Turning Challenges into Opportunities: My Entrepreneurial Journey

A Sudden Shock Before Christmas

It was two weeks before Christmas when our weekly company good news meeting was everything but good news. My team and I were told our positions were redundant; our program had been axed. I was shocked. Although my ADHD brain keeps me calm in moments of crisis, my mind went blank. It was as though the world had stopped moving for just a moment.

As I sat in that meeting, my first thought wasn’t about the bigger picture or long-term plans—it was much more immediate. How was I going to afford Christmas? The fear of disappointing my family during a time meant for joy was overwhelming. But deep down, something else began to stir—a quiet voice reminding me of the business dream I had been nurturing for years.

Little did I know, this moment of upheaval would become the push I needed to take control of my future.

In 2022–2023, redundancy rates increased by 11% in Australia due to economic uncertainty. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)

The Turning Point: From Redundancy to Opportunity

The days following my redundancy were filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, there was uncertainty about what lay ahead. On the other hand, there was a realisation: This was the opportunity I needed. For years, I had helped hundreds of people launch their own businesses as part of the Self-Employment Assistance Program for Services Australia. I had seen the courage it took to step into the unknown, and I had guided them through the process of turning ideas into thriving ventures.

It was then that I thought to myself: Why not me? Why not now?

The thought of trying to find another job around Christmas, competing with the influx of applicants, and navigating the slow pace of the holiday season felt unbearable. Instead of dwelling on the loss, I decided to channel my energy into something positive. The idea of starting my own business wasn’t new—it had been sitting in the back of my mind for quite some time after working alongside some incredible virtual assistants. This was my chance to bring it to life.

Building Ninth Koi Business Solutions

I launched Ninth Koi Business Solutions, a boutique consultancy designed to help small business owners simplify their operations and reclaim their time. From virtual assistance to social media management, payroll, and business planning, my goal is to make life easier for small business owners who are stretched too thin or overwhelmed by technology.

But you might be wondering: Why “Ninth Koi”?

For those who know me personally, koi fish hold a special significance. I even have one tattooed on my wrist as a constant reminder of the flow of life, courage, perseverance, and beauty. In Japanese culture, koi fish symbolises overcoming adversity and swimming upstream against the current—a fitting metaphor for my journey. The number nine also represents growth, purpose, and achieving life goals. Ninth Koi is more than a name; it’s a reflection of the principles I bring to my life and the clients I serve.

The VA industry in Australia is projected to grow by 10% annually (IBISWorld).

Turning Setbacks into Strengths

Starting a business just before Christmas, with no job and no income, wasn’t easy. But every challenge I faced came with an important lesson. Here are some of the most valuable things I’ve learned:

1. Every Challenge Is an Opportunity
   Losing my job was a wake-up call that forced me to act on an idea I had been postponing for far too long. Sometimes, the hardest moments in life are the ones that push us toward our true purpose.

2. Focus on Small Steps
   I didn’t have to build my business overnight. I started by defining my services, building a basic website, and creating content for TikTok. Each small step brought me closer to my goals.

3. Your Story is Your Power
   When I posted about being made redundant two weeks before Christmas, the response was overwhelming. That TikTok video resonated with tens of thousands of people who had faced similar struggles. Storytelling isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a way to connect with others on a human level.

   Storytelling can boost audience engagement by 22%, according to a study by Nielsen.

4. Community is Everything
   The encouragement I received from friends, family, and even strangers reminded me that no one builds a business alone. Seek out your support network—it makes all the difference.

FAQs: Common Questions About Starting Over

1. How did you overcome the fear of failure?
   I focused on taking small, manageable steps and celebrated every win, no matter how small. I reminded myself that failure wasn’t the end—it was just feedback to help me improve.

2. What tools helped you get started?
   Tools like Canva for branding, TikTok for marketing, Hubspot for CRM management, and Clockify for task management were game-changers. They made it easy to manage multiple aspects of my business efficiently.

3. How did you handle finances after redundancy?
   I did the best I could with the little I had. Particularly for a service business, there isn't a lot of cost in getting set up - I paid about $50 to register my business name, and everything else was free.

4. What’s the most important skill for starting a business?
   Adaptability. Things will rarely go as planned, so being flexible and open to change is key.

5. Do you need a lot of money to start a business?
   Not at all. I started with minimal resources and used free or low-cost tools to get off the ground.

6. How do you stay motivated?
   I stay focused on my mission: helping small business owners achieve their goals. Watching my clients succeed is the greatest motivator.

The Opportunity in Every Challenge

Redundancy wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of something bigger. Launching Ninth Koi Business Solutions has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s proof that even in moments of uncertainty, there is an opportunity to create something beautiful.

If you’re facing a challenge right now, I encourage you to see it as an opportunity. Reflect on your strengths, take small steps, and lean into the support around you. You never know where the journey might lead.

Follow me for more insights on entrepreneurship, small business tips, and updates on how I’m building Ninth Koi Business Solutions from the ground up. Let’s connect! Book your free consultation here: https://ninthkoi.com.au/appointments