Rewrite your narrative and create a legacy by building a business, your way
From Olivia Carr, founder of Shhh Silk, Self-Made: Build a Big Life from a Small Business is an inspirational and practical guide that will empower you to grow a profitable, successful business, no matter your stage of life. A mother at a young age, and without formal qualifications, in her twenties Olivia found herself struggling with climbing debt. Self-Made is the story of how she turned her life around in her thirties and founded Shhh Silk: a multi-million-dollar brand loved by women globally. But more than that, Self-Made is a blueprint that will show you how you can do it too.
In Self-Made, Olivia candidly shares her years of hard-won business know-how. You’ll benefit from strategies she developed to stay positive and achieve success, even when the odds are stacked against you. Whatever your industry - ecommerce, bricks and mortar, or side hustle - this is a handbook for taking control of your business and your life. Through practical exercises and step-by-step action plans, you’ll learn how to:
- Embrace the 6 key traits of a successful entrepreneur
- Develop a money-making mindset and get to grips with the realities of cash flow and profitability
- Grow your business, grow your team, and scale up sustainably - even in uncertain times
- Create an engaging brand story, with PR strategies for building your clients, using influencer marketing, and going viral
- Balance the challenges of leadership with your own personal growth and wellbeing
Self-Made reveals what it takes to build a sustainable, profit-generating business - and the steps you can take to face uncertainty, thrive despite adversity, and realise your dreams. This book will inspire and empower you to overcome setbacks, build your resilience, and use what you have to create the life you really want.
“Olivia Carr throws herself into business and life with incredible tenacity, vulnerability, and generosity of spirit. Her courage and passion are inspiring.” - Kate Morris, Co-Founder of Adore Beauty
Table of Contents
Introduction: A self- made journey ix
1 Seizing sliding door moments: How making hard decisions can transform your path 1
2 Rewriting your money story: The key to overcoming financial challenges 17
3 Roadmap to success: Six key traits of a self- made entrepreneur 33
4 How to get started: Launching and building your brand 57
5 Product market fit: A prerequisite for sustainable cash flow and profitability 77
6 How to manage your business cash flow: From chaos to control 87
7 Business success and fulfilment: What’s love got to do with it? 97
8 Discovering your truth: A guide to self- healing and inner work 107
9 Mastering your mindset: Overcoming obstacles and unleashing your full potential 125
10 Unlocking the secret to success: Taking action 143
11 Sustainable growth: Build your business from your values not your ego 161
12 From solo to team: Navigating the challenges and opportunities of when to grow your team 173
13 Measuring success: Revisiting your purpose, values and goals to track progress 181
14 Selling your product: The power of relationships 197
15 Harnessing influence: The power of PR and celebrity gifting 207
16 Adapting to change: Navigating uncertainty in business and life 219
17 Reclaiming your freedom: Remembering the purpose of your business beyond stress and overwork 231
Join me at Self- Made Academy 241
Mental health resources 243
References 245
