Since I was 12 years old, my father impressed one idea into me: start your own business. Whether he saw my independent spirit or just sensed my determination, that mindset stuck with me. I was constantly envisioning possibilities and exploring new ideas, “How can I turn this into a business?”
Fast forward to the end of school and at the time computers were everything. So, I dove into a computer science degree. It didn’t take long to figure out I wasn’t wired for coding. My passion for programming rivaled my passion for dental visits.
I started my corporate life, but the dream of my own business was always in the background. The next step became clear: I needed a business foundation. So, I thought marketing was as good a place as any to get going and I started a marketing degree.
Marketing was a world where psychology, creativity, and strategy collided. I was hooked. Why do people buy what they buy? How do you sell in a way that resonates? Every piece of the puzzle fascinated me – from advertising to graphic design. I started as a marketing assistant at an insulation company (the glamour, I know). Over time, I worked my way up and ended up leading marketing for the entire island of Ireland. Sixteen years, lots of wins, and a wall full of certificates later, I was a full-blown marketing nerd.
But you know what? That dream of starting my own business never left. It lingered in the background, like an app running in sleep mode.
And Then Life Shifted
Before I became a mother, my world was shaken in another profound way – my father passed away. Losing him hit me hard. For a long time, I felt lost, and my perspective on life shifted completely. He had always been my guide, my biggest supporter, and his absence left a gap I wasn’t sure how to fill. But in time, his advice to work for myself became even more meaningful, like a compass he left behind.
Life continued to change. I had my first and only child, and suddenly, returning to my corporate role didn’t make sense anymore. The pandemic had already reshaped our world – I had spent more time with my family and realised that something was missing. The stars aligned, and it was time. No more waiting.
So, I made the leap. Maternity leave was my time to reflect, to decide if I was going to take that big risk or go back to my comfort zone. And you know what? I went for it. I launched Marketing Masters.
Now, here I am, a year later, running my own business. No regrets, only excitement. I have incredible clients, I’m working on projects that light me up, and I get to live the life I’ve always wanted.
Looking back, I can’t believe I didn’t take the leap sooner. But timing is everything, and now is my time.
If I had to go back and give my 12 year old self some advice it would be:
Listen to your gut: The dream of working for yourself never went away.
Timing matters: It wasn’t until I became a mum that the timing finally felt right.
Don’t be afraid to leap: It’s scary, but its worth it!
And that’s how I started Marketing Masters – one decision, one leap, and one passion at a time.