It takes a Village!

Who can relate to this? Whether it's our family or our business, it does take a village, and I would like to recognise and thank mine.

Music has had a long history of creating the ability to communicate, connect and resonate with the human experience on a profound level. In recent years drum therapy has emerged as a unique and effective therapeutic tool for people seeking balance, stress relief, and emotional well-being. This rhythmic practice transcends cultural boundaries and offers a universal language of expression.

The Drum Collective began as a concept in February 2021 and, over time, has evolved into what I have recently launched ... primarily drum therapy for social and emotional development.

Casting my mind back to that period in time with my husband and I mind mapping what this new entrepreneurial venture could look like, I am sending out a rather large 'THANK YOU' to my husband, Dave, as it was his creative mind that came up with the name!

At that time I was fortunate enough to be involved in a program where I was able to receive free small business support ... space jump Kirsty from design bothy and Erica Jeffrey from what was The Island Creative, to what is now Jeffrey Studios. Both of these women assisted me greatly in designing my logo and website respectively. They listened to my vision and created accordingly. It's so incredibly exciting when your vision and brand come together! I love them! Thank you both for your patience and support, while I sat with this concept for quite some time, moving into different working roles until I knew that the timing was right.

What about my van!! I have received so many positive comments about my Drum Collective van. Yes, she is a beauty! Initially acquired from my sister-in-law's home as she wanted it gone, I thought at the time that with some elbow grease it could turn into something really unique ... and super useful! The story around this little van is a very cool one, and I'm definitely not going to give away any spoiler alerts. Keep an eye out on socials, and I actually think, it deserves its very own blog! I am sending out a THANK YOU to Matt and Rick at Damon Signs. We had ourselves a whole load of fun pulling this together. Th real star of the show here though is my husband Dave. I said not spoiler alerts, so you will have to wait!

The Bluff is such an important cultural landscape for us all in Devonport. I jumped at the chance to meet photographer and friend, Deb Wallace from Online PR up at the Lighthouse at 7am one Friday morning. It was one of those clear, sunny days, but cold! I didn't realise how much stamina you need to have on a photoshoot. I'm not talking about me ... I'm talking about Deb! From lying on the ground to climbing up on picnic tables this really was athleticism. Deb really earnt her coffee afterwards at Drift that morning. Images are so important to your brand and I can't thank Deb enough for capturing my business perfectly.

Who doesn't love merch, right?! I wanted to create some merch for The Drum Collective so if I was out and about I could be all kitted up, as I love my logo! When it comes to printing, The Tasmanian Clothing Company were great, in particular Angela. I wasn't sure whether to go with block printing or embroidery? I had this way of thinking that the latter was something you wore back in the fifties. How wrong could I have been! After speaking with Angela, I am so happy with the final result. The embroidery really suits my logo, making it pop and shine. Always a good idea to listen to the professionals. Thank you so much!

With Erica having some time away before the launch of my business (the birth of a little one is definitely warranted, and massive congratulations!) I was in real need for some assistance with my website. This is all very new to me, something I am keen to learn! I reached out to Stacey Walker who came to my rescue, with no questions asked, even moving some of her clients to assist me. How wonderful is that! Stacey made some additions and assisted in bringing my website to life so that I could successfully launch. Thank you for being so supportive!

As I mentioned earlier .... it takes a village. My village of family and friends, my husband Dave, and daughters Sommer and Izabella, everyday you encourage and support me, thank you. Oh how I love you all so! My friends, you are always there, always plus theIGNITE Women Tasmania community of supportive women, thank you.

The support I have received since launch day on 28 September has been completely amazing. I am truly grateful for all of your emails, texts and calls. To be able to work at the intersect where your skill set and passion lies is really, very special. This is where I'm at.

Be sure to keep an eye out as I will be sharing more with you.

This is only the beginning.

Yours in harmony

Jodhi Gough