How I Started: Kate Greenwood took a gamble on Greenwood Designs and it paid off

Kate Greenwood is one of the lucky ones.

The 47-year-old from Molong, a town of around 2500 people, which sits 35 kilometres west of Orange in the Cabonne Shire of New South Wales, has been able to turn her passion into a flourishing business.

It all started around 10 years ago when Kate started making polymer clay earrings in front of the TV at night. After she sold 70 pairs at a local Christmas market, Kate realised she might be onto a good thing.

Within 18 months, she quit her job at a bank to concentrate on Greenwood Designs full time. It was a decision that has continued to pay off for over a decade.

Here, Kate talks to Graziher about taking a leap of faith on Greenwood Designs, what she’s learnt along the way and what she hopes for the future.

What did you do before you started Greenwood Designs?
I worked permanent part-time in business banking for one of the big four banks while juggling life with two small kids —chaos, coffee, and client meetings!

When did you start Greenwood Designs?
In 2013. So, we’re 11 years in!

How did you first come up with the idea for Greenwood Designs?
It started as a creative outlet and hobby—I began making polymer clay earrings in my spare time, usually at the kitchen table or in front of the TV at night. At first, it was just for fun and to gift to friends and family but it didn’t take long before it snowballed.

What were the first steps you took towards starting your business?
It was a very simple setup — I handmade earrings at home and baked them in my oven, tested selling them at a local market, made a simple logo myself, and launched a super basic website on Big Cartel along with an Instagram page. Back then, Instagram was magic, people found me quickly and liked what they saw.

What were the first 12 months like?
A whirlwind! It was chaotic, exciting, and full of trial and error. I spent plenty of late nights packing orders on the floor, slowly took over half of my youngest child’s bedroom for stock and packing space, and juggled a growing an online presence and placing my products in beautiful gift and lifestyle stores around Australia. It was a lot but I loved it!

What hard lessons have you learnt along the way?
You can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Not everything will sell, and burnout is real if you don’t set boundaries. Honestly, I’m still figuring out those boundaries myself, it’s a constant learning curve, and I definitely haven’t nailed it yet.

Did you have a mentor/business adviser?
Not officially, but I’ve leaned a lot on a network of fellow small business owners and a few brutally honest friends. Once the business started making a few more dollars, I brought on a business coach and honestly, it’s been a game changer. It’s great having someone to bounce ideas off and keep me on the straight and narrow.

What are the best parts of running your own business?

The flexibility, the creative freedom, and hands down the amazing community of customers who support Greenwood Designs. I’ve always been a hard worker, but there’s something extra satisfying about pouring that energy into your own thing. What you put in, you truly get out and it’s super rewarding. Plus, I’ve loved that my kids have been along for the ride they’ve seen the highs, the lows and the late-night packing frenzies.

When did you realise Greenwood Designs was going to be successful?
I think it really hit me when wholesale stores started reaching out to me, rather than me reaching out to me. That was such a ‘pinch me’ moment. And then there were the repeat customers who came back again and again, not just for themselves but buying gifts too.

If you had to start your business from scratch again, is there anything you’d do differently?
Yes! I’d outsource all the tech and web stuff way earlier. That’s definitely not my forte, and I’ve wasted so many hours trying to figure it all out myself. If I had my time over again, I’d hire someone to handle it from day one so I could spend my time doing what I love more.

Where do you see Greenwood Designs in five years?
I’d love to say we’re still making and designing beautiful, fun accessories but maybe on a bigger scale and maybe with my daughter joining in. Who knows, maybe even a flagship store right here in Molong. You’ve gotta dream, right?

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business in the bush?
Start small and be consistent. Build your online presence like it’s your new BFF, and don’t let being ‘out in the bush’ hold you back one bit. Obsess over your customers (in the best way possible) and try to be everything they need, give the best service, and always make them feel special. And seriously, if you don’t ask, you don’t get, so don’t be shy about reaching out and learning as you go.

What do you think is the secret to your success?

I’d like to say it’s a mix of being authentic, staying connected to my customers, and genuinely caring about what I do. Over the past 11 years, I kind of feel like I’ve seen it all — droughts, floods, COVID, cost-of-living crises — you name it. Through it all, I’ve just kept it real. Having a genuine love for creating jewellery, building relationships, and showing up for my customers has been key. People always remember how you make them feel.

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