Small Biz Matters – a half hour program each week where you can work ON your business rather than IN it.
with Alexi Boyd from Boyd Office Management Services
Date: 31 July 2018
Compliance, a very annoying and unavoidable part of running a small business. But you think YOU’VE got it tough? You haven’t experienced anything like the hoops, hurdles and red tape the tattoo industry has to put up with just to start operating let alone exist. However you feel about the practise itself this legitimate industry has to go through an almost surreal set of parameters to exist.
Here to share her incredibly resilient journey is Erika from local tattoo enterprise Black Widow. I guarantee after this ½ hour show you’ll never complain again about what you’re expected to comply to.
Welcome to the show Erika.
Here is Erika’s story in her own words…
Having my license granted took me 13 months and nearly killed me, literally as I was closed by possibly corruption associated police and poorly implemented regulations.
I followed the NSW Tattoo Operator instructions from NSW Fair Trading by the book, keeping emails and noting down all correspondence and advice. I had obtained my NSW Tattoo license prior to working at Bondi Ink in Oct 2013. I moved to Aussie from NZ as the tattoo licensing was being introduced and I supported the industry movement.
In my first year of business I built my team up to 4 and we attended the first Sydney Tattoo show in March 2016. The following Monday after the event I had police contact all my team and tell them my shop was closed down. I then was contacted by an officer who told my licence was removed and I cannot trade. I also had Police attend my premise and inform me I am not to trade until further notice.... I contacted NSW fair trading, business chamber, local MP, the ATO, ASICS the media and the police ombudsman, ATG, my lawyer, my accountant – any one ‘pleading’ help as I was on the verge of losing everything.
I lost my premises, my team, my car to pay my team out and had to go and contract car paint for work in Sydney to try and save up for my shop’s re-opening.
The reasoning of which I still have not had. Now anyone who knows me has a clear view that I will never in this life time be affiliated. I have done ‘my time’ since 2005 in Queensland in a (awful experience as a apprentice) - I have 17 years later earned the right to my own shop.
By the time I was re-instated with my operator license I had gone from a full business where we had a team that had just taken time off together and attended a Sydney tattoo show promoting our shop. To just $900 in my bank account.
My Customers and my team sat with me on a daily basis, waiting for the phone call or ‘okay’ you can keep trading… I was in despair and couldn’t resolve the situation. I made it public knowledge that if I cannot tattoo and custom paint then there is no place for me on this planet.
I am a small business owner, I do everything I am told to via the regulatory Organisations - so I should be able to make my small tattoo business work here in NSW!
I finally found a location where I wouldn’t be trading on any existing tattoo shops toes and re-opened my premise. I had a Current Operator License AND a ‘merged’ licenses doc and corresponded from NSW fair trading to make sure everything was ticked off stating mistakes cannot happen again in all written correspondences. I have not heard from any authority since and am currently licensed with both a Tattoo artist and Tattoo operator license.
To find out more go to their website: https://www.blackwidowtattoo.com.au
EP#215 ~ ACCAN, who is the organisation fighting for small business people’s rights in the telecommunications industry?
EP#214 ~ How does ABS’ powerful data lead to informed policy for small business?
EP#213 ~ How bookkeepers advise their small business clients and how ICB advises Government
EP#212 ~ Highlights from Xerocon 2023 ~ What will be the impact of AI on the Fintech industry and small business?
EP#211 ~ The Australian Retailers Association is celebrating 120 years - what makes a successful association last? With Paul Zahra, CEO ARA
Welcome back to Small Biz Matters!
Reconnecting to global markets - what opportunities await in overseas markets? With special guest Trena Blair, CEO of FD Global Connections
Equity & Equality. It's time for small business to take the lead With special guest Cathy Ngo, Founder of Keynoteworthy, Equity & Inclusion Changemaker
Financial gain, minimal pain Navigating the ever shifting sands of small business finance With special guest David Gandolfo, Chair of Advocacy at CAFBA
Beyond Blue's New Access for small business owners program. How can it help you? With special guest Tim Hoopmann, Beyond Blue Speaker
What's the age-old problem for small business? It's not cashflow - it's parking! With special guest Michael Doherty , Head of Business Development for Smarter City Solutions
The future of Hospitality in Australia? A leaders thoughts on the industry-wide shutdown With guest Shaun de Vries Hospitality Expert & Advocate
LinkedIn Update.... from the only one who knows how. A Ninja! With special guest Jillian Bullock, the LinkedIn Ninja
ONshoring is better for the economy, communities and your small business. Why? With expert guest Jo Palmer, Founder & Managing Director Pointer Remote
How can the ATO help you and your small business navigate the uphill battle? With special guest Andrew Watson, Assistant Commissioner – Small Business Experience, Australian Tax Office
Don't be a Copy of a Copy! Should you differentiate or distinguish? With special guest Stella Gianotto, BrandForBrands
Latest Regular Update From The Aust Bureau Of Statistics Special Guest John Shepherd, Industry Statistics Division & Bjorn Jarvis Labour Statistics
February 2021 Update from ASBFEO & Small Biz Matters With special guest Kate Carnell the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Aust Govt vs Google with small business in the middle. Plus, Digital Solutions to jump start your business.
What of the future of Manufacturing in Australia? A leader’s thoughts on sustainability, diversification & collaboration. With special guest Ben Joseph, Managing Director at Josco
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
NABOR® TALKS
U.S Property Podcast
Aligned Money Show
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money