Robyn Hawke
After completing her qualification , she landed a job at Clarendon Homes , working on house fit outs and learning the kind of lessons that only hands on work can teach you .
By the end of 2007 , Robyn was ready to fully dive into her own business , setting up her interior design company to help support her family and provide for her daughter ’ s needs . But life wasn ’ t done throwing challenges her way .
A back injury required surgery , which didn ’ t go as planned , leaving Robyn in and out of the hospital for three years . Then , in 2010 , she was diagnosed with breast cancer . Despite these setbacks , Robyn ’ s resolve remained unshaken .
“ After trying to deal with the pain I was referred to a pain clinic and was introduced to CBT [ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ]. This changed my whole outlook and has shaped my whole philosophy on life . It has helped me cope with everything — from cancer to running a business . I just dealt with it and moved forward .”
While her business was initially meant to pay for the extras , life again had other ideas for her family when her husband fell in 2013 , meaning Robyn ’ s business had to change to become their primary source of income .
“ I had to shift my mindset from being a mum with a business to a business owner who is also a mum ,” Robyn reflects .
Robyn ’ s business took off , and
her commitment to both beauty and functionality became her signature .
“ I ’ m passionate about space planning . I like to say we defy physics and find space where there doesn ’ t seem to be any .” Her designs are not just about aesthetics - they are about improving the lives of her clients , whether they are renovating homes or creating efficient commercial spaces .
Her lived experience with disability and health challenges also gives her a unique perspective , “ I know things need to be both beautiful and functional ,” she says .
Robyn ’ s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed . She has won the prestigious Australian Women ’ s Small Business Champion Award in the Home Builder and Renovation category for three consecutive years , a record-breaking achievement .
“ I still can ’ t believe it ,” she admits , with a smile , “ Winning that award three times in a row is something I ’ m incredibly proud of .”
Her list of accolades doesn ’ t stop there . Robyn has also won local business awards and continues to receive recognition for her outstanding work . But for her , it ’ s not about the trophies , it ’ s about the lives she changes through her designs .
Even through the COVID lockdowns and the difficult economic climate we are facing at the moment Robyn ’ s business continues to thrive , even in the face of rising interest rates and building costs .
Robyn ’ s eye for detail and functionality sets her apart from the competition .
“ We ’ ve had to pivot , right now , people are focused on what they can afford , like single bathrooms or decorating projects , rather than full-scale renovations . We understand that smaller projects are what we have to work with at the moment and put the same attention to detail into these as we do our larger renovations , because they are just as important to us and to our clients .”
Her passion for interior design has given her a sense of fulfillment that she didn ’ t find in teaching , even though she is probably working more now than she did when she was a teacher . Hard work brings it ’ s rewards and I asked Robyn what she would tell people who were thinking of a change in career .
“ I ’ m not working any less now , but I love it with a passion ,” Robyn says .
“ If you ’ re not happy in your job , the impact on your mental and physical health is huge . Changing your role may be a struggle for a few years , but it ’ s worth it .”
If you would like to work with Robyn , you can go to her website at www . inspiredspaces . com . au .
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 113 // NOVEMBER 2024 7