Chinwag: with

Katie Maynes

by Melbourne Branding Photographer Leah Ladson

 

Katie is the most delightful human being. She made me feel so comfortable coming into her home office to capture, even making me a homemade lunch before we started!

It was my absolutely privilege to sit down and spend some time with her about what it is she does, and I was so impressed with all the things she has accomplished at such a young age and so early on in her career. As well as being a PR extraordinaire, Katie is a devoted wife and Mumma who has just moved out to the ‘burbs of Melbourne in the search for a better lifestyle.

I love Katie. And you will too… So, have a little read and find out some more about her:

 

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1. Let’s start with the deep questions… You are a new addition in a crayon box, which colour would you be?

That’s easy, blue, light blue.

 

2. Why did you start your business?

I got what Elizabeth Gilbert refers to in ‘Big Magic’ as the tap on the shoulder while on mat leave. A tap that became hard to ignore when I returned back to work. I was quite confused over what direction to take and how to get started so I basically just started taking action.

I did a few courses with the awesome girls at The Digital Picnic, I did a photography course, a meditation course and then a Life Coaching Course (as you do when you have no idea where to start…). It was like I crammed a decade of things I had always wanted to do into one year. The connections, skills and personal development I gained from these courses gave me the confidence to get started and launch my own PR consultancy.

 

3. What was your biggest business hurdle to overcome?

Putting myself out there, which is still something I struggle with. I’m quite a shy and private person (I know weird right for someone in PR). I’m used to shining the spotlight on my clients and telling their stories so to have to tell my own is not something that comes easy to me.

 

4. What is your biggest achievement to date?

On a personal note without a doubt my daughter. She turns four soon and I know I’m super biased but she is the kindest and funniest little girl and I’m super proud of her.

From a business perspective I have to pinch myself sometimes over the incredible clients I get to work with. Being able to share the stories of inspiring organsations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is an honour and something I feel very grateful to get to do.

5. What is your favourite 90’s jam?

In the late 90’s I was a massive fan of Ben Harper, Ben Lee and Ben Folds Five! So a bit of a Ben fan all round!

My first ever single cassette purchase was Frente’s ‘Accidently Kelly Street’.

 

6. Tell us something that your customers might not know about you.

I’m a country kid (sort of). I spent a portion of my childhood growing up in Heathcote. Before it was cool and known for its wine!

 

7. What is your favourite part of running your own business?

I’m never bored! My days are so varied – one minute I can be pitching a story to a journalist about medical research, the next reviewing photography from a swimsuit photo shoot and then coaching someone on how to get the best out of a TV interview.

 

The second is the flexibility. My daughter started three year old kinder this year and I love that I can help out in her room, something I wouldn’t have been able to do in my old job. I also love not having to text the boss about sick days, something I hated when I returned back to work after mat leave!

 

8. What do you think about when you are alone in the car?

I’m a podcast addict so no doubt thinking about the latest podcast I’m listening to. I started off mainly listening to business based podcasts but these days it could be anything, Oprah’s ‘Super Soul Conversations’, the ABC’s ‘Conversations’ and ‘How I Built This’ are favorites at the moment and I hate to admit it but I love a bit of royal gossip so ‘On Heir’ is also popular!

9. What are you excited for?

My very long coming podcast ‘Spotlight Shy’. It has seriously been a year in the making but it is now so close and I’m very excited!

 

10.Who are you business idols? Who inspires you?

Oh the list is long! I really started thinking about pursuing this business seriously when I saw Brene Brown speak at a Business Chicks event, so I’ve now read all her books and absolutely love what she is about.

 

I’ve also made some great friends with clients in business who are also juggling motherhood such as Richenda Vermuelen, Jade McKenzie, Sarah Cross, Claire Mansell and Emma and Ash from Lilly & Lime who inspire me greatly.

In the PR space I love seeing what Janet Murray from the UK is up to and closer to home, Julia Ferracane from Saint Copy PR!

 

11.How would you describe your job to a child?

Essentially I’m a storyteller!

 

12.Who should we follow on social media?

I love a good insta story and the girls who do this so well are:

• @emmylou_loves
• @mumswithhustle
• and you of course Leah!

 

I also love @emmakateco and @hannahargyle for their amazing travel photography.

 

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So there you have it folks… All round legend, beautiful human and a smart cookie to boot!

Thanks for having a chinwag with me Katie, let’s do it in real life again soon!!

Big Love, Leah

~ xoxo ~

 

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