BRAND OF THE WEEK: Fisher Space Pen

When was the last time you were let down by a pen that wouldn’t work? Perhaps you were frantically trying to write on the high-gloss surface of a birthday or anniversary card at the last minute, or trying to write on a surface that (accidently) had a bit of grease on it, or (slightly less likely) trying to write in space. Whatever you’re writing on, you want to be confident that your message will get across loud and clear. A pen that works when you need it to is an essential item for any briefcase, handbag or car glove box.

The Fisher Bullet Space Pen is sleek and compact - perfect for your business compendium, handbag or the car glovebox

 

The Fisher Space Pen is better than conventional pens because:

1. It’s designed to perform in harsh conditions – Space Pen designer Paul Fisher was inspired by space exploration and created a pen that withstands extreme temperatures and conditions.

2. NASA has thoroughly tested the design of the Space Pen and it is still used on manned flights to space today.

3. It’s compact – The sleek, minimalistic design is ideal for anywhere – your wallet, purse, pocket, the car or even your toolbox.

The Fisher Bullet Space Pen in Titanium Nitride is the ultimate luxury pen, available in gold or gloss black

Test it out – it’s guaranteed to write:

- Upside down
- Underwater
- At any angle
- In freezing cold
- In burning heat
- On most smooth surfaces
- On coated papers
- On photographs
- On wet paper
- On X-Rays
and of course...in the gravity free vacuum of outer-space.

The Fisher Bullet Space Pen with clip is the only accessory for your shirt pocket

Fisher Space Pen trivia:

 - The Fisher Space Pen was first patented in 1965. Following a couple of years of NASA testing, the pen was then used on Apollo 7 in 1968.

- A special Fisher Space Pen called the Stowaway was created in 1985 from genuine gold recovered from the 1622 Spanish Galleon - Nuestra Señora de Atocha treasure.

- In 1998, a Seinfeld episode was dedicated to the Fisher Space Pen. Seinfeld accepts a Space Pen from his neighbour, which his parents are not impressed about.

- Also in 1998, the Space Pen was also used to write the words “QVV” (for QVC Shopping Network) on the Russian Space Station Mir - so it became the first product sold in space.

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive FREE DELIVERY on all orders containing a Fisher Space Pen placed before 5pm Tues 28/5/2013. Simply enter Coupon Code FISHER when you checkout.

Inspiring Mums: Caroline Africh, Attipas Australia

Three years ago, I’m sure that Caroline Africh wouldn’t have pictured herself being where she is today. Over the last couple of years, she has transitioned from a fast-paced life as a banker in London to life as a Mumpreneur back in Sydney. But I bet she’s pleased with her journey so far: valuable experience in the corporate world, a gorgeous son and a sensational business idea that will help her fulfill her dream of having a career and being a mum. This is Caroline’s story…

 

Functional, ergonomic shoes for toddlers

 

1. Tell us your story:

As a career focused, hardworking 20-something banker in London, I thought nothing of the fact that I was pregnant and worked right up until 40 weeks. Yes, I literally finished a conference call with the CFO of EMEA as I popped into the maternity unit and had my baby. Up until that point, the thought of NOT returning to work was out of the question. Why WOULDN’T I want to go back to my well-paying, highly demanding job at RBS? Surely I could blackberry AND breastfeed simultaneously? How hard could this baby stuff really be?
Well, rumour has it that having a baby is life-changing, and that I can now vouch for. The moment I returned home with a bundle in my arms, the thought of returning to work was NOT an option. It was out of the question. I didn’t want to be away from my baby for even a micro-second.

Time went by and before I knew it, a year had passed. In that space we had moved back to Sydney and I started thinking about returning to work.  I had always loved working but the sad reality was I could not fathom returning to banking. That type of career does not cater well to the stay-at-home mum. It was at this point, as I was hanging washing on the line, the idea of Attipas Australia was born. A pair of shoes that I had casually purchased in Japan on a holiday had become the talk of the town. These shoe-socks, as I coined them, were unlike anything on the Australian market. Mothers were particularly in awe of how well my 14 month old was walking in them. I would start importing and selling those very shoes.As a banker in London, I had little knowledge of the retail market aside from fluttering away my hard-earned cash on shoes during lunch time. But my career HAD taught me to be confident, perseverant, and most importantly, had given me that ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ attitude (a necessity when one is blonde in a male dominated industry). So I bit the bullet and emailed the manufacturer.

Within a day I had a response. No, they did not have an exclusive distributor for Australia as yet, and yes, they were interested in working with me so long as I could meet their buying criteria. A quick call to the bank and a few minor tweaks to some numbers and I was certain we could do it.

Within a week, I had signed the exclusive distribution agreement and we were up. Or so I thought. My to do list was now reading like a mini novel and not even close to the finale. A business plan, a business name, a bank account, shippers, a warehouse, a fulfilment centre. To name but a few. Sheer excitement kept the momentum going but I still had one very demanding one year old to look after. And THAT workload certainly wasn’t lessoning.
Drawing upon my banking experience, I again discovered the key to success is outsourcing. And outsource I did. I outsourced babysitting to family, graphic design work to Pakistan and web development to India. I approached old colleagues to do photo shoots and friends for PR. I even had the local Australia Post team running around for me, knowing I was a local mum with a very small car and yet a very big business idea.

Time went by and I gradually I took the role of a ‘mumpreneur’ into my stride. It has been a hard slog, considering being a mum alone is difficult enough. On average I now work 6-8 hours a day, on top of minding a toddler. But with passion, enthusiasm, and a loving family, I have been able to achieve my dream. Our first batch of functional toddler shoes are now available online via (www.attipas.com.au).

I now wake up in the morning and am driven by passion, rather than caffeine, blackberry messenger and a daily rate. Life is good.

2. How did you identify the goals you wanted to achieve?

My true goals are still a work in progress, however from the beginning I knew that I wanted my business to be a success. Success can be measured in many ways and is different for every person. As a ‘mumpreneuer’, success is measured by the ability to run a profitable, long-lasting business, as well as finding a balance with my family life.

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?

I didn’t have a plan per say; just an idea in my mind. I am still working towards achieving profitability (though having been operating only 6 months, our figures show we are on the right track). In terms of maintaining a balanced work and family life, this is something I am still working on but can definitely say that time with my son is never jeopardised, and it is only my personal time that gives way to work.

Attipas have a great selection of styles and colours available for girls and boys

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

Running your own business is a fulltime job, as is being a mum, so having two fulltime jobs is rather challenging! Having said that, I have slowly managed to find balance between the both. I also have had negative encounters along the way with dishonest contractors, but am better at learning how to trust people.

Attipas shoes make the perfect unique gift

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

When I encounter obstacles such as knockbacks, or a slow week, I try and not left self-doubt get the better of me. I have always been a high achiever and know that self-doubt is your biggest enemy. On ‘off’ days, I reassure myself of my successes to date, which gives me the confidence to keep going.

Attipas shoes are made from high-quality, durable materials and can be worn outdoors


6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

Put your mind to it and you will achieve it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. They do not know you like you do. Write a detailed plan, but don’t be afraid to deviate if required. Listen to knowledgeable mentors and utilise advice wisely. Don’t less self-doubt get the better of you, and most of all, be patient. Most successful entrepreneurs are years in the making.

The gorgeous gift box that Attipas shoes are packaged in

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

After Attipas toddler shoes become more known and business starts to take care of itself, my next goal is a sister site called ‘Things 4 Bubs’, which will showcase new and unique products from around the world.

Caroline lives in Paddington, NSW, with her husband John and son Henry (2 years, the face of Attipas baby shoes online).

Check out Caroline’s ‘second baby’, Attipas Australia: www.attipas.com.au

The Gift of Giving: Harriet Kempton

Harriet Kempton puts me to shame. I’m ashamed to admit I don’t currently volunteer for any organisations – although I’d like to change this. I’m in complete awe of people who do volunteer, hence the reason for this blog series. Most people are doing well if they volunteer for one organisation. Harriet is involved with three charity organisations! Check out Harriet’s story below…

1. Which organisation do you volunteer for and why?

Melbourne CityMission - because it gives me the opportunity to help people with disabilities enjoy a social outing and their carers a break
Down Syndrome Victoria - my brother has Down Syndrome so this gives me the opportunity to help an organisation that has helped my family over time. Down Syndrome is something I am very passionate about and therefore I enjoy giving back to this organisation.
Red Cross blood donation - because it doesn't take long to do and if it means helping someone who urgently needs blood then it must be a good thing.

 2. How long have you volunteered for? What attracted you to volunteering and what has kept you coming back?

I started volunteering in 2008 and have done it for various organisations on and off ever since.

 

Harriet Kempton, volunteer for Melbourne CityMission, Down Syndrome Victoria and Red Cross Blood Donor

3. Describe your volunteer role and what you do each time you help out - do you do the same thing each time you volunteer, or something different each time?

Melbourne CityMission - I take people with disabilities out to the movies and for coffee each month.

Down Syndrome Victoria - I usually help out in the office and do administration tasks. I also assist with events when they are on.

4. What advice would you offer to other people considering volunteering?

I have written a post on this for Inside Trak – check it out here…

Check our Harriet's blog, Queen Kempton

About Harriet Kempton: Harriet has recently set up her own new blog and business, "Queen Kempton". Owner & Creative Director, Harriet Kempton is a 24 year-old with a passion for making life fun and fabulous. This is combined with a strong work ethic, motivation and the determination to deliver quality information in an accessible manner.

A specialist in work-life balance and Generation Y, Queen Kempton’s focus is on helping employees achieve their ideal work-life balance and helping school and university leavers with decisions post study.

Harriet writes weekly tips on her blog about work-life balance and the transition stage and will come to your school/university/organisation to deliver a specified presentation that is relevant to the audience.

Check out Harriet’s blog, www.queenkempton.com to learn more...

 

Inspiring Mums: Kylie Davies, Tree Hugga

After going back to full-time work, Kylie Davies re-evaluated her situation: she had two little girls at home and a dream in her heart to create a business that incorporated gorgeous things with an “eco edge”. Kylie’s desire to create a business she could manage from home prompted her to bite the bullet and take the plunge, opening her online store, Tree Hugga. This is her story…

 

Tiffany Kunz Chunky Necklace from Tree Hugga

 

1. Tell us your story:
I’m a 34 year old mother of two little girls (Tilly, 4 and Poppy 2) and am expecting my third baby in September this year. With a background in sales, marketing and health, and a passion for gorgeous earth-friendly products, I created an online shopping spot for earthy souls.

Tree Hugga offers earthy souls a gorgeous eco-friendly online shopping spot and an active social hub to share, learn and purchase natural alternatives to mass produced products.
Having variations of the idea in my head for many years, it took going back to work full-time to realise that I needed to make my dream happen. Working full time with my two little girls still at home did not work for our little family.

I love gorgeous things and if they have an earthy or eco edge I love them even more, so I wanted to create a modern earthy marketplace for the new age greenies like myself!

Panda - Brown Bamboo Polarized Sunglasses (Munroe) from Tree Hugga

2. How did you identify the goals you wanted to achieve?

Having many ideas in my head, I continued to have many a brain storming session with my husband, Pete.  We then met with some enthusiastic friends of ours to talk through the concept further, both of whom were very excited for us and loved the idea. One of these lovely friends, Lena who is a designer, then came on board to do the design work for me.  I think she nailed the brief!

Handmade Wooden Counting Rings from Tree Hugga

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?

As I have a strategic marketing background (and perhaps some would call me overly organised) I had to formalise my ideas and goals for the business. Hence, I compiled a detailed business plan and set my vision, values and strategic goals. This is what I am using to keep myself inspired, motivated and on track. Sometimes it can be easy to forget the direction you initially wanted to see things go, especially when you have two bunnies tugging at your leg!
I did set deadlines for various tasks along the way. We pretty much stayed on track launching the website only a few weeks later than we originally anticipated.

Bamboo Dinner Set - Woodland Critters from Tree Hugga

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

For me I think the biggest challenge in launching my site has been the actual commitment to investing my family’s money in the project. It’s a risk and that’s scary when you have a young family and another baby on the way. However, now that I have done it and I can see my vision alive and going well, I am totally satisfied and know that if anyone can make this work...I can. Wonder what else I can do too???

 

The Mackerel Retro Fish Surfboard from Tree Hugga

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

Obstacles can be seen as opportunities; to try something different, manage your emotions and grow as an individual. Sometimes in the moment of crisis it’s hard to see this! I actually find it very satisfying when I work towards the solution of a problem. When I see the result or gain some positive feedback, I get excited to continue and feel a real sense of achievement.  When I do crack under pressure or self-doubt, usually a good chat with Pete helps shift my mindset.
I often also sit back and just look at my website and feel inspired by the fact I actually made it happen!

Pukka Peppermint & Licorice Tea Bags from Tree Hugga

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

Write it down! I am quite visual so I need to have things written out and stuck on my wall so I can revisit it often. It even allows you to cross of certain goals and add a new angle without forgetting where you started from.
The other important thing is to talk to people about it. Many are willing to share their ideas, thoughts and experiences which can be important in helping you make the decision to move forward with your dream!

 

Exreme Exfoliant Glove from Tree Hugga

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

Next on my list is to work towards the positive growth of Tree Hugga.  There are so many amazing products out there, I cannot wait to be able to offer more and more of these in the one shopping spot for those who love earthy gorgeous things.
And of course, continue to be the best mother I can be to my two little girls and my new arrival in September!

Check out Kylie's gorgeous selection of earth-friendly products at www.treehugga.com.au

The Gift of Giving: Bruce Higgins, volunteer for Adssi HomeLiving Australia

In Australia, there are over 6 million people volunteering annually, who represent 36% of the adult population. From 1995 to 2010, the estimated number of volunteers in Australia doubled, which indicates there’s no shortage of organisations warmly welcoming the assistance of their volunteers. Today we caught up with volunteer, Bruce Higgins. This is Bruce’s story…

1. Which organisation do you volunteer for and why?
Adssi HomeLiving Australia, a not-for-profit organisation providing home care services to frail aged and people with a disability.

Through my experience as a carer for both my parents, I developed a strong understanding of the isolation that can occur for people as they age.  I also experienced the challenges faced by carers.I volunteer with them because I strongly believe it’s important to help people stay living in their own home, primarily frail aged and people with a disability. This enables them to retain their sense of community and independence which can be lost if you move into residential care.

Adssi HomeLiving Australia, a not-for-profit organisation providing home care services to frail aged and people with a disability

 

2. How long have you volunteered for? What attracted you to volunteering and what has kept you coming back?
I’ve been volunteering for over 2 years and I continue to do it because I get to see the difference myself and other volunteers make in the day to day lives of our clients.

3. Describe your volunteer role and what you do each time you help out - do you do the same thing each time you volunteer, or something different each time?  
I have various responsibilities including administration, customer service, accompanying clients on social outings and the Safe Access and Eco Garden (SAEG) project. The SAEG project transforms clients gardens to make them safer (reducing falls risks etc) and more manageable, lower maintenance and generally more accessible, reducing a lot of worry for our clients.

 

 "Just do it! Even a few hours a week can make a difference in someone’s life," says Bruce Higgins

4. What advice would you offer to other people considering volunteering?
Just do it! Even a few hours a week can make a difference in someone’s life. There are so many ways you can help out by volunteering at Adssi HomeLiving Australia.

About Bruce: Before my retirement a few years ago, I worked with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the public service. This took me all over New South Wales and I held roles in customer service and administration.  Volunteering allows me to keep my mind and body active and allows me to interact with both colleagues and clients, keeping me engaged with my local community.

About Adssi HomeLiving Australia: Adssi HomeLiving is a not-for-profit organisation that helps frail aged and people with a disability to stay living in their own home longer. They help by providing assistance with personal care, domestic assistance, transport, home modifications, as well as rehabilitation through occupational therapy and lawns and gardens. Check out their website, www.adssihomeliving.com.au
for more info.

The Gift of Giving: Bryan West, volunteer for Bush Heritage Australia

The power of giving is something that should never be underestimated. I’m not just talking about material gifts, I’m referring to something that’s precious to everyone these days – TIME. Between work, family and friends, there never seems to be enough time to go around. Yet, there’s an incredible group of people in our community that never seem to have a shortage of time to dedicate to other community members that need a hand.

It’s National Volunteer Week here in Australia this week, and we’d like to celebrate by sharing the stories of some remarkable people who volunteer in our communities. We hope you enjoy our first story from Bryan West…

 

Above: Bryan and Amy

"I truly believe that the best gift is the one you can give others, and there really is so much to be gained and learned from sharing our time and skills with others."

Bryan West, volunteer for Bush Heritage Australia.

1. Which organisation do you volunteer for and why?

My family and I are currently volunteers at Bush Heritage Australia's Carnarvon Station Reserve. It is about a 3 hour (dry weather only) drive to the nearest town of Augathella in western Queensland.

We decided to offer a year to Bush Heritage because the great conservation work that they had been doing was severely hampered by two years of substantial flooding which made the property inaccessible.

It is a way for us as a family to live in a most wonderful place, work with incredible people, develop new skills, and to provide a first-hand experience for our children of the joys that
come from serving something larger than our own immediate needs.

At the same time, I am taking advantage of the UN Online Volunteers portal to do some volunteer work for other organisations. At the moment I am developing a website to enable a Nicaraguan girls' craft cooperative to be able to sell their goods to a global market.
Prior to this, We have volunteered in a number of other roles, from the local Kindergarten's Committee to an Overseas Development Organisation to a local gardening group to running a weekly session for mentally ill men who were moved into the community...

 

Bryan conducting weed surveys

2. How long have you volunteered for? What attracted you to volunteering and what has kept you coming back?

I can remember volunteering for things as a child. More recently, we have been here since January, and are already feeling a bit sad about having to leave at the end of the year! I think the reason we keep doing things like this is simply because of the thing called 'The Gift of Giving' - I truly believe that the best gift is the one you can give others, and there really is so much to be gained and learned from sharing our time and skills with others.

Above: Bryan, Tom and Amy

3. Describe your volunteer role and what you do each time you help out - do you do the same thing each time you volunteer, or something different each time?

At the moment, we are heavily involved in conservation related activities at Carnarvon Station. This includes weed mapping and spraying, feral animal control as well as a broad range of maintenance activities related to the buildings, vehicles, roads and fences.
In general terms, our volunteering activities are many and varied.

4. What advice would you offer to other people considering volunteering?

Try to be clear about what you want to get out of it, so that you don't end up feeling a bit ripped off or used. Remember that ultimately it is about relationships, so tread softly with other people. If you are not sure, then ask!

 

An example of how Bryan West Digital Art Studio can turn a digital photograph into an amazing oil painting
 

About Bryan: “Oil paintings have always been a perfect way to capture a moment, a memory. Now you can have your favourite photos converted into digital oil paintings that will hold pride of place in your home, or on the wall of a loved one,” says Bryan as he explains the service his company, Bryan West Digital Art Studio offers.  Bryan West Digital Art Studio is a boutique studio that blends traditional and digital art. They transform your digital photographs into beautiful pieces of art that capture your memories with the timeless warmth of an oil-painting. Their commitment to quality is reflected in a simple guarantee: if you don't like it, you don't pay for it. Check out their work at www.stilllivingart.com

Find out more about volunteering for Bush Heritage Australia here

Inspiring Mums: Melinda Dunlop

Setting effective goals starts with identifying what you want and what’s important to you, advises copywriter and online marketing consultant, Melinda Dunlop. Establish these foundations and you’ll be well on your way to success. Melinda chats about her journey to launch two online businesses this year, whilst sharing some of her advice on setting goals…

 1. Tell us your story:

I'm a mum of 2 (single mum) and I have recently accomplished two major goals. I have created 2 new online businesses and I'm in the process of building a 3rd. My first business relates to my own freelancing services as a copywriter and online marketing consultant, and the second business offers resume writing. I wrote the content, built the websites and created both businesses from scratch in a matter of three months this year (I owned an online virtual assistant business before, but closed it down at the end of 2011).
I'm well on my way to achieving what I set out to achieve this year and I couldn't be happier!

2. How did you identify the goals you wanted to achieve?

Last year, I was working in a part time role which I really enjoyed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted more. I had the desire to work for myself in my own business, but I knew that if I was to run a business again, it had to be structured very differently than the one I ran before. I also knew that I would have to be 100% committed to making it work, as there is no back up option! Before taking any action, I spent time working on my own personal development to become clear on what I wanted in my life and in my career, because I had to be certain that running a business was really what I wanted. So, I did lots of brainstorming, planning and ‘thinking’ to gain absolute clarity on what I wanted and why I wanted it. This is where the passion and excitement comes from!  Once I started to explore the possibilities, it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ it was a matter of ‘when’ I was going to get started.

3. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?

After becoming clear on what I wanted, I set about planning & goal setting. I can’t say it was very ‘structured’ and I had so many ‘lists’ at times I felt completely overwhelmed. I just gave myself time and removed some distractions from my life and just kept going. I had a deadline to have two websites and businesses up and running by June this year. In around February, it came to the point where I thought ‘right, enough with the planning! If this is going to happen, then it’s time to take action” and just I started building the websites. I kept working through my action lists and I’ve put together a 12 month plan for growth. I have only just launched both websites, and I’m focused on building up the social media profiles and basic marketing at the moment.

4. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?

Obviously as a single mum, time is a challenge for me! Trying to fit in my work schedule around school, preschool, weekends, swimming, sickness and dealing with the unexpected means that some weeks are a real rollercoaster ride! I wouldn’t change a thing though, I feel as though my work life balance is pretty good, as I make sure I do take time out for myself when I’m feeling stressed out. Trying to work at 11pm at night is not a good use of my time – a good night’s sleep is way more important so I don’t work crazy hours. My sons are 4 and 6, so with my youngest going to school next year, there will be another adjustment to the daily routine. This is my year to lay the foundations, get the websites up and running and build a solid platform for growth next year.

5. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?

I feel inspired because I know this is just the beginning. I have the freedom right now to explore, and play and really test out what works and doesn’t work in terms of the services I offer and how I promote the businesses. Because I have such clarity on why I am going down this road, that keeps me feeling motivated & energised. My plan going forward is to reinvest back into the businesses and have a complete brand overhaul and ‘re-launch’ next year, so that goal keeps me focussed on what I need to do now in order to get there.

6. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?

My advice is to just get started. Have fun, explore different things and test out different approaches. When you find something that works, stick to it! Be clear on what you want and why you want it. Keep working through the emotions that are likely to come up, such as “what if it doesn’t work, what if I fail, I’m not good enough to do this, my friends will judge me” – these emotions are all based on fear. Sometimes you have to work on your own personal development to bust through those issues and actually explore what is holding you back. Set yourself achievable and realistic goals and check in on your progress regularly. Celebrate your achievements and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn occasionally! Tell your friends and family what you are working on, and they’ll naturally be proud of you and they’ll help to spread the word in those early days. Make a commitment to yourself to take action, every day towards your goals.

7. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?

My next big goal for this year (aside from launching business number 3) is to work on my health and fitness. I have just signed up with a new life coach and I'm very excited about the coaching program I'm about to go through. I'm pretty certain I will look back on 2013 as my best year yet.

Check out Melinda’s websites: www.melindadunlop.com.au and www.getmehired.com.au