A lot of people don’t know much about their options right now. This resource list provides quick links that include information on the available assistance, packages, and useful resources from government and other agencies for residents in Western Australia. 

Health-related Information and Updates

• health.gov.au – daily updates on how the Australian government monitors and responds to the outbreak, current facts and figures, travel advice, key contact and phone numbers
• WA Department of Health – information and details about COVID-19 in WA

Assistance available for Western Australians

Unemployment or Loss of Income

• Federal income support for individuals – check what you can get, register your intention to claim, and finalise your claim
• Crisis Payment for people who are in severe financial hardship – check if you’re eligible, provides details how much you can get and ways how to claim it
• Register your intent to claim Centrelink payment – register your intention to claim through online and they will contact you for the next steps
• WA Stimulus Package – State of emergency measures, travel advice, government stimulus, pandemic response plan, testing clinics, public information

For small business owners

COVID-19 Support for Perth SMEs – This is a comprehensive guide we have published which includes details on how small business owners in WA can get access to the stimulus package currently being offered by the federal and territory government. 

Quick Links

• List of banks which are freezing mortgages for COVID-19 – If your bank doesn’t appear on the list, don’t panic. Even if your bank has not yet announced it is offering repayment holidays for home loan customers, almost all banks offer financial hardship programs, intended to help customers experiencing difficulties manage their finances. Contact your bank, explain your situation, and work with one another to look for a suitable solution.
• Deduction for expenses of employees working from home
• Steps to take if you’re struggling to pay rent – steps to help you stay in your home and avoid evictio
• Information for WA Tenants 
• Financial support for energy and internet bills

Hope you found these quick links valuable. If you want any additional information on, or you have a specific circumstance which was not covered in the list, feel free to give me a ring on 0408 081 082 or send me an email kirsten@soulfinancegroup.com.au I’m here with you and I’m here for you!

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post COVID-19 Financial Resource List for WA Residents appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Ultimate Christmas Shopping Hacks

You were told to save as early as January to have something to spend for Christmas shopping in December but who does that anyway? So you’re now channeling your 2018 self, doing last-minute Christmas shopping. If you’re one of the people who is strict on your budget, this guide can help you maximise your spendings.

Take advantage of deals and discounts

Look for all opportunities to save every cent. Find the tab on the retailer’s website where they put all their offers and sale items. Who know, you might score a huge deal! Be sure to check their social media accounts for any discount code they are currently promoting.

Check clearance outlets

Look for any clearance outlets near you or in your community and see if they have a sale. Most stores are also running last-minute sale blowout to get rid of their old stocks and make room for new ones in the coming new year.

Visit price comparison sites

If you are looking for a particular item online, make sure you snatch the best deal. It literally pays to check price comparison sites such as Shopbot or GetPrice to find out if you are getting the most out of your money.

DIY your cards and wrapping

Instead of spending a dollar or two for a gift box or a gift bag, minimise your spending by purchasing a simple wrapper and a ribbon and wrap all the presents yourself. Add a personal touch by writing a simple note on a gift card that can also be DIY!

For next year’s Christmas, consider allotting a separate savings account for your Christmas shopping budget. Try saving a minimal amount weekly or monthly in a year’s time.

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post 2019 Ultimate Christmas Shopping Hacks appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

How your mental health affects your business

Ask any girl boss about stress, they’ve experienced all kinds of it. If you are a working mum running your own shop, or a boss babe starting to build her own empire, it pays to check on your mental health before it takes a toll on your business and your personal life.

Stress in the business

Cash flow management, long hours, debts, dealing with clients, and handling your employees can leave you feeling mentally exhausted, stressed, anxious or depressed. Consequently, this can have a negative impact to your personal relationships and business operations.

How to handle stress

• • Review your business plan – check if there are processes you can modify to efficiently reach your business objectives
  • Organise your finances – Manage your cash flow by ensuring you have a list of all your business expenses. Next step is important and highly recommended.
  • Seek an expert – get the help of a professional finance broker to help you manage and secure finances for your business

  • Have a time for yourself – Try to find the balance between work and personal life. Set a date in a week when you can reset and unwind. Schedule a time for the day when you stop responding to work-related emails. Always prioritise yourself.

10/10 World Health Mental Day

October 10 is World Health Mental Day. 1 out of 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of the stigma. Let’s help shed a positive light on mental health. Running your own business can take so much of your time, but taking care of your mental health is an investment in you and your business.

The takeaway

Being a small business owner doesn’t have to compromise your mental health. Learning to say “no” or just spending some quality “me” time are already self-care in itself. Self-care isn’t selfish. It is for you as much as it is for your clients, your family, friends, and the people around you.

If you need help securing finance for your business, I am more than happy to relieve that potential stress for you. Feel free to give me a call on 0408 081 082.

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post How Your Mental Health Affects Your Business appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

No asset? No worries; Small business loan in Perth

Big banks and major lenders often require that you put down property as security for repayments. However, not every business has the capacity to do so. Fortunately, there are options which don’t ask you put up your assets as security. Oftentimes, these lenders based their approval on the strength of your business, its structure, your bank statements, and credit history among others.

Loans that support small business

Why do you need funds? How are you planning to utilise this to improve your business?

• • Purchase a new equipment or software
  • Buy a new vehicle equipment
  • Business renovations
  • Improve infrastructure
  • Purchasing new capital

What are the features?

Prospa, a small business lending specialist, helps small business owners finance their needs. You can borrow from $5,000 up to $300,000 with repayments that work with your cash flow. You have the option to pay out the loan in 3 months up to 24 months, plus funding possible in 24 hours!*

No asset? No worries

Small business loans with Prospa doesn’t require you to put up a security with loan amount of up to $100,000. This is suitable for business owners who do not wish or don’t have the capacity to attach an asset as a guarantee.

How to apply

Submit your details and a Soul Finance Group finance broker will call you for a quick chat to see if you have any questions, Then, if you’re comfortable to proceed, you will be guided through the application. You will be asked to provide the following:

• • Driver Licence
  • Business ABN
  • 6 months business bank statements

Are you eligible?

If your business has a turnover of more than $6,000 per month and can demonstrate 6 months of trading for a new business, or 3 months if you’ve purchased an existing business, we most certainly can help.

The takeaway

Securing a finance need not be a tedious process. You already have your attention and time towards building your business and we wish to take the stress away by helping you fund your business needs. Don’t worry about putting up a security as we have access to a small business lending specialist that can help you. The process is quick as you could have a decision in as little as an hour, with funding possible in 24 hours.

You can visit business http://businessloan.soulfinancegroup.com.au for more details.

If you wish to know more details, give me a ring on 0408 081 082.

*Fees, terms and conditions apply.

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post No Assets? No Worries; Small Business Loan in Perth appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Great news for small businesses: an increase in the instant asset write off threshold.

We’ve got some great news about claiming the cost of your business assets. Small businesses with a turnover under $10 million can take advantage of the instant asset write off. There have been some studies that show that a high percentage of small businesses are not taking advantage of this deduction because they are not familiar. For small businesses that haven’t used this concession previously, here’s what you’ll need to know to maximise this scheme:

What is the instant asset write-off?

A tax break that allows small businesses (including those with an aggregated turnover of $10 million or less—you can consult your tax advisor to confirm) to lower their taxable income from any purchased assets that cost less than $30,000 – in the same income year.

What does this mean for your business?

• The tax break means small business owners can reduce their taxable income – and tax payable – in the same financial year an asset was purchased and installed.
• Assets must be purchased and first used or installed ready for use from 7.30pm (AEDT) on 2 April 2019 until 30 June 2020 to qualify.
• Small businesses can currently purchase an eligible asset up to $30,000 (excluding GST) and write it off as a tax deduction in the same financial year of purchase.
• You can claim multiple assets if each one is under $30,000. There is no cap on how many times a business can use this deduction. There is a cap of $30,000 per asset which means that you could potentially purchase any number of assets for your business before June 30th and instantly deduct them all.

What assets can you purchase to claim the cost?

Unsure of what is covered in the $30,000 tax break? You can use it for anything from computer equipment to a coffee machine for the office kitchen to solar panels for the office roof or even a car.

• Plant and equipment
• Vehicles
• New technology/facility or machinery
• tools and electronics such as:
  • machines for POS
  • mobile phones
  • computer monitors
  • laptops
  • printers

Second-hand goods also qualify for the tax break (Equipment, vehicles, tools, electronics). Exclusions from the write-off include horticultural plants, building construction and software allocated to a software development pool. You won’t get $30,000 as a tax refund – the write-off is a deduction of your taxable income.

How to take advantage of the instant write off?

If you are looking to purchase an equipment, electronics, or vehicle for your business, now is a great time to take advantage of this scheme.Your business will still need to fund the purchase for the period until you claim the instant asset write-off, which is only a portion of the purchase price.

The instant asset write-off is particularly useful for businesses intending to bring forward capital expenditure at the end of the financial year.

Thinking about purchasing assets to grow your business? Let’s put your plans into action sooner and get you the funds you need. Assets purchased before 30 June 2020 could be eligible for a $30,000 instant asset write-off. Schedule a call with me today to get access to highly competitive finance options available in the market.  Call 0408 081 082.

Disclaimer:

 Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

 This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post $30,000 Instant Asset Write-off for Small Businesses appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Kaye Waterhouse takes the concept of music as a twist in starting her own yoga studio. Not deviating fully from traditional yoga, the owner of ‘Vital Beat Yoga,’ wanted it to be more inclusive for all women (and men, too!)

Kaye didn’t have any experience in running a business and had to learn everything from scratch. In this interview, she shared details on her marketing strategy and how she was able to pull it off.

Be inspired with her story and the many insightful things that came with it:

What is your vision for Vital Beat Yoga?

My vision for the studios is that we pride ourselves on providing a fun, accessible, [and] unintimidating yoga practice. We recognise that people come to yoga for a great variety of reasons; psychological, physical, or spiritual and any of these reasons are as valid as any other. Vital Beat is not an overtly spiritual or philosophical studio, we instead choose to share the real human experience and prefer to be on this journey with our students rather than trying to be “spiritual teachers”. We also believe that the core essence of yoga is joy, and one of the fastest ways to get there, is through music. Our community is supportive, inclusive, and empowering, and our teachers are warm, kind, humorous, and genuine. We seriously have the best students in Perth!

Why did you decide to start teaching yoga?

I was unable to find a yoga studio myself that I truly resonated with and I saw a gap for the kind of yoga that made people feel welcome even if they didn’t believe in deities and chakras, and was still an accepting place for those that did. I set out to do my teacher training with the intention of opening my own studio and opened the doors to our first space in May 2016, 6 months after returning from my training! I opened my second location in May 2018. 

What types of students does your studio serve?  Do you cater to women only?

Because of our music-driven studio, we attract quite a lot of beginners who have said they were otherwise “bored” or “intimidated” by a quieter practice. Two years ago I would have said 70% of our student base was beginners but now that many of those beginners have grown with us, that has dropped to about 30-40%. Because of the different class styles on offer (from very chill to very strong), we attract a huge variety of ages, our youngest being around 20 and our eldest are in their 60’s – we strongly encourage men to attend but the nature of western yoga is that it does serve many more women than men… so in light of that, and our family-orientated outer suburban locations, we also offer a creche serve, plus Mums n Bubs Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, and Kids Yoga classes.

How do you market your business?

There are 4 primary pillars to our marketing success;

1. Community: by looking after those closest to us (our students) most of our growth comes from word of mouth. Many (many!) of our students come to class because of (or with!) their friends and family. We also offer free community classes, donation-based charity classes, and Student Scholarships (memberships for those with financial barriers to yoga) as well as give generously to local community groups. This aligns with my personal mission for a Karmic Yoga studio but also helps develop brand awareness & reach. How we look after our students, from our “refresh” stations of tampons & hair ties, dry shampoo and breath mints, to free fruit, tea, and free kombucha on tap, is always top priority.
2. Technology driven marketing: I developed and launched a digital sales funnel that drives 80% of our new clientele to the studio through an incentivised voucher “trial” that, when people fall in love with the studio, converts to a direct debit membership. It’s been hugely successful in attracting clientele previously outside our reach and I can attribute our 60% growth in the last 6 months alone to that program! It also means almost 70% of our members are on direct debit, giving us more stability in our revenue projections.
3. We are very active on social media and connect authentically on there. I’m upfront about everything from business financial struggles to my pregnancy morning sickness (!) and I think our community appreciates that. I’m also not afraid to drop a few swear words either (Haha!) Mastering social media, from FB Lives to Instastories and IGTV, [have] elevated our brand online very quickly.
4. Collaborations and events: Hip Hop Yoga translates beautifully to public and live events (plus they’re super fun!). I teach (or send my staff to teach) at 12-15 events every year, from paid corporate gigs to charity jams. It gets us out in front of new crowds and allows people to truly experience the joy of beat-laced music-driven vinyasa yoga. Some things just need to be experienced! I’m also an Ambassador for Lululemon and work closely with them on events.

What makes Vital Beat Yoga different from other yoga studio in the area?

Music is a very important part of what we do and we put as much effort into playlist creation as the classes themselves. Music can help people shift away from the pressures of the day and into a relaxed state and promotes the production of dopamine (happiness!). Vital Beat is categorically a Hip Hop Yoga studio, that is, most of our tunes are urban & mainstream in nature; hip hop, RnB, Soul, Jazz, Funk, and Reggae but we also include acoustic, mantra and instrumental as a complement. The more intense the class, the more intense the music! There is no whale song and wind chimes at Vital Beat!

What were your struggles starting up?

Everything!!! What I can tell you, is the things I’d never done before starting Vital Beat in 2016:

Never: run a business, hired staff, rented a commercial space, designed & fit out a premises (shout out to my handy husband), designed & built a website including all its copy, operated a CRM system, developed a business plan or a financial budget (yep I opened without either of these), tracked financials, marketed a business in a new community, or wrote contracts, policies & procedures, press releases, or social media strategies. All of which I now know how to do – having learned them out of necessity!

Can you tell us about your business plan?

1. Survive!
2. Develop insane financial literacy
3. Continue to build the business into a model that runs with low input**.

**I travelled around Australia for 4 months with my family when the first studio was just 12 months old and the business survived happily without my physical presence. This year we are selling our home in the Perth hills to live on a bus permanently as “nomads” and only be in Perth as much as the business requires, so the current iteration of the business plan is around the automation and self-sustaining capacity of a yoga studio. I believe it can be done! Success for me lies in the studios ability to run this way – my choices now much more reflect my dream lifestyle than a dream salary.

What style or pose of yoga do you recommend and why?

I have one pose that is the nemesis of my chronic anxiety and it’s a deeply relaxing yin pose called Reclined Deer Pose Twist. It’s a combination of a seated twist (very stabilising & balancing for the nervous system) and a forward fold (calming and down-regulating for an anxious mind). Whenever I have trouble sleeping, 5 minutes of this pose on each side helps my mind to settle (which as small business owner, can be very loud in my head with to do lists!)

The future ahead of you is dark. You are holding a ‘magic light bulb’, which has the power to illuminate any part in your future. (Means you can take a peek of your future) What part are you seeing?

I can see what we are building towards now, come to fruition. I live with my two children and husband (and dog!) off-the-grid in our 40ft coach, somewhere in Australia and I run the studios remotely, returning to Perth as needed. This also grants me the freedom to finish writing my book!

The post The Illuminate Series: ‘Vital Beat Yoga’ appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Sarah Toquero, Everybody Jungle Body owner and instructor

Just like any other business owner, Sarah Toquero, had her fair share of ups and downs. From letting go of something she used to be passionate about, she still managed to find another craft she successfully grew. This was all possible because it was fuelled with her advocacy of supporting women in the Perth community.

For Sarah, it doesn’t matter whether she has a family to take care of plus a full-time job she absolutely loves—since there’s a burning passion of wanting to share her fitness journey in her community, she was able to pull off a side gig, being a Jungle Body instructor. This hustle is for her as much as it is for her clients/attendees.

But, how did she do it?

Why did you decide to start this business?

I started Everybody Jungle Body as a result of [being] a participant for 6 years and loving the programs. In 2013, I was working part-time and started a raw food business. I was selling my products at markets and then became a regular stall at many of the Jungle Body instructor’s classes. I really loved the community spirit and the “vibe” of class participation.

In 2014, I made the hard decision to close my raw food business as I had really fallen out of love with it.  I then decided to become a Jungle Body instructor as I wanted to really harvest the same “vibe” and support women in my local community. It was also a good incentive to keep up my fitness routine.

Everybody Jungle Body runs classes 3 times per week and on top of that I work full-time in a government role. I really love my full-time job, so I’m not giving that up anytime soon.

What do you wish you knew when you started Everybody Jungle Body?

I wish I knew the positive impact having classes in my community would have. I would have started sooner if I did.

What is unique about EJB?

What makes EJB unique is that any age or fitness level can attend. Each program is set to amazing music and with only 4 moves per track; it’s really easy to pick up. There is not lock in contract either; you just pay as you go.

How do you empower women in the community?

By allowing them to have a safe space to exercise. No judgment! Just an hour all to themselves. No household chores to think about, no work, no kids calling “mum” every two minutes J. Just music, fun and some freedom.

What frustrates you as a career woman, a business owner, and a fitness professional?

Frustrations usually lie within myself; just not enough time in the day to get everything done. But I think every business owner feels this. I have set myself a task of outsourcing in 2019. If I don’t have the time, then I need to find someone who does, otherwise it’s poorly executed.

Was there a time in your career or business when you felt like you wanted to give up? What did you do to move past it?

Giving up….ask anyone that knows me and they will probably say I’m too stubborn to give up. When I fell out of love with my raw food business, I knew it was time to move on. I have been instructing Jungle Body for over 3 years now and I’m still loving it. Each class is different, so you never get bored. We are blessed with really great support from our Jungle Body head office and I think that helps with it never becoming mundane.

What was your vision when you started? Is it different today?

My vision was to create a comfortable exercise space for women in my community, I guess that vision remains today. If anything it would also now be to create positive mental health changes in my participants. You can never under estimate the power of belonging and friendship. These values have really been exposed in my Jungle Body participants.

What makes EJB successful?

EJB is successful because I’m very real. I laugh a lot, I openly admit to making mistakes and I often forget my moves in the middle of track. We usually just laugh and carry on. I’m only human J

If you could give one fitness advice, what would it be?

Find a friend to exercise with. [It] keeps you both accountable and it’s less intimidating starting something new with a friend.

The future ahead of you is dark. You are holding a ‘magic light bulb’, which has the power to illuminate any part in your future. (Means you can take a peek of your future) What part are you seeing?

The magic light bulb would see me on the South of France with a wine in my hand and a cheeseboard…..I will get to tick it off my bucket list.

The post The Illuminate Series: ‘Everybody Jungle Body’ appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Getting a small business loan in Perth

So you’ve got a brilliant idea, a unique selling proposition, and a marketing plan to start your own company but there’s one thing that’s stopping you—you don’t have funds. The idea of being your own boss is an exciting thought until you find ways on how to finance it. I’ve heard so many stories from people who failed to pursue their business dreams because they didn’t realise that there are a number of finance options available.

Navigating through these deals can be tricky, hence this article aims to walk you through the important things you need to know.

What types of business loans are there?

These can be split into two main types of finance: equity finance and debt finance. Equity finance is money that is sourced from within the business or from an investor and doesn’t need to be repaid. Debt finance is money that is borrowed and needs to be repaid. Here are some examples of equity and debt finance:

Equity finance

• Self-funding
• Venture capitals
• Initial public offering
• Investments from family and friends
• Private investors
• Crowdfunding
• Government grants

Debt finance

• Loans from banks
• Loans from standalone business lenders
• Invoice factoring
• Loans from family and friends

Lenders have different criteria to determine whether you are eligible for a loan. Want to know if you are? Chat with me today.

Small Business Loan Requirements

The following list includes general requirements. The lender may require additional documents along the way.

• Accountant-prepared financial statements
• Proof of individual income
• Bank statements
• Identification

Small Business Loans Available in Perth

If you are looking to finance your dream business in Perth, there are many options available. GetCapital offers a flexible business loan from $5,000 up to $500,000 with convenient top up and redraw facilities. Business must have been operating for 9 months+ and have monthly sales of $10,000+. Prospa lets you borrow $5,000 to $250,000 that can be funded in 1 business day. Must have a turnover of $6,000+ per month and provide 6 months of trading history, 3 months history for existing business purchases. Moula can loan you an amount of $5,000 to $500,000 that can be approved and funded within 24 hours and available to businesses with 6+ months operating history and $5,000+ monthly sales. There’s also Spotcap where it offers a line of credit of up to $400,000 that converts into a loan when you draw down.

Quick tips:

• Be clear on why you want to borrow. The outcome of your application is strongly influenced by how well your proposal is researched and how well it’s presented.
• Know how much the loan amount is. Keep in mind that the longer the loan term – the more total interest you’ll pay.

Ready to fund your dream business? Or do you still have some questions unanswered? Happy to clarify them for you. Drop me a message on Facebook, Instagram, or you can always send me an email.

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post Getting a Small Business Loan in Perth appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Toni Coates, owner of The Coat Box

The idea of decluttering and reorganising comes with the New Year. Removing the clutter from your home and organising your life can leave you with an environment filled with things you love and you actually use. For some of us, it somehow gives us a clean slate to start with and the idea that something is truly working for you.

Whether you have been inspired by Feng Shui, minimalism or the recent trend, the “KonMari method,” learn a thing or two from a Perth Girl boss herself:

What is ‘The Coat Box” all about? (What’s your inspiration for your business name?)

The Coat Box is a Professional Organising Business. I help people declutter and organise their homes or areas in the home where clutter and disorganisation is causing my clients stress or anxiety, or physically impeding the use of space in the home. The Business name I must admit is a little quirky! It was inspired by my surname (Coates) and my partner and kids’ surname (Box). As a family owned and run business, it just made sense – and could also sound like a kind of storage item.

What pushed you to start this kind of business?

From the first time I ever lived on my own, I became quite fussy about tidiness and organisation. This only grew as I got older and especially after I had children. When we moved into our current home, I had to become creative in the way things are stored and also somewhat ruthless with decluttering as my home has little storage available.  I came to the realisation that I actually really enjoy decluttering and organising and was pretty good at it! Why not help others with their home? I know that a lot of people struggle with clutter and disorganisation so I could help others at the same time as doing something I enjoy. Also as a Mum of 3 young daughters, running my own business with hours I could make suit our lifestyle meant I could still be home on weekends and after school to spend time with my family and do all the mum stuff (like driving back and forth from dance lessons!).

How are you able to go the extra mile for your clients?

My service is a very personal one. I’m working in people’s homes with their personal belongings so a high level of respect, compassion, understanding and empathy is a must. Every one of my clients is different and every home is different. Sometimes I may need to work closely with a client who suffers from mental or physical illness or perhaps with a client who has lost a spouse or loved one. Or maybe it’s a time poor family who are overwhelmed and just need some help and support. I’m a naturally friendly person so I find that after the initial questions, I like to just chat with my clients, listen to them and try my best to relate to them and their situation. In any, job it’s necessary to maintain a level of professionalism but it’s also ok to share something of yourself!

What are the struggles you encountered in building your business along the way and how did you overcome these?

Well! Funny story – when I started working on putting my business together I got unexpectedly pregnant with my 3^rd child! This put the brakes on for a couple of years but I stayed focused and continued trying to learn as much as I could for when I could “officially” start work. I’ve now been in business for 2 years.

Also as a business run from home and on a budget I opted to build my own website – this was a big learning curve! I managed to get it sorted though and with some great advice from a wonderful client on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) my site is now ranking high on Google search and this has improved my business exponentially!

Please share some valuable tips to our readers about decluttering and organising.

If you’re considering doing some decluttering and organising, depending on the time available and how motivated you are, start with the area that most frustrates you, or is most pressing – such as a cluttered kitchen that you have trouble working in, or a wardrobe where you have trouble finding what you’re looking for!

For those who are more hesitant or overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, maybe find something smaller, a drawer or just one of the kitchen cupboards. Then it doesn’t take as long and the visible results can boost your confidence and motivation.

Very importantly, go into any project with the aim to declutter first, then organise the items left back into the storage space. Try not to keep buying more and more storage as this can actually add to the clutter.

Don’t be afraid of empty space! People often see empty space and have the urge to fill it with something, don’t get pulled in by this feeling, instead, look at the space and try to appreciate it, one day you may need it.

Last but definitely not least, don’t be afraid to seek help, there are professional organisers all over Australia (and the world). Our professional Industry body IOPO (Institute of Professional Organisers International) has a database on their website you can search to find an organiser in your area.

The future ahead of you is dark. You are holding a ‘magic light bulb’, which has the power to illuminate any part in your future. (Means you can take a peek of your future) What part are you seeing?

Oh this is a hard one – there’s so much I’d love to see! My hope is that I could look forward to a time in the future when my business is still strong and successful, my family is happy and healthy and my daughters are growing up into smart, sensible and strong young women – one of the other big reasons for starting my business is to help support my family and be a good role model for my girls, so I’m really hoping this is in that illuminated future!

Organising and decluttering go far beyond improving the aesthetics of your home or work space. It’s essential to both your physical and mental wellbeing.  Find a way (and time) to start somewhere and just like what Toni said, if you’re not sure where to start, find something smaller. You got this!

The post The Illuminate Series: ‘The Coat Box’ appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Finding a perfect gift during the holiday season can escalate from fun to stressful to having no time at all. Products and holiday sales might have filled your social media feed already, but sometimes, that only makes the job extra challenging.

Our tip: First off, don’t let the panic settle in. There are so many options to make your loved one feel appreciated during this season. We have previously shared some unique gift ideas from Perth small businessowners. To prove as much, we’ve compiled another list for those of you who are still on the hunt. These are available from businessowners in Perth that we personally recommend–Christmas gift ideas that won’t disappoint.

Rustic Chix

Rustic Chix is certainly bringing the Holiday spirit with their collection of Christmas items! They offer eco-friendly rustic wood Christmas tree, custom-made decorative fire surround, platters and grazing boards—a must for Christmas feasts! The real winner here is the fact that they use recycled and sustainably-sourced materials.

Wanderlust Soy Candle Co.

There’s scented candle and then there’s Wanderlust Soy Candle Co. Instead of using traditional candles in your home, why not consider purchasing and gifting a Pluggable Fragrance Warmer?Simply twist the plug base to suit and you can add your favourite melts and enjoy the warm glow as the aroma fills your room! A nice, fragrant twist, right?

Promotional FX

Looking for corporate gifts to distribute amongst your colleagues? Look no further as Promotional FX provides customised printing on caps, mugs, shirts, or bags! If you need the job done right away, I can vouch for their outstanding work ethics and great customer service! Leanne, the owner, is an absolute gem to work with!

Morgane Guedj Creative

If you are looking for some wall art to give to your artistic friend or creative loved one, these artworks from Morgane are amazing! She’s not really in the marketplace and only sells them at her Etsy shop, but I’m all for supporting talented women and her works are absolute masterpiece!

Lancy Fancy Boutique

This is a fairly new shop but what I love about them is they use eco-friendly items and source out natural materials. Their products include bags made from high quality rattan material with different weaves and design. Perfect for your stylish and fashionable girlfriend!

Hope this list eased your Holiday stress! Plus, it’s always good to support local. Treat it as a Christmas gift to your community.

Disclaimer:

 Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

 This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post Beating the Holiday Rush: Gifts We Love from These Perth Businessowners appeared first on Soul Finance Group.