Grateful for the Merge Media Journey: My Story
This morning, while I was scrolling through Facebook, contemplating dragging myself out of bed to “adult” another day, I came across an article in the Herald written by Matt Heath: “My parting message, enjoy things while they are around”.
It wasn’t a long article, but it inspired me enough to think about my own life, my business, my why and all the people I’m grateful for in my own life.
Aside from my friends and family, who’ve always been constant supporters, my business and all my amazing customers have been a huge part of my life for the past 9 years. Merge Media has been a constant rollercoaster of ups and downs. At times, I’ve been in more of a hate-than-love relationship with it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From the moment I woke up at 3am with the name “Merge Media” randomly embedded in my mind (jumping up immediately to register the domain name), I knew this business and I would be in it for the long haul. Despite a few break-ups while I went off to pursue other things, like having my kids, and living overseas, I have always felt the undeniable pull to come back to it.
With everything in life, the “oh shit” moments are the ones that can change your life forever, for good or bad, depending on what you choose to learn from them and how you choose to move forward.
In 2015, my marriage was over. I was 35 with a 2 and 4 year old, working part time and earning $515 a week. My soon-to-be ex-husband’s sudden announcement that he was now having his salary paid solely into his own account was definitely a wake up call for me. What the hell was I going to do and how was I supposed to feed those 2 little mouths?
I sold our family home to him and lived in it for 2 years, which was a necessary hell…but I finally had the money and support to move forward and do what I wanted to do. Going into town to earn $65k a year with small kids certainly wasn’t an option; hence, my decision to work for myself… because that would be easy, right?! If only I knew!!!
The business had never left, it was just waiting until I was ready to work with it again. I joined networking groups, listened to anyone in business who’d give me advice, got a business coach and did a crash course in running a business DIY style. Basically, I had no idea what I was doing.
Now, 9 years later, despite the ups and downs, the business is still operating so that’s a win!
The people I’ve met and helped on their own business journeys and the industries I’ve learned about have been invaluable and added so much fulfilment to my life…so I think it’s time I showed some appreciation!
Without all of these hard times, I would never have grown as a person, realised the strength within me and be on the journey I’m on now. Being in business allows you the autonomy to live life on your own terms but not without pure dedication and a “failure is not an option” mindset.
So thanks ex-husband, thanks to all the people who have helped and supported me along the way, listened to me cry about my mistakes and celebrated my victories… and of course, thanks to all my amazing customers!
Whether it’s been a logo design or a website, I hope I’ve been able to make you proud of what you do and have confidence to pursue your business dreams.
The most rewarding part for me is seeing you all succeed and you’re worth it!
Renee x
