Where do I start... This year, Bored George is turning 6, which is so hard to believe. When the idea first came about, I was a manager at a physiotherapy clinic, bored out of my mind and craving some sort of challenge or change. That's when I looked into importing a product to start selling. Never intending for it to become a business—I think a lot of businesses start off this way—with no intention, but the passion for it just grows and surpasses any expectations anyone, including yourself, has for it.

Sunglasses as a product—I fell in love with them when traveling overseas, as they gave me a new confidence I had never felt before, almost like a mask for different personalities. Which now ties into our mission: "Our frames are designed to make a statement, featuring playful and bold shapes that reflect mood, attitude, and personality."

Trust your gut. And I know that's a piece of advice that a lot of people give out, but it's one I'm still learning, as it's definitely a self-discovery journey—trusting yourself and your feelings over, sometimes, professionals or others who, in theory, may have more experience. I'm still not great at trusting my gut straight off the bat, and lately, I've had a few missteps where I ignored a gut feeling I had because others told me what was better for me and my business. And it's come back to bite me. It's a journey to understanding why your gut is there, and the better you become at listening to it, the stronger you are as a business owner.

Over the years, there have been numerous achievements, and I must admit, I'm often guilty of not celebrating the successes and wins as much as I should. In the midst of the daily grind, it's easy to overlook these moments. However, looking back, one standout achievement for us was winning the Girls in Business Best in Marketing award.

I know awards shouldn't be the sole source of gratification, but this particular recognition came at a time when I was seriously questioning my marketing decisions and the direction we were heading. Receiving that validation—that we were on the right track—was incredibly timely. It not only boosted my confidence but also reaffirmed that others look up to us and our marketing efforts.

This experience taught me the importance of acknowledging and celebrating our accomplishments, no matter how big or small. They serve as reminders of our progress and the impact we're making.

That’s probably what I love most about running Bored George, every day brings something new.

My mornings kick off with a V No Sugar Blackcurrant; without it, I'm on struggle street. Then it's onto emails and admin tasks. Mid-morning, I head into town to record an episode of my podcast, Bored to Boss, which I co-produce with ZM.

Afternoons are dedicated to content creation for our Instagram, TikTok, and advertising on Meta and Google. It's a constant cycle, always requiring fresh content to keep our audience engaged.

Towards the end of the day, Jess (my employee) and I touch base to discuss upcoming priorities and plan for the rest of the week.

The unpredictability keeps things exciting, and I wouldn't have it any other way.