Holly Hankin // Community Commerce Manager of Berry Chamber
Holly Hankin, Community Commerce Manager of Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Community and Background:
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Berry community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I moved to Berry from Sydney with my family when I was 11 and spent my growing up years here. Moved to Wollongong for uni, then to Sydney and then back to Berry after getting married 18 years ago. I love the sense of belonging especially after having had a restaurant in Berry a few year ago. I love to close proximity to nature and the lifestyle we are able to enjoy with our kids.
Business and Entrepreneurship:
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
After having sold our restaurant in Berry and going back to teaching at the local high school I was missing the link to the Berry community and physically being in Berry. My role with the Chamber allows me to meet so many amazing, creative business people and links me to Berry again.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
I do find it difficult to balance work and home life with my family, as I have several different jobs all with different demands. I am trying to make sure I assign certain days/hours to each role but it can be hard.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
Harder economic times have made the sales side of my Chamber role more difficult with businesses reluctant to spend money. My job is to make them see the value in the support the Chamber offers their businesses.
Personal Life:
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
One of my main hobbies is photography as well as just being outside in the natural world, walks or time at the beach. Also connecting with friends over a beautiful meal is the best!!
Home and Lifestyle:
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
I love vintage or mid century furniture. I love looking at design and interiors and collecting things from various trips or adventures.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
I love the pops of yellow, of course! Also the artwork and plants make the place feel comfortable and nothing like an office space.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
I’d take them for a swim/walk at Seven Mile Beach and back to my house to eat great food and enjoy the view.
Productivity and Time Management:
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
I try to put everything into my diary, calendar and set alerts for myself. The hard bit is having multiple calendars.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership:
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
Seeing the friendly faces of the members you get to know and having a connection to them, I also love being in Berry itself.
https://www.instagram.com/hollyhankinphotography
