passionate about coffee (refer to question 1), health, fitness and travel. My partner is Brazilian so we travel to Brazil annually, and when we’re home if I’m not at Crossfit, you’ll find me running, swimming, hiking or snowboarding!

{jenious: And this is what draws me in. We are all capable of our own potential! We just have to aspire to grow & learn}

#6. The reason I do what I do?

See above

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

Inspired by possibility.

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

I started my journey in the field of Psychology in 1998, and after finishing my degree went into research and then clinical practice. While I loved the variety and challenge of psychology in private practice I have had a long obsession with peak performance. My curiosity about what enables people to get to the top of their game, in life, in work, and all worthy pursuits led me to coaching. I’m thrilled now that my work keeps me dancing at the edge of my own potential, and to be working with clients who are as passionate as me about fulfilling their potential. I work athletes, business owners, teams and everyday individuals to really turbo charge their results.

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

I operate primarily across the Sports, Travel, Adventure & Creative industries – all of which are strong interests of mine, so I am passionate about working within. Also, my foundations in psychology really provide a firm base for the personal transformation of my clients – coaching can go anywhere and my breadth and depth of experience provides a supportive and stimulating journey for my clients.

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

It is truly being witness to the transformation in my client’s lives, and the flow on effect to those around them. Peak Performance Coaching involves everything from awareness, mindset shift, focus, through to communication, personal and team development. Through the journey of an individual transformation everyone around benefits including colleagues, team members, families and partners. I love the ripple effect.

{jenious: And so do we Pru… so do we!}

What to hear more about personal and professional development with Pru? Please get in touch directly on +61 (0) 2 8021 7947 or email hello@stateofcreation.com

ADDED BONUS. State of Creation offers a complimentary initial strategy session to ensure that they’re the right fit for you. AWESOME!

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Conversations with… APEX Signage

jenious — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:27:18 +0000

Welcome Nick from Apex Signage!

I had been driving past Nick’s business for at least 6mths, each time thinking “I should call them to quote a job”, before finally calling him to quote on a job and since we have worked on a number of projects together including our own vehicles. Always up to grab a coffee and go through things, Nick is willing to accommodate any project and is really easy to work with. Jenious asked him 10 questions to delve a little into his day to day and help you to connect.

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

Coffee.

{jenious: With your office right next to a coffee shop its a win/win!.}

#2. What's your favourite Pantone colour and why?

Cyan. Blue is my favourite colour.

#3. First thing, in the office, I _________?

Check the scores of various sports.

#4. Radio station preference?

Triple J.

{jenious: A man with true taste. This is what you will also hear at the jenious studio.}

#5. Most used item in your office?

Definitely my iMac, and a close second my Stanley knife.

{jenious: The tools of the trade!}

#6. How long have you been in the industry?

10 years.

{jenious:Clearly a successful business!}

#7. What's the most ordered item in your product line?

I’d say vehicle signage.

{jenious: We’ve already worked with Nick on three vehicle signage projects to date and currently working on another.}

#8. Range of products in your repertoire?

We have everything from vinyl for signs, to rotary hammer drills, to specialised fixings for installations.

{Go online to view the full range + samples of works: Vehicle Graphics, Retail Signage, Frosting & Window Graphics, Building Signage, Corporate Signage, Banners, Real Estate Signage, Lightboxes, Exhibition & Trade Show Signage, Posters, Architectual Signage}

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

We’re young, motivated and qualified which a lot of people in my industry aren’t.

{jenious:I like your style Nick ~ well said.}

#10. Last but not least, how do you find working with jenious design studio?

A pleasure; Jen is always helpful and goes out of her way to make jobs run easier.

{jenious: Always glad to be of good service. A smoother running job makes for a better outcome and a happy client.}

Want to know more, or even book in your next job? You can contact Nick directly on 0426 248 584 or email him at nick@apexsignage.com.au!

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Conversations with… | Jenious

Conversations with… Camille Blyth

Welcome Camille from Brilliant Blogging!

And something a little lighter to help us get to know Camille just a little bit better…

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

#5. My passion is...?

#6. Something that I like to do each day is... and why?

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Want to connect with Camille and reap the benefits of her skills?

Other posts of interest

Conversations with… Cherie Vernon

Welcome Cherie from Lighthouse Life!

Take a moment, sit in peace and just… BE!

And something a little lighter to help us get to know Cherie just a little bit better…

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

#5. My passion is...?

#6. Something that I like to do each day is... and why?

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Want to connect with Cherie and reap the benefits of her services?

ADDED BONUS. As Spring has finally sprung, Cherie is offering a SPRING SPECIAL.

Subscribe to her newsletter to take advantage of this offer.

Conversations with… The Owner. The Designer

A little bit of me!

Fun Stuff First!

AND NOW THE BUSINESSY STUFF!!!

Conversations with… Luke Spindler

Welcome Luke!

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

#2. What your favourite pantone colour and why?

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

#5. Your most favourite pastime is…?

#6. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

#7. The reason I do what I do?

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Conversations with… Pru Chapman

Welcome Pru from State of Creation!

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

#2. What colour/s do you like to surround yourself with and why?

#3. Top 5 on your current playlist.

#4. A book that really got me thinking was....?

#5. My passion is...?

#6. The reason I do what I do?

#7. 3 words that describe who YOU are/what you do?

#8. How long have you been in the industry?

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

#10. What's the best thing about your job and why?

Conversations with… APEX Signage

Welcome Nick from Apex Signage!

#1. Coffee or tea? What is your poison?

#2. What's your favourite Pantone colour and why?

#3. First thing, in the office, I _________?

#4. Radio station preference?

#5. Most used item in your office?

#6. How long have you been in the industry?

#7. What's the most ordered item in your product line?

#8. Range of products in your repertoire?

#9. What makes your business stand out from the rest in the industry?

#10. Last but not least, how do you find working with jenious design studio?