Kylie, Modern Mud Australia, Toowoomba QLD

Today we are introducing you to Kylie, the small business owner of Modern Mud Australia, an all-natural skincare and mineral cosmetics company.

Kylie’s cosmetics and skincare range has no nasty chemicals, no additives and no toxins. All of the ingredients she uses for Modern Mud Australia are 100% natural. Kylie was looking for a way to make an income while being home more for her son. Due to an injury, she was unable to return to her career as a florist. With support from Jamie, her Many Rivers business coach, Kylie has found a solution. She is now able to work from home and have more time for her son while balancing her cosmetics and makeup small business.

“Jamie gives me direction and advice and if he can’t give an answer himself, he can usually find out from other people in the Many Rivers organisation. He makes you feel excited about doing your business. If you feel a bit stuck on something, he says something to spark it up again.”

Continue reading to hear more about Kylie’s makeup and cosmetics small business journey.

Meet Kylie

My business is Modern Mud Australia and I’ve been running it since September last year. I started the NEIS program in February.

Then I met Jamie though the NEIS program in February 2020. He came and gave a bit of a talk to our group one day. Something that he said sparked my interest, so I made contact with him and we kept in touch which has been fabulous.  I’m still on the NEIS program but Many Rivers works hands in hands with it. It is really good mentoring support.

I initially went into business, to earn money. I had to restart my life again after getting divorced. A few years ago I had really major back surgery so I could not continue floristry. I couldn’t get a job anyway because all the jobs I was applying for I was either overqualified or underqualified for. So, I created my own job for myself.

When I was reading the Barefoot Investor, it said you have to have a side hustle. I have a friend who is a formulator of all-natural skin care ranges. Now I make some of the products and my friend also makes some of the products because she is a formulator. I rebranded everything and built a website.

My goal was to be home for my son rather than get another job. Now I can go anywhere with Modern Mud and I can be there for my son as well because I don’t have to be back late at work. He has noticed that I’m a bit stressed. But as I said to him, when you start a business you have to put a lot of effort into it to get it up and running and eventually it will be a lot smoother. I think family balance has improved and I like not dealing with workplace toxicity.

Working with Many Rivers

The pro bono legal team  that works with Many Rivers did up a contract for me to use when I put on wholesale contractors. I have wholesalers who sell my products as well. This is a proper, legal contract which I would have had no idea how to do so it was really beneficial.

Jamie has been a great support, very encouraging, makes you feel confident within yourself. Just his manner, knowledge and attitude rubs off on me to make me feel more motivated, confident and excited about what I’m doing.

I’m also going to talk to him about financial aspects and loans. I’m not going ahead with this at the moment but I know that avenue is definitely there. If I need a business loan, I can apply to get one though Many Rivers. I get down to earth support that you kind of need when starting a business rather than dealing with big banks. Everyone I’ve dealt with at Many Rivers is down to earth and easy to deal with.

Its motivating and Jamie helps you think about other aspect to look at when you’re thinking about business side of things. There is different aspects and things to look into. It’s really helpful to be reminded to do the right thing and utilise the tools in the right way.

I haven’t applied for a loan because I’ve managed so far to have orders coming in so that I can pay for ingredients and labelling as I go. I was thinking to get one for marketing, but so far, I’ve been managing to do it myself. If my business expanded rapidly, I’d need a loan to meet the volumes.

Biggest Challenge

The challenge to date has been the website to be honest – it drives me crazy. Just trying to get it all right and perfect. It’s been really challenging, and it will be so good when it is finished.

Biggest Success

Just recently, I have put my range into a hair salon in Highfields. I have it in one natural health food store already. My aim is to have it in more health food stores and get more beauticians using it.

Future Goals for Modern Mud

My goal is to employ some staff, get some more wholesalers on board and get to more retail outlets so I don’t have to worry about finding another job or relying on benefits. I hope to become secure in my business.

Thanks Kylie for sharing your business journey so far. We are excited to be joining you on this journey as it continues. If you would like to continue following Kylie’s business journey, make sure to follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

We love to encourage more people to take the first step towards kick starting their small businesses ideas.

Do you want to make your small business dreams a reality? We’re here to support you the whole way.

Please take the Small Business Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.

If you loved this client story and would like to read another, take a look at Drew’s business journey. Drew owns Dee Pee Electrical Contractors, which is an electrical salvaging small business, in Roma QLD.

B0009009