This month, we celebrated 10 years of Bondi Wash. Amidst our excitement and anticipation for the next decade, it's easy to overlook everything we've done right to get to where we are.

While running a business doesn't seem to get any easier; every day there's a new set of problems to solve... we've definitely come a long way.

So in honour of the milestone, here are 10 lessons I've learnt, that have helped me in the business and life:

1. People matter. A business is really no more than a series of connections of people – suppliers, customers, staff. Who you choose to do business with and the relationship you have with them matters. Kindness, integrity and respect go a long way.

2. Just do it. Don’t worry about not knowing how to do something. I had no idea how to do most of the things I did to get the business started – literally no clue. From trademarking, to barcodes, fragrance creation, formulating and logistics, you can learn things online or ask around to gain the info and skills needed. Definitely don’t skimp on doing research though.

Our first three products launched - Hand Wash, Bench Spray and Floor Wash. They are still some of our best sellers.

4. Set up for success. Be prepared for the business to do well.  This might mean choosing suppliers that can scale up with you, designing products where the raw ingredients are not too scarce, and setting in place good processes so you can grow without bursting.

5. Scary is good. Making bold decisions can often be scary. In business, you have to make tough decisions, and stick your neck out.  If it’s not feeling like this, then you're probably not challenging yourself or aiming high enough.

6. Prioritise well. I try to follow the 80/20 rule - focus 80% of your efforts on the top 20% most important tasks. You cannot do everything, so focus on the things that matter.  It’s a simple concept but it has allowed our team to do things quickly and effectively.

Belinda with Roger in the Bondi Beach store.

7. Find the silver lining. There is usually, if not always, a silver lining in mistakes, setbacks and challenges. It may not immediately be apparent, but always look out for it.

8. Innovate, innovate, innovate. If you have good idea and it's working, you’ll get competitors/copycats... be prepared. The only way to stay ahead is to always be doing things better, which is where constant innovation comes in.  Be creative, think outside the box and take time to experiment with new ideas whilst staying true to your values.

9. Don't take anything too seriously. Nothing in life should be taken too seriously, especially at work. Find the humour in things that go wrong.

10. Trust your intuition. Get good at listening to your body. Even when taking a risk, there should be something drawing you in; a sense of excitement or anticipation. When you get that niggly feeling listen to it.  And when you don't know what to do, pause and do nothing. The right answer usually becomes clear with time.

Pictured L-R: Jemma, Erin, Ellie, Belinda, Enrica and Nick from the Sydney team in 2023.