Rebecca (00:00.552)
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Champagne Lounge podcast. Today I'm joined by the wonderful Alison Solar. Welcome to the show Alison.
Aleson Solar (00:09.778)
Thank you. It's lovely to be here.
Rebecca (00:11.976)
so I'm excited to have you on the show because, you're for a couple of reasons. You're a new member to the champagne lounge. You're a new, new local. I'm going to call you a new, new local. Cause technically we're not specifically locals yet being new to Muddy in under a year. and you've just started or you're in the early stages of your business creative fix. So there's a lot for us to talk about. but prior to coming to Muddy, Alison, where were you and where has your business journey taken you?
before landing in Magi and launching CreateFX.
Aleson Solar (00:45.906)
Yeah, so basically my creative fix journey started back in 2023.
My partner and I were currently living in Toronto Lake Macquarie and we were in, I was in the marketing industry at the time. I wasn't actually designing anything. I was kind of, I had taken a different turn after COVID and he was also in a new industry for himself as well. So yeah, basically we were in these industries and we're learning and trying to progress in them.
and then we started to feel the strain of the economy changing. And we were comfortable. Like we weren't struggling, we were just very comfortable, but we started to very quickly realize that if we wanted to accomplish any of our dreams and goals, like buying a house and having a family, we needed to either step up in our careers or come up with a business idea. And I guess that's where...
I came up with the idea of utilizing my skills as a graphic designer. So I studied graphic design back in 2008. I did a Bachelor of Creative Media. And I did that for a couple of years, actually. So I was in the industry, in the design industry for four years. And then I kind of had a bit of a quarter -life crisis, as you do. And I decided to travel the world, which
Rebecca (02:23.912)
Amazing.
Aleson Solar (02:24.178)
Sounds very cliche, but it was the best thing that I had done because I was working in this corporate world as a designer and it was very draining. And then going, you know, traveling overseas really opened up my creativity again. And I got inspired, I got motivated. Then, you know, meeting my partner back in 2019 and then, you know,
starting our lives together we basically you know I say well I've got this spatula I need to use it and then COVID happened and then went into marketing because you know really they can't they're hand in hand together you know yeah basically so yeah so then I just said well you know I you know as much as I love designing I really do you know it's been part of my life since I was very little you know but I
didn't really enjoy working in the corporate world because as I said, it's trading. So I...
Rebecca (03:25.864)
Mm -hmm. I was talking actually to someone over dinner last night, talking about just that, like she's a graphic designer and was like, I don't know if I want to stay a graphic designer within the organizational structure because it's taking away my creativity and it becomes almost a chore for me to do rather than a joy. Is that how you felt at the time? Yeah.
Very similar, yes.
Aleson Solar (03:46.13)
Exactly. That's exactly how you build. Yeah, absolutely. You just, you're that spark you have to create and to love what you do just starts to diminish, which is upsetting, but it happens. It's more often than not. So this coming up with this business idea of becoming a graphic design freelancer was just fitting for me because it
was going to allow me to have that creative freedom, that job independence, and basically the opportunity to share my passion and help others. So that's where Creative Fix came into play. That happened about a year ago now, and yeah, it's been a bit of a journey.
Rebecca (04:32.712)
Yeah.
Rebecca (04:36.328)
So starting a business is always, there's a lot of learning curves when it comes to starting a business and that journey. And you have run the business and run it side by side to still working part time. So you've got that balance and that, you know, some might call it a safety net for, you know, let's just get this off the ground before I can go full time into it. How have you navigated working part time and having your brain on over here for half of the time?
and then running your business over here and starting it from scratch. Has it been a hard balance for you?
Aleson Solar (05:09.746)
Well, yeah, absolutely. I have to admit it was still and at the beginning very much a struggle too. Because at the beginning of my journey, I basically was working five days a week as a marketing assistant for a company. And the hard part about working for that marketing company is that they were actually 15 minutes away from where I lived. So a lot of my time spent actually traveling to work and back from work.
So when I was getting home, I was exhausted, you know, and on top of that, you know, I was running my own home. So, you know, I cooked and cleaned and, you know, as you do. And so whatever little energy I had left at the end of the day, I tried to sit down and work on learning and, you know, progressing in my business. So it was very tough. So I guess the first, I would say six to seven months.
was it didn't really move. It didn't really go anywhere, you know? And that's just purely because I didn't have the time or the energy. As much as I pushed myself every day and every weekend when I did have time, I was like, I've got to go sit down. I've got to go, you know, network. I've got to go build a strategy and, you know, things like this. It was just tough. But somewhere between, you know, I guess when I first thought of the idea and
to now, I also kind of brought my brother involved as well. So there was, I was basically just having a conversation with him saying how, you know, the economy is changing and we're feeling the strain and we need to do something. And this is what I wanted to do. And he's like, wow, that's amazing. Like inspiring. I want to do that too. And I was like, well, I would love the help. And, and he'd be like, yeah, absolutely. So also my brother is a graphic designer, but he's currently not in the industry.
Rebecca (07:09.0)
Okay.
Aleson Solar (07:09.497)
for various reasons. But yeah, we both actually went to school together. So he's five years older than me, but we both went to the same university, studied the same thing just at different times. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, yeah, yeah. So, I guess between the seven months from here to there, he kind of came on board and it was great because
Rebecca (07:20.872)
Well, that's unusual, isn't it, for siblings to do the same course?
Aleson Solar (07:36.114)
It was great to have that somebody to sort of, I guess, talk to in regards to the struggles and bounce ideas off each other and things like that. So he's also learning. So we're both on this learning journey together, which is really nice. It's supportive. It's great.
Rebecca (07:53.736)
It's almost like having a co -founder where you're like, should we do the thing? I don't know, should we give it a try? And you just sort of bounce it over and just go, we'll just have to look like we know what we're doing on the outside and just figure it out along the way. You're not alone in doing that.
Aleson Solar (08:05.202)
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah, it's great. Yeah, and then, however, again, we weren't really going anywhere because we were both living a very busy life, working, you know, five days a week, nine to five. So but basically, it wasn't until my partner and I got job opportunities here at Munchies that things started to move. So
Apart from moving all the way from Lake Macquarie in Newcastle to Monty, yes, it was very big. It was overwhelming. There was a lot involved. Yeah, like my business, I guess, also started to move. So in the sense that, you know, once we finally got here, I, you know, we finally settled and got into a routine.
Rebecca (08:35.208)
Yeah, big move. Yes.
Aleson Solar (09:00.786)
started to feel the strain of, you know, I guess being alone was one of the biggest things that I was, I came to a new town and I was very, very much alone and being in a business is already a lonely path. So it was, yeah, it was very, I guess, depressing, but I came across a Facebook page that, you know, was, you know, I guess allowing a
Rebecca (09:05.288)
Mm -hmm.
Aleson Solar (09:28.178)
opportunity to connect with other business women in the region, which as you know, was actually yours. It was the Champagne Lounge Coffee Connect. So and I was like, I just I was terrified to go really. It was I was like, I'm scared. Like I'm going to meet these people. What do I talk about? But I just did it when and it was probably the best thing that I've done in a very, very long time. So
Rebecca (09:34.152)
Yeah.
Rebecca (09:43.976)
Really?
Rebecca (09:55.912)
That's so good to hear. Like, and I think I forget having been in business now for 12 years. I forget how scary it is at the beginning. When you don't really know anyone, you haven't got that level of confidence yet to walk in a room and talk to anyone. And what were you, what was going through your head and what did you have to, what was the self talk you had to do for yourself to actually get yourself in that room? Cause I know there probably was a little bit of, I won't go. Yeah, I will. No, I won't. Yeah, I will. Like what was that?
battle for you and how did you overcome the slight negative that would have been niggling in the corner there somewhere.
Aleson Solar (10:32.21)
Yeah, absolutely. Well, I remember the night before, talking to my partner and I mean, knowing whether I should go or not. And, you know, him saying, just go, like, you know, what do you have to lose? And I was like, nothing, I guess. But, you know, and I remember waking up that morning and thinking, OK, well, you know, it's at eight o 'clock and I need to go to work afterwards. So it was kind of a bit of like a time constraint.
Rebecca (11:13.736)
I'm going to ask that question one more time. Let me stop them barking. I'm just going to wave at myself to stop.
Aleson Solar (11:18.802)
Yeah, you're right.
Rebecca (11:35.4)
I have never had them interrupt a podcast interview before. Bloody dogs, cat, there's a cat outside. Anyway, sorry. So I paused that one because the dogs barked and were causing my microphone to spike, which doesn't normally happen. So I apologize. Tell me, I missed the end of that answer. You were talking with your partner about whether or not you should or shouldn't go.
Aleson Solar (11:45.106)
Thanks for watching!
Aleson Solar (12:04.978)
right. And then basically that morning I woke up and again I was like you know should I get out should I get out of bed and go you know to this coffee at eight o 'clock or should I just sleep in? And eventually I was like okay I'll get up I'll go. But you know even I got in the car I drove to the cafe and I sat in the car still for five minutes. Yeah I did I did.
Rebecca (12:32.456)
Wow.
Aleson Solar (12:34.93)
telling myself, what do I got to lose? Like, you know, yeah, it's gonna be awkward at the start, but then, you know, something might come out of it. And I just had to keep telling myself that this is okay. It's, you know, just do it. So eventually I walked in and I grabbed myself a coffee and I sat down and I met, you know, the love of ladies that were there at the time and yourself and it...
Rebecca (12:50.504)
Yeah.
Aleson Solar (13:03.922)
Yeah, it was definitely awkward, I guess, to start. But once the conversation started flowing, it felt natural. It felt great. You know, and I remember walking, because I was only there for 30 minutes, but even those 30 minutes, it was inspiring. It was motivating. And I walked out and I was such a happy person the whole day. I loved it. So yeah.
Rebecca (13:23.912)
Amazing. Amazing. It's surprising how, how many women when they come to those events don't know anyone else or they've just started businesses. It's, it's been quite eye opening for me because I just love people. I love people. I love talking to people. I love connecting people. For me, that was my way when doing the coffee connects was my way of meeting people and building friendships, I guess, being new to the town myself. So everyone that comes to those
that have not got a shopfront, for example, or haven't got like an established business in town where they're seeing people all the time, are coming along to those things doing exactly the same as you've just said, going, it was awkward to start with, but once it got flowing, it was really good. And I think conversations like that can open up a whole range of different opportunities, right? So from being part of that conversation, how has coming into that coffee and overcoming that
Aleson Solar (14:09.01)
Yes.
Rebecca (14:21.448)
I'm going to do this. I'm not sure I'm going to do it. And overcoming those fears. How has that helped you in growing creative fix in just in the last few months alone? Because you've obviously met different people being inspired by different conversations that have been had. So what impact has had as what impact has those conversations had on growing creative fix?
Aleson Solar (14:43.634)
Well, the biggest change that I've noticed is in myself, my confidence. You know, I've, you know, from there I've attended other networking events and other, you know, opportunities with yourself and Coffee Connects and dinners. And just, you know, my confidence has grown and my ability to talk about my business and my ability to present myself well. And, you know, I guess I just,
has made me really a better salesperson, I guess. Because at the end of the day, you're selling your business, you know. And at the start, you know, I'm not a salesperson in general. So at the start, you really don't know how to talk about like, nobody really knows how to talk about yourself. So when you're talking about your business, it was equally as hard, but talking to other women in
Rebecca (15:18.44)
Amazing!
Aleson Solar (15:42.706)
the same journey in, you know, also that have this have their own businesses and having these conversations about their struggles and their worries and also their wins has made me understand and that it's okay to at the start to feel like this. It's, you know, and it's all a journey. And then I guess those inspiring conversation like those conversations have inspired me.
and has built my confidence to then get out there and just talk to people and talk about how I can help them with their own businesses. Because that's what I love doing. I got into this because I wanted to spread a little color in the world, but also, yeah, and also help them along their journey. So, and I guess like,
opportunities that I've gained from my confidence and you know has basically I've received more clients and I've also learnt things as in sort of social media, marketing, some like tips and tricks of the trade I guess and things like that so yeah.
Rebecca (17:01.456)
Yeah, that's amazing. So, you know, it's like overcoming that small scary thing that seems really big at the start to then opening the opportunities and to know that it's helped build your confidence and that, you know, those conversations are happening and more clients are coming in and you get to spread more color around them. I love that spreading color around the world. So in terms of that spreading color, you know, we talked about graphic design. What type of graphic design do you enjoy doing?
Aleson Solar (17:20.21)
Yes.
Rebecca (17:28.456)
One, what do you focus on and why?
Aleson Solar (17:31.218)
Yeah, so I specialize in logo design and building a visual brand identity for businesses. The reason why I love doing what I do, so logo design, is because it is basically the start of anyone's journey. And I love having that conversation with the clients and trying to get down to how they started and why they're doing this.
basically learning their values and their personality as well as, you know, who they're trying to target, you know, and what are the, what problems they're trying to solve with their business. So, basically from those conversations, I love them. Basically it just starts a spark. It starts that creativity, the flow, and then I get to create this unique logo for them.
that then they use to, you know, start their business and start their journey and create what they love doing as well. So yeah, that's basically what I do.
Rebecca (18:40.84)
That's amazing that I hadn't actually thought of, you know, I hadn't actually thought of a graphic designer being at that spark and that seed level of a business where they get to, you know, harness what the vision is of the person who's starting the business to then bring it to life and see it continue and grow, which is funny because I know a lot of graphic designers. I just haven't actually put it into my head in the way that you described it just then. That's wonderful. I love it.
Aleson Solar (19:06.962)
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah, that's the joy of that. You know, as you said, that that's that little something that they take and to present to the world and it will forever be with them. And, you know, you know, throughout them, anyone's business, they will obviously grow and their brand personality or identity will change depending on the market. But then that's the, you know, joy of having a graphic designer. If you have a really good one, you can go back to them and they already know you.
You know, and they can build from that, you know, you know, that's it's the best thing about, you know, what I would recommend for any business is get to know a graphic designer because then you can bring them along on your journey and then they can create as many visual things for you and it'll be easier for you in the long run because they know you, they're, you know, your partner along the way of this journey. So yeah.
Rebecca (20:07.016)
Yeah, that's really sound advice. I know a lot of business owners that will go and look for the cheaper option when it comes to developing a logo or a brand or, you know, to them, a brand is just their logo and they'll do it on Canva or they'll create it using someone at Upwork. And I think what's missed from a lot of business owners and it is, it does come down to a cost factor when you're starting a business. It does. But that brand and that logo are the foundations.
to the success of a business. And as you rightly said, if you can build that partnership with your graphic designer, that's an extension of your team that can help you create things. You've got that unison of brand identity across everything you're creating from inception of your business to wherever you're gonna take it, which I think is something that business owners really should be aware of, of the importance of that.
Aleson Solar (20:57.714)
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
Rebecca (20:59.016)
Yeah. Alison, I don't let anyone leave the Champagne Lounge podcast without letting other listeners know what it is about the Champagne Lounge that you love and why you're part of this beautiful community.
Aleson Solar (21:12.626)
What I love most about it is the opportunity to speak to other women in the same situation as myself. We may all be in different stages of our journey, but I love the ability to be able to ask questions and no one judged me for those questions. And they're happy to always share what their tips are.
in whatever their struggle was and what they did. And it's great just bouncing ideas off each other as well. And it's just great to, I guess, not feel alone because that's the biggest thing about having a business is you do tend to feel alone at times. But then having this community, I never feel alone now. I always feel like there's someone there that I can just easily
have a conversation with about whether it's something that I'm overwhelmed or struggling with or even my wins. So even I can just hop onto a comp like one of your meetups, your virtual meetups and just be like, this has happened today, guys. This is a win for me and everyone just cheers and it's just a really lovely feeling. So yeah, I guess for anyone that's starting a business, this is getting yourself into a community that
also doing the same as yourself is a huge advantage to your business.
Rebecca (22:43.88)
That's amazing. Thank you. I love that. It is people don't realize. I think the reason I asked the question at the end of every podcast is because it means different things to different individuals as a business owner. But the common theme is that feeling of isolation and needing someone just to chat to that gets it and working alone is lonely. So it's that feeling of camaraderie and joy in no matter what state of business that you're at.
there's going to be questions that comes up or pieces of technology that you need to know how to use. We absolutely love having you as part of the community. I love that you come and shared your story on today's podcast episode. So I'm going to link your Creative Fix website and socials to the show notes so people can come and find you. Thanks so much for coming on the show and sharing your story.
Aleson Solar (23:11.026)
Yeah.
Aleson Solar (23:31.954)
Thanks so much, Rebecca.
Rebecca (23:35.08)
Okay, stay.
