This time one year ago Singing Magpie Produce opened for business. Lots of people have asked about Singing Magpie and what is it like being your own boss. It has been a very steep learning curve for me personally and nothing like a couple of 43 degree days for some casual reflection. Here is what I think:
- My Mum and Dad having been growing, picking, packing and selling their produce for some fifty plus years. Their resilience and those around them astounds me. Since I was 20 years old I’ve earned a salary with a fortnightly or monthly pay packet and lived in a city (well for most of those years). It’s a very, very different life when there is no guaranteed pay packet.
- That said, do what you love and your heart swells. Creativity in my life and creating our produce is the jigsaw puzzle I have been missing for a long time.
- I don’t get much sleep. I probably need to dedicate a bit more on self care.. yes there is some adjustments I’ve got to work on in this small business vs Sue vs family commitments love triangle.
- I’m incredibly grateful - I have met some truly helpful people, virtually and in person, who really go out of their way to help Singing Magpie succeed.
- Shift aside naysayers. Okay I have my inner circle and they keep me in check (I do think this is important) but beyond that negativity breeds negativity.
- Be thrifty, start small, be enthusiastic but don’t let it get to your head or empty your wallet too early.
- Support your local farmer, do everything you can. Understand their prices are a real reflection of what it costs to produce quality food and pay their workers a fair wage. When you buy cheap imports someone will always miss out…. either the farmer or their employees (slaves) working for them.
- Kindness and good manners costs nothing, whoever you are.
- In all my dreams I never thought we would win a Sydney Fine Food Champion's Award; produce the most wonderful figs dipped in dark couverture; have our figs served up to the French Ambassador nor did I think I would turn into my parents and check the BOM radar at least five times a day.
- Just go ahead and make it happen.
Thankyou to you, the people who have backed us, bought our produce, told your friends about us, written stories, visited us and shared photos.
Sue and the Singing Maggies
Ps: We have started producing our semi sun dried black figs and I have re-opened our online shop for these little beauties.
