From what started out as a small idea to create milestone greeting cards, has evolved into an international success.

“When I was on maternity my husband and I would brainstorm ideas for a new business,” Issy said.

“He motivated me to create my own business so I wouldn’t have to go back to work.

“Once the idea for milestone cards was in my head I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

After talking to friends about the idea for her business, they persuaded her to give it a go.

However, the process of starting her own small business didn’t come without its challenges.

“I had no idea about creating websites and all of the technological things such as setting up emails,” Issy said.

“It was all completely new to me and I had to learn about it as I went along.”

Founded in Bendigo during 2016, Seriously Milestones now has stockists in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Issy operates Seriously Milestones by herself, but praised the network she had built around her business

“I’m a sole trader, but I have a designer I work with, a business mentor, photographer and a really good support network,” Issy said.

“It rarely feels like I’m doing it by myself.”

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Seriously Milestone’s products include milestone and greeting cards, accessories, and Issy has recently launched a range of custom wine labels which are available online and at various stockists.

The milestone cards celebrate various occasions throughout life, with a focus on “real parenting moments”.

One card reads, “Last night I woke up every. single. hour”, while another declares: “Today I refused to wear clothes”.

“I screamed all day long for no reason,” another card reads.

One thing that is visible in the messages of the cards is Issy’s sense of humour and passion to have some fun.

Small Business Victoria has selected Issy to be showcased as a 2018 Victoria Small Business Festival champion.

Issy has praised the knowledge she has gained from attending Victoria’s Small Business Festival. 

“You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain! One event helped my business on so many different levels, and it could help yours too,” Issy said.

In regards to the future, Issy and her husband have another baby on the way and hope to continue growing  her business throughout Australia and across the globe.

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