When Rebecca Thomson started up her own business 18 months ago, she envisioned a better work-life balance.
“I thought having my own business meant I’d have more free time, but it’s the opposite,” she says.
“It’s so much harder than I thought. I’ve never worked this hard in my entire life.”
But the 40-year-old Little River resident wouldn’t have it any other way, she says, and her business, Argo Print and Design, is in the running to win the ‘home-based’ category at this year’s Wyndham Business Awards.
Ms Thomson, who was previously a legal assistant, embarked on a career change after giving birth to daughter Elliott seven years ago.
“I was good at my job, but I never really liked it,” she said. “I was doodling one day and my husband said, ‘Why don’t you do graphic design?’”
Ms Thomson completed an online course and worked as a graphic designer for other companies before setting up a shed on her Little River property in November 2014, buying a second-hand commercial printer and opening Argo Print and Design for business.
Among other things, the studio produces business cards, flyers, invitations and posters, and designs and sets up websites.
Ms Thomson has also created a line of gift cards, postcards, notepads and other items to sells at markets.
Free nominations are now open for this year’s awards, which will be presented in 16 categories, including the prestigious ‘business of the year’, at an August 26 presentation evening at the Encore Events Centre.
Entries close on June 24. Click here for more information or to enter.
