I love Sydney, born and raised there amongst the hustle and bustle, I spent the formative years of my career within the publishing industry, first within the corporate/custom book sector (think glossy, quality, coffee table books rather than brochures) before moving across into Traditional Print Media and having the opportunity to kick some major career goals within the doors of Pacific Magazines, ACP, Fairfax and News Limited.

Here I gained invaluable experience across Trade and Consumer Marketing, Market Research, Project Management, Design and Events, with insight into advertising sales, editorial and senior management.

The beauty of it all was that I was being paid to read my favourite magazines plus their competitors across the Homes Lifestyle, Food Wine & Travel, Business, Women’s Lifestyle and Kids Sectors.

As a sideline creative interest in 2004, I launched my eponymous named jewellery (and creative arts) label, now known as ‘Sparrow and the Rose‘. Each night I would weave magic over a collection of beads, gemstones and brass, creating limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces which were then either sold online or at Bondi Beach Markets & Glebe Markets each weekend. (Work-a-holic, much?)

The result was being recognised in the National Media through magazines such as Cleo, Cosmopolitan, Madison and Shop Til You Drop and participating in 2 Mercedes Australia Fashion Weeks. My creative venture continues today with a couple of exciting ventures on the horizon, including expanding my resin range…

In 2006, I discovered the world of freelancing, before making a HUGE life changing move in 2008, arriving in Brisbane for a fresh start.

In BrisVegas, I found my feet within the Business Coaching and Professional Speaking Industries, including being employed as the National Marketing Manager for ActionCOACH Australia Head Office, managing the business development, events, design, social media and marketing needs of my clients.

A move up the road to the beautiful Sunshine Coast early 2011 allowed my love of publishing and books to be rekindled, redefined and redeveloped and for my creative passions to evolve.

Today, Barefoot Basics is an online platform and consulting business, with the aim of activating small business empires, both through the main site, Barefoot Basics and now A Handmade Empire.

xxx Rochelle

PS I would love to share with you some insights and highlights of my years in business.