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Celebrating 10 Years of Telling Designs
This month, I celebrate a milestone that feels both surreal and incredibly fulfilling—10 years since I founded Telling Designs in August 2014. My story is one of a young mother who, despite uncertainty and doubt, had a deep desire to be something more, to carve out a path that allowed me to be present for my children while pursuing a passion of my own.
I became a mother very young, and before my career in design, I worked in hospitality. But the long hours were tough to manage with young kids at home, and I found myself wondering what my future would hold. I had no clear direction, but I knew I wanted to be there for my children.
One day, at 23, 2009, while driving in my car, I heard a radio ad about studying graphic design via correspondence. Something clicked. I signed up, and for the next five years, I immersed myself in learning a craft that was completely new to me. At first, I was terrible. The software felt foreign, the concepts confusing, and I often questioned whether I’d ever get the hang of it. But with relentless practice and sheer determination, I started to grasp it.
In 2014, I landed a job at a sign-writing business. It was a big deal for me—my first time back in the workforce in six years. But the reality was far from what I’d hoped for. I spent most of my time making signs, a task that didn’t inspire me, and the work environment was unpleasant. After three tough months, I decided to leave. It was a low point, but it also pushed me to take a leap of faith and start my own business—Telling Designs.
I began by designing logos for local businesses and quickly discovered a love for photography. I started capturing family moments with my DSLR camera, and soon, photography became a newfound passion. This self-taught journey led me to expand my services, blending graphic design with social media support, family portraits, and commercial photography. As my skills grew, so did my understanding of branding. I realised that this was where my true passion lay, and my services naturally evolved to focus on comprehensive branding.
In 2019, I made a life-changing move from Port Hedland to Mandurah. Port Hedland had been the foundation of my business’s growth, so the idea of relocating was terrifying. But nearly five years later, Telling Designs is thriving, with clients across Australia and internationally. I still visit Port Hedland 2-3 times a year to connect with regular clients. Those visits are a refreshing change from my home office—it’s good for my soul to get out, meet people face-to-face, and do on-location work. And yes, while I do love working from home in my slippers, those trips keep me energised and inspired.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone starting a business or considering it, here’s what I’ve learned: understanding business processes is crucial—I wish I’d grasped this sooner. Workflow management is key; falling behind can cost you dearly.
Above all, be yourself. Don’t chase trends or force yourself to follow someone else’s advice if it doesn’t feel right for you. Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about how happy and fulfilled you are. Love what you do, be great at it, and your purpose will naturally unfold.
One common pitfall I’ve seen is businesses taking on too much too quickly, leading to unsustainable growth. It’s not a race—grow at your own pace, sustainably, and humbly.
And of course, strong branding is essential. Establishing a clear message and market positioning is vital—this is the foundation of any successful business.
Looking to the Future
I’m in a great place with Telling Designs right now. I have incredible clients, including one in the U.S., another expanding into a national enterprise, and one that’s already a successful multimillion-dollar company. The past year has pushed my creative abilities to the limit, and I love it. This is what makes us better artists, designers, and photographers—you have to be challenged to grow.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see what the future holds with a particular client whose growth has been exponential. I’m eager to take on larger, more in-depth branding projects, focusing on comprehensive brand identity overhauls and market positioning.
As for 2025, I’m setting my sights on a better work-life balance. I’ll be turning 40, and I have been dedicating a lot more of my time to my fitness and health. With my kids who will be 19 and 16 next year, I will have more space to rediscover myself and pursue things that bring me joy. It’s time to be a little more selfish—in the best way possible!
Career Aspirations
I have a few career dreams I’m passionate about: I’d love to do a major rebrand for a winery, complete with photography and all the works. Another U.S.-based client would be amazing, and traveling to meet my current client in Spokane, Washington, is definitely on the bucket list.
Gratitude
I couldn’t have made it this far without my biggest supporter—my husband. He’s been there through every tear, every triumph, reminding me daily of my worth and potential.
A special shoutout to Felicity Ford Photography for capturing my 10-year business anniversary celebration—what a fun shoot! I can’t wait to see the rest of the images.
And to all my clients over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every moment, every project, has been a joy. I appreciate each and every one of you.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A special thank you goes to my husband, who surprised me with a beautiful bunch of flowers to celebrate this milestone. His support has been unwavering—he’s seen me through the highs and lows, always there to lift me up when I’ve felt down.
I also want to give a shoutout to Callum from Spooled Out Australia, my biggest fan on social media right now. Your constant likes and comments on my stories and posts don’t go unnoticed—thank you for being so supportive!
To Daniel McCormack founder of Fridgy, you’ve been instrumental in helping me see my worth and capabilities. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’m so grateful for your encouragement.
And to Daniel Finch Owner/Director of Finmec, who once told me, “You can’t quit because you’re too good at it,” during a time when I was considering giving up—thank you. Your words have stuck with me and have kept me going more times than you know.
Finally, to all my clients over the years—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve loved every single moment we’ve worked together. Your trust and collaboration have meant the world to me, and I appreciate each and every one of you.
Here’s to Another 10 Years
As I reflect on the past decade, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. Telling Designs has been a journey of growth, creativity, and connection, and I’m so proud of where we are today. Here’s to another 10 years of pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and continuing to do what I love most—bringing brands to life and capturing the stories that matter.
Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. The best is yet to come!
