That melissa taylor tenacity

Downs Women In Business Awards winner Melissa Taylor of Taylor’s Removals

What keeps you going through the hard times?

I really do have a great network around me. I am blessed to be supported by my wonderful partner Nivard and beautiful family and friends. My retired parents, who own the business, are an enormous encouragement and assistance. And we are also fortunate to have a great team at work who are very supportive. I have also truly valued the role mentors have played in my career. Their guidance and direction have certainly assisted through some of those harder times.

What advice can you give for starting your own business?

I would say, believe in yourself and back yourself. Ensure you have a great network around you, and plan well. One thing I have learnt, is I don’t and never will know everything, so I have learnt to surround myself with people who have the knowledge and skill base that I need to succeed.

What have you learnt about yourself on this journey?

To believe in myself and trust my instinct more.

What have you been up to since Style readers last met you, when you graced our 2013 cover with Mary Wagner?

One highlight is my growth as a leader. I feel I have grown considerably from when I first took on this role. Our organisation has certainly seen growth and of this I am extremely proud. The awards myself and the company have received in the past 12 months have been a magnificent affirmation for the team. It’s been a challenging but wonderful three years.

Which women in your life have mentored/ inspired you?

My grandmother was a teacher, business owner and loved politics. She was a strong woman with a great business mind and strong values. I’ve always looked up to my mother also who is resilient woman who has always been there for our family. She is a woman of great compassion, sensitivity and beneficial advice. There have also been some incredible women in our industry.

Do women have a responsibility to help others women coming up through the ranks?

Yes, it is important to mentor and offer a hand up. But I believe it’s not just women we need to help out. Gender diversity is the responsibility of both genders. It’s not until the value of all roles, including the stay-at-home work, is given its true value will we ever see true equity and diversity.

What three qualities do you need to make it in the business world?

Passion, tenacity and drive.

How do you maintain work/life balance?

This is a tough one. I really don’t subscribe to work/life balance. I have always thought, if you love what you do, then work is another part of your life. Someone asked me just recently, ‘do you ever switch off from work?’ One of our core values is ‘it’s personal’. Being fourth generation of this remarkable legacy is really important to me. My work is such a part of me, that my work/life balance is one.

There also needs to be an acceptance that we aren’t superwomen and can’t do it all, perfectly, all of the time.

Tell us about your home, ‘chill out’ and unwinding time.

Home is my sanctuary — a place I relax, sometimes with a glass of wine or bubbles with Nivard, while he cooks dinner. We both love to spend time with our family and friends so we love it when the house is full of love, joy and laughter! We try to entertain as much as we can, whether it be a relaxed barbecueunder our beautiful trees, or a dinner party or a picnic in the backyard with our nieces and nephews.

Is there still stigma about being a ‘career woman’?

No, but I do believe there needs to be more acceptance of the decisions made by both men and women when it comes to who stays at home and who joins the workforce. And until the honest value is placed on the work done in the home, then that acceptance will not transpire. We aren’t superwomen and can’t do it all, perfectly, all of the time. We need to be kinder to ourselves.