Trish - Oath & Stone Designs
Trish is the graphic designer behind Oath & Stone - Canberra's newest design studio offering bespoke creations for challenger brands and small businesses. With over 15 years spent in the industry, Trish likes designing in a way that speaks to what people are really thinking, and she works hard to focus on what makes each of her clients unique. Not the lame kind of unique... the actual special unique that makes a piano player in a cowboy bar stop playing.
What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?
18 years from now, Hanson is going to come to Canberra, and you're going to be in that audience. Trust me, it all works out ok.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I think I would be just as proud to be a man, or a lion, or a kitchen sponge if my destiny had been decided another way, because I was fortunate to be born into a family that told me that I was capable of achieving anything. In this way, I'm inspired and feel proud to stand beside women who are closely aligned to their own values, and refuse to be a victim of their situation. I refuse to believe that bringing intuition, emotion and compassion to our businesses makes us weak or vulnerable, and I'm proud to cheer on my fellow lady when she proves it's possible.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Backing myself every day in my business. But, it's rewarding to know that all the gold star moments that I check off, are a direct result of my determination and willingness to design a life that I want for myself and my family. My children will be surrounded by role models who dared to be different. It's really hard, but the good kind of hard.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher, or a chef. My Grandad told me "chef's work terrible hours", and then I found out that teaching was a very long three year course, so adjusted my goals. Flash forward 10 years, and I'm doing a four year Graphic Design degree (because I determined there was no money in being a fine artist and a commercially viable job was the way to go). Flash forward another 10, and I'm running my business, working terrible hours. But I love it...
Who inspires you the most and why?
I’ve come from a long line of strong women – a cook on a sheep sheering station, two nurses who you could never sneak a sick day past, and a sister who could flatten Tina Sparkle in a Fruity Rhumba competition.
I’m inspired by these resilient women who have built a door when opportunity hasn't knocked. They’re true to their word, aren’t too proud to ask for help, and always have a chocolate biscuit tin in their cupboard.
You can find Trish here, or check her out on Instagram and Facebook!
