Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Casey Mackinlay, Woodslane, $19.95.
Part-memoir, part-motivational guide, this record is nothing short of inspiring.
In a world where inequality takes a front row seat, the account of a young single mother’s great effort to go from tradie to CEO is a resounding victory lap!
At 13, Casey knew she had the ability to spot an opportunity to make money. As a hair stylist she delivered because she knew she had to provide quality and efficiency.
Then at 15, she felt the need to do something fun, something that could get everyone involved, something that could earn her a bit more money. Her bright idea was a Year 10 formal. She planned it, did her research including whether people wanted what was being offered, promoted her product and services, offered something that was unique and appealing, got permission before using people and organisations in marketing material and used her connections. She then went on to identify the influencers and got their support, was competitive and priced accordingly.
Above all, comes this solid bit of advice about doing your sums and getting the money upfront to cover costs. Needless to say, the event was a success, with a good profit!
Casey was a VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) student with a bricklaying apprenticeship when she became a teenage single mum. She wasn’t only the youngest person there, but was also the only female.
Melbourne-based author, Casey is also a motivational speaker and successful business owner. She tells it like it is, without any fanfare: recollections on beating life’s unforeseen challenges and her passage to success. It’s about the struggle, hope and the journey in breaking stereotypes.
Casey says her main focus in life is not about making the right choices; it’s about making the best of the choices you have already made. “It’s okay to get life wrong, just keep trying to be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
Moving forward: one of the ways to support women in the trades is to start by “educating all the men in trades on how beneficial it can be to have a woman on the team. When I was a bricklayer my boss would say how I had a better eye for detail!”
Final life lesson: you do not have to fit the mould to be successful. Do it your own way — and on your own terms.
