December 13, 2014

Nicki Mckay, Web Design & Development

Creative | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

At a Glance

Nicki is a web designer & developer, and co-founder of ROOOAR Magazine, a free quarterly digital magazine for female entrepreneurs.

Click to visit: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Bio The path that led her to this point

I started this gig wanting to be a graphic designer.

After 6 months into my Bachelor of Multimedia, when I started sinking my teeth into the code (JAVA of all things), I found I enjoyed making things work far more than designing.

After graduating I went off into agency land, like every new grad should.

I got the opportunity to work with large corporate clients, projects ranging from small campaign websites to large corporate web based applications.

I climbed the corporate ladder and moved my way up into management. I ended up managing people and no longer making things work.

Whilst it was nice for a little while, it’s not the kind of work to keep you inspired. Getting out of bed when you’re not inspired is pretty damn hard.

I finally took the plunge to carve my own path after an extraordinary 'around the world' adventure.

6 months, 12 countries, 23 planes, countless bus trips, a stolen laptop, a sprained ankle, a bout of swine flu & a craving for vegemite on toast.

With nothing to lose, and in the midst of the GFC, I jumped head first into my own business. It was the BEST decision I ever made.

I am now into year number 5 of running my business and have been in the creative industry for over 10 years.

I have built hundreds of websites for clients all around the world and adore bringing online visions to life.

I now mostly collaborate with really great designers, focusing on the development aspect of websites. As I come from design background I have that extra attention to detail, which is often hard to find in a web developer (so I am told).

One of the things I love about running my own business is how much I learn.

Every day is a new lesson and I thrive on it. Whether it be something technical, or how to deal with a difficult situation. It's all a lesson!

I am a sucker for side projects - it's my creative outlet.

I am currently collaborating with Anna from Design with Style on a project for women who run their own business.

ROOOAR Magazine is a free quarterly digital magazine for female entrepreneurs. It's a fun, creative approach for inspiring women who are kicking serious goals in their business

Q&A Insider advice & tips

What's been your greatest achievement to date?

Obtaining freedom! By taking that leap I have now created a life that I love. I am on better money, I work less hours, I only work with people I want to work with and I play by my own rules.

What's been your biggest challenge so far?

Boundaries. It's hard not to become friends with people you love to work with, which can often lead to them inadvertently overstepping boundaries. Setting those boundaries, sticking to them and allowing yourself to switch off on the weekends without the guilt has been pretty challenging.

Best lesson you've learned along the way?

At year 3 I hired staff and got an office space. It was not the right time and I did it all wrong. I hired junior staff and spent all my time training. It almost destroyed me.

I was lucky enough to be able to take a step back, restructure, adjust the sails and get back on course.

A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?

Basecamp. It's so easy to collaborate with clients and designers, and keeps everything in once place. I have tried pretty much every project management application and I used to get caught up with all the features (I am a total stat nerd) but I love Basecamp for its simplicity.

Also, Rework by 37signals is my business bible.

Which person or brand do you most admire and why?

Ryan Carson - CEO & Founder of Treehouse. I love his approach to management (or lack thereof) and admire the way he operates his business. He has had failures and bounced back to do bigger and better things which is pretty inspiring.

What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?

Be honest, be authentic, be you.

Don't try to be bigger than you are (take those 'we's' off your website) and don't bite off more than you can chew.

Don't stop learning.

Finish this sentence

Everything changed for me when…

I realised I can't be everything to everybody. I've identified the types of people who I want to work with and will only work with those people now. Projects run smoother when you collaborate with people who get you.