Rebel Black | I’m Not Fussy

Tell us a bit about YOU and your background:
I was lucky to have been born and raised on a property near a small country town in central NSW. It was during my early years that my parents, grandparents and siblings instilled in me a passion for community, the ability to work hard and the belief that I could do anything!

I completed my education at the local high school and then spent two years studying before I realised that university learning was not for me and took a job as a governess on a station out of Alice Springs, NT. I also spent some time working in the township in hospitality before reckoning it was time for a career change, so applied, and was successful in, gaining the position as the Editor of The Ridge News, Lightning Ridge – outback NSW.
That job led to many more – and the beginning of my business career in remote NSW. I now operate three successful businesses.

What if your biggest indulgence?
Time for myself

What are your tips to achieving the ideal work/life balance?
Do what you love and it will not feel like work!
Take time to enjoy the small things
Write time off into the diary or workplan
Make sure you catch up with friends

What (or who) has been your inspiration in life?
My grandfather was involved in agripolitics in Australia when I was young and I have always aspired to follow in his footsteps – he was a big thinker and a great advocate for change.
I am also inspired by my parents who have had courage, determination and innovation – and were always a little before their time!

What is your favourite book or inspiring quote and why?
“You must be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi, because imposes responsibility for action more than thought.

What has been one of your biggest achievements?
My biggest achievement has been the willingness I have shown to seek out and accept feedback and make positive changes in my own life – for my health, my family and my relationships.
Business does not define me; I am defined by the people I surround myself with and they are my greatest success, because they challenge me to be my best every day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Get dirty and physical by developing my garden and growing food

What difference has being in business for yourself made in your life?
Being in business is challenging and is definitely not the easy path to tread; emotionally, physically and financially it is complex, but it is rewarding and liberating knowing you are creating something that has the potential to empower significant change.
Our businesses have meant a lot of hard work and sacrifices, but also a degree of flexibility for family life that we would have not otherwise enjoyed.
I can’t imagine my life without a business – either part time or fulltime, I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss, the challenge of being all things and having to adapt to suit the task or occasion and the opportunity to make your own ideas come to fruition.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I imagine I will still be living in Lightning Ridge, happy in my home, growing my own food and operating a hugely successful website and one incredible social venture, both with an international presence.

Tell us briefly about your business:
www.imnotfussy.com.au  connects Australians with businesses, organisations, and like-minded individuals who choose health and wellness. The online community environment provides a hub of information that aims to inspire and support people at every stage of their journey. Features include: directory of businesses that support health and wellness, articles and information specific to health and wellness, food and recipe information, resources on allergies, intolerances, medical conditions and natural therapies, stories of people’s health and wellness journeys and a forum for visitors to connect and share their experiences.

What was the inspiration behind the business?
A passion for making a difference for people who choose health and wellness- but live with allergy, intolerance and chronic disease and a motivation based on my own personal journey.
I always knew that I was put on this earth to make a difference and to do it in a way that challenges the norm.  I have spent the past 30 years trying to figure out how.
This is how.
I’m Not Fussy is about connecting with great people to create innovative solutions to complex population health issues.
We are also about providing an integrated space for individuals to be informed and inspired to change their lives by changing their outlook on health.
This is all about capacity building – seeing people as assets and supporting them to change their lives for the better so they can live healthy, productive and community involved lives.

What is your role?
CEO and general all rounder!

What is one challenge you faced during your business journey?
Being totally dependent on your business for income is scary and this is the greatest challenge for any small business owner, particularly those of us starting out.
I have faced the cash flow challenge- that is where it all flows out and none flow in and I constantly face the dilemma between paying the bills and growing the business.

What has been your greatest success?         
Overcoming my own fear – and managing my own expectations and impatience!

What are your top tools/resources for business?
Find, inspire and be good to great people
Social networking sites: to enable connection with other businesses, people doing similar work or for finding inspiration
Finding networks that have a fit with your business or your goals

What have you found to be the most effective way to promote your business?
Word of mouth has without a doubt been the greatest tool for my first two businesses, but for I’m Not Fussy, which is largely an online space, it has been social media.

What piece of advice would you offer other business women?
Be brave.

What is next for you and your business?
The opportunity to develop my social venture Healthy Places and our exciting community programs; Cook Well Be Well, How to be an Urban Hippy and My Future Our Community nationally and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

 www.imnotfussy.com.au

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