Carla Zampatti AC is such an icon in the Australian fashion industry that it’s easy to imagine she’s always been in the game.
But as it turns out, her career hasn’t always involved designing dresses or selling suits. At least not quite.I learned tonight – at a warm and wonderful gathering hosted by The Stella Network – that Zampatti spent over a decade working in office jobs before she began to bring her dream to life. Jobs as remote from fashion as you can possibly get, like secretarial and admin work.
As a new Australian, Zampatti left school at 14 and until she was 25 she worked her way into jobs that were good jobs; they made her a living. Even though she always knew she wanted to design clothes, she hadn’t yet found that pathway.
Of course making a living is fine. Important, even. But living your passion is better.
It’s been fifty years now since Zampatti took a leap of faith and launched her own business. And her phenomenal success is proof of what can be achieved when you channel your true passion and never, never, never give up.
I asked her tonight what tips she had for others seeking to transition from making a living, to living their passion. Her advice?
Have a dream and never lose sight of it; and then
Be on the lookout for opportunity.
If Carla Zampatti – as a new Australian arriving in our country with no English,no money and no education – can make her dream come true, then what’s stopping the rest of us?
So here’s my questions to you:
- Are you in touch with your passion?
- Do you have a dream?
- What opportunity are you on the lookout for?
If you answer “no” or “Idunno” to any of these questions, I’d love to work with you and help you find clarity, set some goals and realize sustainable, lasting results.
Yours with pockets full of passion,
Jen 🙂
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