Directors' Circle: Fiona Kroll, Coffee + Hops

Fiona Kroll is one of my favourite people, but that doesn't seem like much of an introduction so I'll give you a little more. We met when we were both working at council, both with sideline businesses. I left first to go fully self-employed and just under a year later - Fiona did the same. To see someone you have a lot of care and respect for do something that they have dreamed about but didn't really think was possible, and completely stick the landing - it's pretty cool. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Fiona Kroll from Coffee+Hops.

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PS She's an amazing pet photographer - recommend 10/10!

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When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?  ‍

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A teacher, but goodness knows why.

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What’s your favourite part about being a business owner?  ‍

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The freedom to set my own schedule, and to be able to work from home, with my dog Sam at my feet.    

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How do you generate new ideas for the business? ‍

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My most creative ideas usually pop up on long, solo road trips, with the music blaring.  

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Explain yourself in one word.  ‍

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Busy?

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What is the best advice you have received recently, and still follow?  

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Focus on purpose, not passion.  With passion, you are focusing on yourself, and your wants. But with a purpose you are focusing on others, and how best to understand/assist your clients. Helping others is where, ultimately, you will receive the most personal satisfaction.

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Tell us something about yourself that is not on your LinkedIn profile?  ‍

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I have the most eclectic taste in music, from jazz to heavy metal, and everything in between.

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Give a shout out to three local businesses.

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‍Snap Printing Mackay - These guys have been amazing from the very start of my business.  I cannot thank them enough for their support over the last couple of years. 

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Barking Mad Treats - An all-natural, preservative-free and local pet treat business. We use their training treats during our pet photography sessions, and their amazing cakes for our cake smashes.

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The Life Approach - It was with the help of Jarrah that I finally made the leap into taking Coffee+Hops full time.  Both Karla and Jarrah are amazing women, and they have some very exciting adventures on the horizon.