Members Profile

Name: Jillian Ferguson
Business Name: Creative Design Suite
Address: 24 Vasey Concourse, Ringwood East, Vic
PC: 3135
Phone: 9893 2300
Mobile: 0412 570 720
Email: jillian@creativedesignsuite.com.au
Web Address: www.creativedesignsuite.com.au 

SELF
Q. Tell us something about you – your philosophy, your lifestyle, your ethics, your hobbies etc.
A. I design because I absolutely love it. I have always been artistic and love creating things. My hobby is renovating homes and designing the plans. With my husband Ashleigh we have 5 children which keeps us very busy most of the time, but we all work together to fulfil everyone’s requirements. I work from home in a lovely office that is extremely comfortable, as it has to be, considering the number of hours per week I spend here. I feel very lucky to be able to run my business from home where I can be on call to all my family as they are a very crucial factor in my business ethics. I love netball, and coach 2 teams, one a representative team, and umpire netball most weekends.

BUSINESS DETAILS
Q. What is it that your business does?
A. My business is Graphic Design and I produce a vast selection of marketing products for my clients. From the corporate image to brochures, website, signage, labels, magazines to name a few.

Q. Do you work from home? How many do you employ?
A. Yes I work from home and am a sole operator with no other employees.

Q. How long have you been in business?
A. I have been in business for 15 years.  After moving to Melbourne in 2002, I needed to start all over again, so reinvented myself and business and worked freelance for a few years to gain the knowledge and feel of Melbourne.

Q. What makes your business unique?
A. I give the client ‘me’, they speak to the designer and get what they need, and this is not always what I feel they need.. I am very personal with my client and make them feel like extremely important people.

MARKETING
Q. What is the most important Marketing/Networking tool/strategy your business has had success with?
A. I have recognition with a colour.  I wear purple everytime I see one of my clients, they have come to expect this ‘purple’ style.

AWARDS
Q. Has your business been nominated for, was a finalist in, or won any awards or other commendations?
A. MCEI women in business awards finalist 2007

ADVICE
Q. What is the most helpful piece of advice you could give to other businesses?
A. Be yourself and be honest.

SUPPORT
Q. What is it you are looking for as a member of MCEI?
A. Likeminded people.

Q. What is it you can offer to MCEI members?
A. Me, my honesty, my assistance in their business development or redevelopment.

Q. How do you envisage demonstrating your support and loyalty to the association of MCEI?
A. I am on the task force so want to assist MCEI grow.

MILESTONES
I have doubled my client base in the past 12 months.