Gone are the days of holding down a single job for life. Finding work you love is exciting, but making the switch into unknown territory can be daunting. We meet local women who have made the break and changed their careers.
HANNAH HARWOOD
From investment banking to owner of Dough Garden
instagram.com/doughgarden | facebook.com/doughgarden
What were you doing?
I was working a typical 9-5 job at a prominent investment banking company and prior to that held various positions for large companies in sales management. I was also studying law part time.
What are you doing now?
I started making vegan donuts purely by accident. I’m from Canada and grew up with a strong Canadian influence thanks to my mother who is amazing in the kitchen. She would whip up pumpkin, cherry and apple pies, donuts, cinnamon rolls and all sorts of wonderful baked goods – she set a high standard. When I became unwell and had to leave my job, I had time to reflect and also reconnect with the kitchen.
I was following a strict plant-based diet and had a huge turnaround in my health. Of course, during that time, I needed some treats so started experimenting with making 100% plant-based donuts. They turned out to be a hit and the rest is history – Dough Garden was born.
What do you love about your work?
I love the looks of pure bliss when people take that first bite into my donuts. The enthusiasm is wonderful and I love that a 100% plant-based product gets the tick of approval, by even the most carnivorous men. Healthwise, I still need to be careful not to overdo it and Dough Garden allows me to work as much or as little as I need to – my stockists and customers are very understanding.
What did you have to do to make the change?
It took severe burnout to force me to reflect on my wellbeing, my future and my daughter’s future. I hadn’t had proper annual leave for three years and during that time changed roles, in addition to taking over the role of my previous manager, who had also experienced burnout months earlier. Seeing him so happy, healthy and thriving gave me that final push to make a change.
How hard was it to make the leap?
It was so very hard – one of the hardest decisions I have ever faced and probably will ever face. At the time I was planning a wedding and had just purchased a home. My daughter attends a private school so there were her fees, and I also had two step-children and my then partner to consider. However 18 months years later everything has worked out.
What challenges have you faced?
Being an A-type personality I tend to go 100% at everything and then have the tendency to crash and burn. There was a time when Dough Garden literally blew up before me and I was given the chance to launch big time by a kind investor – dozens of outlets around the country wanted to stock my product and I was literally inundated. I could feel the wheels falling off again and took off to Canada so I could reflect on the situation. I realised while all this was a dream come true, I needed to pace myself and learn to manage my A-type personality as things were going from 0-100 at an alarming rate. It’s been the biggest challenge, but also the most rewarding.
What would you say to other women thinking of making the change?
I totally get the belief of the need for a full-time 9-5 job, especially when we have mortgages and other financial responsibilities anchoring us to stay in these often toxic environments.
If you look around, you will find there are always answers and alternatives to everything. Just reach out. Tap into the many resources and free training out there for financial advice, business mentorship, life coaching. Learn mindfulness. Reconnect with nature. Your health and wellbeing and time with your family are paramount. Often when we take a step back and simplify our lives we actually experience the true beauty of life.
“Embrace Uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters of our lives won’t have a title until much later.” Bob Goff