Greta Kenyon, the Founder, Editor and beautiful face behind Together Journal, is a wonderful friend and supporter of Wild Hearts, and we could not be more honoured to have her as the first guest speaker joining us for the Creative Master Class (launching next week!). We sat down for a chat about weddings, business, family, motivation, 5pm tipples & how she’s managed to adapt to the new digital world at pace. We also hear about some exciting new digital products coming soon to Together Journal which you can read more about below…
Tell us about lockdown life – how have the last few months been for you?
Because I was in daily contact with my UK team, I was lucky to have a heads up on the situation. I knew early on that covid would be a big problem for us in New Zealand, so when it finally hit, we were prepared and launched our digital magazine. We luckily managed to get it to market just before lockdown, which was great as couriers and international freight were impacted and we were ready with an alternative version we could deliver.
The last few months have been a time of constant change, adaption, and (dare I say) pivoting. We looked at what was happening and figured out ways we could roll with it and still operate. When I think about the media industry, which has obviously been severely impacted, being able to leverage the digital side of our business is the thing that’s enabled us to survive.
What do you love most about the industries you work in?
I’m lucky that my media products are part of the wedding industry, because people will always get married! How they do it may change, and weddings will be scaled back but it’s something that’s sticking around. Marriage is such an important and special part of life.
The wedding industry is like a family, too. There’s obviously competition, but there’s also a lot of support. We care about each other, we refer jobs, we provide emotional support to those who need it.
In my experience as both a wedding photographer and now with the magazine, the industry is a really lovely one to be part of. It’s a special community we have here locally and internationally. This supportive foundation has helped us get through the last few months.
How do you stay motivated and driven?
I perform better under pressure. I like deadlines! If I don’t have much to do, I become less motivated and productive.
I’ve been lucky enough to mainly work from home since I’ve had the kids, which I love. I spend a lot of time with my family – my ideal weekend adventuring and hanging out with my family, really.
I get energised by working and dealing with people, too. I’m a very social person. I’m also highly motivated by challenges. If I set myself a goal, I’m usually so stubborn that I’ll do anything I can to make it happen… which can be a bad thing as well as a good thing!
I also have a great group of girlfriends who own their own businesses, and we motivate and support each other. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who understand you and can help lift you up.
What would you say to small business owners struggling in the face of covid-19?
Stay positive! As hard as it is, try to remember you’re not the only one going through these pressures. A friend of mine said to me the other day ‘you can either be the lighthouse or the victim – you choose.’ I think that speaks volumes.
This quiet time is also a great opportunity to refine your business. Tweak your website, develop new products, think of new ideas, and build stronger relationships.
We’re skipping a Together Journal issue so I’m using this time to check in with clients to show them that we care. I believe that helping people now is an investment in your business in the long term.
Any advice for brides who’ve had to cancel or postpone their dream day?
I know it’s totally devastating, but it is what it is! I think it’s important to have some perspective, too – we’re so lucky to be living in New Zealand. We can’t complain too much.
You might have to make some tweaks to your wedding, but at the end of the day, you still get to marry the person you love. Look at the positives and keep moving forward, your day will come!
5pm drink of choice?
Negroni
You can choose one superpower – what is it?
Invisibility
Describe your brand in 3 words?
Authentic, thoughtful & curated
Biggest pet peeve?
People and PR companies sending me Dropbox links named ‘Together Journal’ instead of using their own brand or collection name… argh!
Savoury or sweet treats?
Savoury (mmm, seafood)
What’s coming up for Together Journal this year?
I’m very excited to be part of the Creative Master Class, which kicks off very soon!
We’re also launching some new digital products, including a Together Journal ‘style edit’ digital magazine – and we’re busy working on a wedding planning app, it will help you track your budget, manage your guest list as well as plan and manage your wedding event. It’s going to be amazing – you can even build a wedding website and send invitations through it.
We’ve been planning these things for ages so it’s been nice finally having the time to work on them! Both the style edit magazine and app will be launching very soon…. keep an eye out for more details.
You can follow Greta on Instagram here @greta.kenyon and @togetherjounal Buy the magazine, browse the directory and see more from Together Journal here: www.togetherjournal.com.
