Jumbled’s Pip Brett shares 4 lessons learned from career mistakes

Some lessons have to be learnt the hard way. Business owner and Vogue Codes speaker Pip Brett shares her top four career mistakes and what she got out of the experience.

ALL careers are riddled with mistakes, but it is the lessons learned that make the difference.

Rather than getting hung up on “should haves” and “what ifs”, business owner and podcaster Pip Brett has used her mistakes to shape future career decisions.

The founder of colourful homewares and fashion store Jumbled and host of Jumbled-Loves-a-Chat is one of the speakers set for 2021’s Vogue Codes event series, which aims to empower future female innovation.

She will be speaking about her experience owning a regional business.

“I think it’s really amazing to show other people real business stories and women in business as well, and particularly regional businesses and how you can create a life for yourself doing what you love and supporting the local community,” she says.

“It’s nice to hear real stories – the highs and the lows, not just the glossy side of it all but the hard work that goes into it all.”

Pip Brett says she now hires based on personality, rather than skills. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Brett shares the mistakes she has made throughout her career and the lessons she has taken away.

NOT BEING AUTHENTIC

When she first launched her Orange-based store and e-commerce venture, Brett was stocking products based on what she thought people wanted rather than what she personally was drawn to.

She gives the example of a French provincial clock.

“I thought people would love it but it was so hard to sell because it just wasn’t me,” she says.

“I was too embarrassed to put it out.

“I then made the decision to only sell things I truly loved, and that transformed our business.

“We have been able to build a strong look and brand that is not thought through but is solely on gut feeling.”

Brett also learnt this lesson the hard way when she launched her clothing store off shoot.

“For a little while, I tried to be more sophisticated,” she says.

“I tried to be something I wasn’t and I found that hard to do.

“If you can stay true to what you are, it is easier to pull off because it comes naturally.”

HIRING FOR SKILLS OVER PERSONALITY

Brett says hiring the right staff is tricky for any business.

“I have learnt over the years to hire people just on their personality,” she says.

“I love generous people – that makes them great with customers and beautiful people to work with as well.

“Any skill can be taught, but if you hire on generosity that’s a good thing.”

Pip Brett used to be scared to talk or see her face on camera. Picture: Supplied

NOT BEING ACROSS TECHNOLOGY

When it comes to tech skills, Brett says the lesson is to try not to outsource the work.

“We have learnt it all ourself and we battle along,” she says.

“Try to learn for yourself internally so if you lose people you don’t instantly lose that whole aspect of your business.

“Stay across things a little bit.”

NOT PROMOTING PERSONAL BRANDS

A lot of people hate to see themselves on camera or hear their voice on playback, but Brett says it is something everyone has to get over.

“I used to be too afraid, I hated my voice and face and was too afraid to put myself out there on socials or be videoed,” she says.

“Now we showcase the staff and who we are and I am not afraid to put myself out there.

“The more you flex that muscle, the easier it is.”

Brett says Jumbled has since been able to create a strong brand that is not just based on the products they sell in store.

“It’s also where we live in Orange, and who we are and what we stand for,” she says.

“It’s been a positive move in putting our faces to the brand.

“You have to not worry what people think.

“It’s scary at the start but you are far more critical of yourself, no-one actually cares – I wish I knew that as a teenager.”

Vogue Codes, proudly presented by Optus, is back for 2021, connecting you with the digital innovators, thought leaders and inspiring entrepreneurs who are influencing the technology landscape globally.

Vogue invites you to join the conversation, make connections and learn the skills you need to future-proof your career.

The event series is a mix of virtual and offline events, including the first ever Vogue Codes Country live virtual event at 9am on Wednesday, May 26.

Hear from rural and regional entrepreneurs about their business journeys, their challenges and the rewards of building a business wherever you live.

Vogue Codes Country tickets are $15 or free for Vogue VIPs and Optus customers.

Visit vogue.com.au/vogue-codes