Who says mumpreneurs can’t have it all? Karen McDermott sure can as the mother of six and successful business woman was recently crowned AusMumpreneur of the Year.
McDermott is a powerhouse like no other, publishing more than 300 books since she started her publishing businesses Serenity Press, Making Magic Happen Press and KMD Books.
She has also written and published three full length novels, five novelettes, four non-fiction books, 12 children’s books and seven journals, while raising six kids.
“You do what you can when you can,” she says when it comes to juggling motherhood and running a business.
“My kids are my world. It is because I wanted to be present as a mum that I really delved into publishing. Even on my busiest day I am there to drop off and pick up my kids from school. They are growing up so fast and I don’t want to miss out on milestones or treasured moments. I have grown enough that I have an amazing team to lean on.”
The business turned over $1.1 million this past financial year and McDermott aims to increase this tenfold in the next five years.
“Know that your mindset also needs to grow alongside your business,” she advises other businesses. “Be strategic with where you invest in your growth. Know what that is for you and then find professional credible support to help you to make that happen. Keep releasing what no longer serves you as you grow and know when to declutter so that you have room for more aligned opportunities.”
Running a publishing company and writing books herself, you would be forgiven for thinking McDermott excelled at English in school. Not really, she says.
“I am slightly dyslexic and couldn’t connect with words like other people did. I did find it easier when I went back to university as an adult and achieved a diploma in Humanities. I fell in love with the English literature component. When I moved to Australia 12 years ago I explored and experimented with children’s books.
“In 2010 I wrote my first book. I went on to self-publish and the experience was not pleasant. I had a book in my hand and that was it. After doing some research I realised that I knew the basics of publishing and so I made publishing a priority in my life.
“At the same time the print and distribution channel my publisher used to print and distribute my book opened a base in Melbourne. I promised myself that if I was accepted as a publisher I would organically grow a publishing press and make it worth $1 million and also share my knowledge with authors so that they can be more and grow into successful authors. I live this every day.”
McDermott’s latest book ‘The Power of Knowing’ is released today.
