TAKEAWAY – Workshop with Tweed Tourism
Last month, in celebration of Small Business Month with Tweed Tourism, we had the chance to host Eddie’s very first Takeaway workshop, diving into the essentials of branding with over 40 incredible local business owners. It was a fantastic day—full of energy, ideas, and genuine excitement for learning. Together, we explored the nuts and bolts of brand identity, from finding the right voice to connecting with audiences in ways that truly stick. And as a tangible takeaway, everyone left with a newspaper-style workbook, The Eddie Takeaway, to bring these insights back to their own businesses. Afterwards, we got stuck into pizza and pasta (our fave!) at the new Giulia Restaurant in Salt.
But as rewarding as the day was, I’ll be honest—getting up in front of people and speaking is no small feat.
Despite seeming fairly confident online, I’m no stranger to that little rush of nerves when I’m about to speak to a crowd. It doesn’t matter how well you know your material; standing in front of a room full of people is a whole different ballgame. Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice, confidence, and a dash of courage. There’s always that small voice in the back of your head asking, “Am I saying the right thing?” or “Do I really know what I’m talking about?” But that’s part of the reality of being a business owner—we’re constantly stepping up, learning, and evolving, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Running a creative studio is about so much more than just the design and branding work itself; it’s about all the other things that come with it. One moment, I’m knee-deep in a design project, and the next, I’m managing a team, liaising with clients, developing social media strategies, and now, leading workshops! It can feel like I’m juggling a dozen roles all at once. Preparing for this workshop was a real reminder of the ways we, as small business owners, stretch ourselves daily—switching from creative thinking to business strategy to event coordination and then back again. It’s challenging, but honestly, it’s these kinds of moments that push me to grow in ways I never anticipated.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the Eddie Takeaway workshop was coming together with other small business owners - swapping stories and ideas. It reminded me why I’m so passionate about what I do: helping others find their story, build something meaningful, and make a real impact.
Reflecting on this experience, I’m incredibly proud—not only of the workshop itself but of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone to lead it. Public speaking may never be my favourite hat to wear, but it’s a skill I’m learning to embrace. If it helps me connect, teach, and inspire other business owners to grow, then I’m all in.
For now, I’m taking what I learned from this workshop, and who knows—maybe there’s another Eddie Takeaway on the horizon.
