“I always sensed an entrepreneurial spirit within me and knew that one day I would venture into business.”
Melissa Horvat of Graphika graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Design (Graphic) and began working in a design studio before moving on to a prestigious advertising agency as their Senior Designer.
After several years in the industry, she realised that the pressure of working long hours in an agency and having three children was not the work-life balance she dreamed of …. so, in 2009, Graphika was born to give Melissa flexibility around her family.
At Graphika, Melissa helps professional service-based business owners bring their brands to life with her graphic design services. Graphika is an award-winning agency and has worked with clients such as The United Nations, The Australian Paralympic Committee, The Australian Men’s Shed Association, NSW Government, QLD Government and hundreds of small and medium businesses.
Melissa has recently added a membership to her list of services – The Design Mastermind Academy – that helps business owners and content creators save money and time by learning the fundamentals of design while creating their own social media graphics in Canva.
Melissa says “I always sensed an entrepreneurial spirit within me and knew that one day I would venture into business. My children were the driving force behind this decision.”
Melissa has been a member of the HerBusiness Network since 2022 and says “When you own your own business it can often be lonely and isolating. It’s nice to be part of a network that thinks on a similar level to you, where you can bounce ideas and share experiences.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
I have several but one of them is definitely Suzi! For many years I have listened to Suzi’s podcast and I’m always impressed with her determination, generosity and the content she shares. I joined the HerBusiness network over 2 years ago and I believe it has been one of the best investments for me and my business.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I started my business Graphika 15 years ago this year. It started because I wanted to be able to stay home and be with my babies (at the time). Little did I know that I’d still be here 15 years later and have a growing, thriving business. Obviously I love what I do as a graphic and brand designer and I have always put serving my clients first.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love the flexibility and freedom that my business offers. I also love that I can pivot and adapt my business to whatever is happening out there in the market.
Graphika is a busy graphic design and branding studio and I also have the The Design Mastermind Academy. It is a membership that helps business owners and content creators save money and time by learning the fundamentals of design while creating their own social media graphics in Canva.
This is what I love about my business – I’m always learning, growing and being the best I can be for my clients and members.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Always put money aside for a rainy day… and taxes!
- Try not to be everything to everyone. Focus on what you do best in your business and just do that. By trying to do everything you will water down your strengths and lose focus.
- You do not need all the fancy bells and whistles to run a thriving business. Keep things simple and consistent when you start.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Your clients/members/customers are the lifeblood of any business. Look after them and they will look after you by being repeat customers as well as telling everyone else about you.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Money and your numbers. I use a software program called Xero and I’m always looking at my reports, targets and balances. I know money is not everything when running a business but having the knowledge helps you keep track of working towards your goals.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
Graphika’s ideal client is the professional service based business owner such as a marketing specialist, lawyer, accountant or engineer.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
When you own your own business it can often be lonely and isolating. It’s nice to be part of a network that thinks on a similar level to you where you can bounce ideas and share experiences.
Learn more about Melissa and Graphika.
