The traditional nine-to-five corporate career appears to be losing its appeal for many Australians. With long commutes, crowded inboxes, and rigid schedules, the corporate lifestyle no longer commands the respect it once did. Instead, this decade is all about redefining success, and for many, entrepreneurship is the answer.
Recent research conducted by Xero sheds light on the motivations and aspirations of modern small business owners, offering a glimpse into why so many are choosing to forge their own path. Their report, It’s Your Business, reveals that nearly half of Australians (47%) identify as ‘lifestyle entrepreneurs,’ prioritizing freedom, purpose, and passion over the traditional markers of success.
Meet Hanna Portelli: A Lifestyle Entrepreneur
One such entrepreneur redefining success is Hanna Portelli, a Gold Coast native who transitioned from a marketing career to pursuing her passion for creativity and freedom. After a solo six-month backpacking trip, Hanna returned to Australia with a clear vision. Feeling uninspired by conventional office work, she took a leap of faith and launched her own business, MEMS Keepsake, a company specializing in high-quality, custom photo albums.
“I reached a point where I wasn’t fulfilled and needed more joy in my life,” Hanna explains. “That’s when I decided to create something meaningful, turning my travel photography into beautiful keepsakes for others to cherish.”
Using her savings, Hanna devoted nearly a year to finding the perfect manufacturer to ensure her photo albums stood out in quality and design. Since launching officially just seven months ago, she’s working tirelessly to build her brand while keeping her long-term goals—like scaling the business internationally—at the forefront.
The Entrepreneurial Shift: Redefining Goals and Overcoming Challenges
Hanna’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many small business owners, cash flow management has been critical to her success. With the help of her accountant, she adopted Xero, a platform that simplifies financial tracking and planning. “As someone who doesn’t consider themselves a numbers person, I’ve found Xero incredibly easy to use. It’s been invaluable in helping me understand my business’s financial health,” she says.
Interestingly, not all entrepreneurs share Hanna’s aspiration to go global. Xero’s research reveals that only 17% of Australian business owners aim to expand internationally, with 47% expressing concerns over economic uncertainty. Despite these statistics, Hanna remains optimistic and focused on her goals, confident that MEMS Keepsake could reach a global audience.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone considering making the leap into entrepreneurship, Hanna offers this advice: “Just go for it, but make sure to find joy in the process. The startup phase can be stressful, but it’s also the most exciting part of the journey. Take your time, enjoy the learning process, and stay true to your vision.”
The entrepreneurial world offers endless opportunities for those willing to take the risk. If Hanna’s journey resonates with you, consider exploring Xero’s It’s Your Business report for more insights and inspiration. And when you’re ready to begin or elevate your entrepreneurial path, Xero’s platform is ready to support you—with a free 30-day trial to get started.