Ever wondered how someone makes it as their own boss? What it takes to run your own business? Here at VIP, we love speaking to some of Ireland’s top business people to find out the secrets to their success.
We caught up with Kate Rose Cean who founded Dusty Boy alongside her husband, Justin Campbell. Best known for their beautiful and lovingly created prints, Kate has recently branched out into a new baby care range, Dusty Boy Natural Living which she launched with her sister Sarah.
Have you always dreamed of owning your own business?
Yes! When I was younger I had this vision of owning my own veterinary practice! My Dad is a farmer so growing up watching him and my Mam run their own business was really inspiring. The ambition, the drive, the freedom, the pride. It was always so tangible and something that I felt really pulled towards. I didn’t ever own my own veterinary practice but I did go on to own my own business!
What have been your biggest challenges you have faced?
I would say learning to trust to take that chance on a risky venture or a product has been our biggest challenge. Sometimes you have to turn off your head and turn up your heart and just go for it. The heart always wins!
How do you balance work/home life as a business owner?
This is something that I still REALLY struggle with! There’s never really a switch off when you own your own business. There’s always a project to finish, emails to reply to and dreams to develop. When I get really frazzled I know that it’s time to say STOP. So I throw on my boots, get outside and let the wind blow a gale on my face. It never fails to turn my sails back in the right direction.
Do you find that you often bring your work home?
At the moment work IS at home so there are machines, boxes, stock and packaging in almost every room of our house. We are currently in the process of moving into our new premises which we are VERY much looking forward to!
What advice would you give a young woman who wants to be her own boss?
Find out what your passion is and make a career of it. Follow your heart and you will never go wrong. Know that there will be some really hard times where you questions everything that you’re doing but then you’ll get these magic moments of deep satisfaction and joy and that’s what makes it ALL worthwhile.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started out?
That everything will always be ok. Even when it’s not. Things work out and take you on the path that is always the better one even though it might not feel like it at the time.
What has been your biggest business mistake? What lessons did it teach you?
Trying to do everything myself and learning that delegating and outsourcing makes everything more productive and less chaotic which makes me a better person!
What has been your biggest achievement?
Collaborating and launching our brand in AVOCAs 4 main stores this year was a big pinch me moment and something that we are so proud of.
What woman in business inspires you the most?
There are so many Irish business women now bringing incredible business models and products to the market. It’s amazing to see not only the passion and drive that they have but also(finally) the recognition and support that they are getting. Thankfully we are venturing into a time where it feels like everything is possible as long as you believe enough in yourself.
What are your plans for the next five years?
To keep growing and moving with our heart and values at the core of everything that we do.
You can shop all things Dusty Boy here.