Howdy Partner!

The past few weeks have been busy and productive. I've entered into a partnership with my mother - we're going to be running the Empire Cosmetics business together. The plan is to build a brand so we can work together. We'll get ourselves an office, have lunch together every day, and have Anna on the floor playing with her toys in the office too. If, as humans, we're meant to work to make a living, then I want to do it my way, and what better way to work than with your mum? Mum and I are like best friends. I guess you can't really put us in the typical mother daughter category - we're very like minded, she's very understanding and is always great to talk to and she treats me like an equal. She really is my best friend.



So, now I have a business partner. And It's paid off. Starting a business, no matter how passionate you are, it can get pretty boring, and lonely. You become so absorbed in the business, you don't share it in depth with anyone because no one quite understands. But if you have a business partner, especially one you get along with so well, it brings back the excitement of starting a business. And better yet, it gives you someone to share that excitement with, someone who'll appreciate it just as much as you.



We've got our vision crystal clear. Our range is the simple, easy cosmetic products that does not discriminate on age, or skin type, or lifestyle. Makeup should be fun, and not feel like a chore. We want to create confidence and self esteem in all women - we want to make them like who they see in the mirror. Our range is not intimidating or pretentious, it does not judge, and it is not exclusive.



So we've got samples from our supplier on its way. We're starting small - just the basics of a range. And we've got some samples of the BB cream on its way too. This stuff is amazing. I wear it every day and it has replaced my need for foundation. So we're very excited to be bringing it to the consumers of Australia.



We've also got a photo shoot organised in June for some promotional material. I have about 20 models booked in, and we've got a day of makeup and photography. We're very excited about it. I've got all the looks planned, I've booked the photographer. And we're filming it and putting it up on YouTube - we'll be having a 'Makeup Channel' - where we show demonstrations of how to do highly demanded makeup. All the cosmetic brands put makeup on glamorous models with porcelain skin - the fact is, the majority of women don't have perfect skin, or beautiful long lashes etc etc. So we're showing women how to combat problems with their makeup and give them confidence in their application. We've got a poll going on facebook to see exactly what women want to learn.



We've got huge plans for this business. We want to be the next cosmetic empire. And we will. I hope I can look back on this blog and see this a writing my future.



On top of all that is going on with Empire, I've also gone into business with my uncle. He owns No Roads Expeditions - a successful travel company that offers adventure tours around the world. He's approached me to head up the merchandise side of things for his business. We're looking at starting a fashion range for the adventure traveller, because Kathmandu is a bit dorky. So I've got my hands full with that now too. It's also very exciting - there's a lot we can do with this business. We've called it 'The Jumping Man'. I'm hoping it will be the traveller's first choice in clothing, when travelling or at home. We want a very functional, versatile range that is stylish, funky and 'cool'.



I know I'm a hard worker. I've got one of those brains that don't switch off. Sometimes I wish I could - I'd love to be able to fall asleep as soon as I close my eyes, rather than a few hours later after I've had a good think about this, that, and everything. I don't think I've had a proper deep sleep since Anna was born. Anna's birth went over a span of 3 days - Saturday night the contractions started - I was in labour all of Sunday and finally gave birth at 3am on the Monday morning. And from the moment she came out, I was up every 3 - 4 hours as she woke up. It's only the past few weeks she's sleeping through the night, and even then I've become so used to 'being on call' that I can't really fall asleep. I am so tired.



But I'm happy. Anna always comes first. And she makes me so happy.

I can't complain.