CASSIE LUCAS

I worked in landscape architecture for around seven years. If you think about architecture and all the elements that go into that, it’s the same thing, but outside, from residential design to public parks. My interest was always in more temporary spaces, like art installations – it makes a lot of sense to me now.

I worked in an office in Amsterdam for two years, giving landscape architecture a red hot go. When I came back, I got a job teaching at RMIT. There’d be book and exhibition launches, and because I’d always worked in a deli, it was my job to get cheese and salami and stuff like that. They asked me to do a party for 250 people, and I was like, “Sure, let’s give it a go.” I loved that I could create the atmosphere; do all the visual stuff; collaborate with lots of people – that was a light bulb moment.

I never said, “Today, I’m starting Firecracker.” It was more of an organic thing that happened over about 18 months. Firecracker is a food and events business. We do styling, planning, graphic design, stationery – that kind of thing. I love creating feelings at different events through food and props.

It was a hard decision to leave landscape architecture. I was proud of the work I’d been doing, and felt like I was part of something. I was worried what people would think of me, giving up this ‘proper job’ for more casual stuff. But it got to the point where I was like, why keep working on someone else’s business and helping them grow, while only spending 50 per cent of my time and energy on my thing? Then it’ll never be anything, will it? Going full-time on Firecracker in 2013 was petrifying. I was so scared. I didn’t have much cash in the bank, and didn’t know how it would go. The hardest thing was doing everything. With a small business, you’re the accountant, the business manager, the kitchen manager and the admin assistant. I hadn’t really prepared myself for all that. I had no interest in accounting or bookwork; I still don’t.

Over time, I’ve learnt to ask for help. I didn’t do it at the beginning; I’m severely independent, to my detriment. I’ve become open to delegating and saying, “I’m struggling, can you help me?” Building a business has given me a great confidence and belief in myself. When I started Firecracker, I was basically working out of a home office, hiring a kitchen on a needs basis. Now, we’ve nearly finished fitting out our second space. We’ve worked for some amazing people. Without a doubt, I made the right decision.