20 Questions With Elle Halliwell (Auricle Ear Seeds)
You may recognise the stunning Elle Halliwell from your TV Screens as a journalist but Elle has recently started her own side hustle called Auricle Ear Seeds. Amongst other things Elle is an author, journalist, speaker, mum and naturopath in training based in Bondi Beach. Starting her business during the middle of a global pandemic was a hurdle that Elle had to navigate along with minimal experience or knowledge of how to run a business. But like I always say if you have an idea that you’re passionate about the biggest hurdle is starting! Once you do that the rest will fall in to place. Have a read of some of the tips and tricks Elle shares in her fresh journey of starting a side hustle…
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR SIDE HUSTLE BUSINESS AND WHAT INDUSTRY ARE YOU IN?
Auricle Ear Seeds in the wellness industry.
HOW LONG HAS YOUR SIDE HUSTLE BEEN RUNNING?
Since April, smack bang in the middle of COVID lockdowns.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I'd wanted to for a few years, after a business idea I had in 2015 went nowhere due to a huge initial financial outlay. I've been hunting for the next one ever since.
DO YOU STILL WORK FULL TIME ANYWHERE ELSE?
I quit a decade-long stint as a journalist at a major newspaper in 2017 to pursue a freelance career, and now make money writing, MCing and Speaking (pre COVID) and brand ambassadorships.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST FINANCIAL INVESTMENT YOU'VE MADE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
The Foundr Start & Scale course and a Udemy course to learn the basics of Illustrator
DID YOU INVEST IN BRANDING WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED YOUR BUSINESS?:
I DIY'ed it following a week-long online Adobe Illustrator beginners course on Udemy - I'm currently in the midst of a professional rebrand, but it was a good way to get the business out there and see if it was viable.
IS THERE SOMETHING YOU REGRET OR WISH YOU HAD DONE DIFFERENTLY IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Probably became best friends with a graphic designer who could give me some pointers! I wished I had launched my website through Shopify instead of Squarespace. It seems fairly intuitive and easy for a beginner like myself but in hindsight i would have chosen Shopify for an ecommerce business - it has much more scope and plug ins - I’m finding Squarespace a bit limited in regards to marketing.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Flexibility. Having a young son it's been wonderful to spend more quality time with him.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Literally having no idea how to run one. I've been learning everything as I go.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT?
A little more about how to properly price product and figure out net/gross profit etc. I still have no idea about it, eek!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR SELLING YOUR PRODUCT SERVICE?
Instagram and IG advertising.
IS THERE SOMEONE WHO ORIGINALLY INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR SIDE HUSTLE?
Gretta Van Riel
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE STARTING A SIDE HUSTLE?
A lot of 'side hustles' take as much time up as a regular job, at least at first!
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
If Tor's at kindy, I'll do the Bondi to Bronte walk & meditate, then answer emails and check how many orders I have to fulfill. With my other work non-existent I've been using my time to work on the Auricle social media account, packing and posting orders, general admin and studying as I'm in my final year of Naturopathy studies.
HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED NOW THAT YOUR PURSUING YOUR PASSION AND LIVING YOUR DREAM?
Its slower thanks to COVID, but also really fulfilling. I love the challenges.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN 5 YEARS?
I'd love to offer auricular diagnosis and ear seed treatments in my own wellness space, as well as incorporating my Naturopathy education. And possibly even teaching Australia's first generation of Auriculotherapists!
BEST TIP FOR BUILDING/GROWING A COMMUNITY/FOLLOWING ONLINE?:
Have a unique value offering and personality.
ANY OTHER ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU, YOUR BUSINESS, OR BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN GENERAL?:
That when you buy from a small business, we do a little happy dance!
HOW DO YOU REST, RECHARGE?:
Meditation, cooking and walking
ONCE COVID IS ALL OVER WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL TO?:
Anywhere!
http://www.auricleearseeds.com.au
Insta: @auricleearseeds
