Home topics start-up-entrepreneur Editor's Choice Startup Tips | Advice Editor's Choice The truth about starting a small business that no one tells you Odette Barry July 31, 2018 Starting a small business is equal parts liberating and downright daunting. It’s a giant leap of faith and one that doesn’t always leave you standing on solid ground. Odette Barry, the media, digital marketing and communications expert behind Odette & Co, has been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. When she launched the business back in 2016, she did so with the intention of achieving two things: to offer unparalleled social media, digital marketing, PR and content creation services; and to lead a more balanced, beachside life with her young family. Two years on and she’s ready to share some home truths about starting a small business that no one tells you. The good news… It opens up a world of opportunity – for you, and your family Before taking the leap to launch Odette & Co, Odette led a successful marketing career for more than 10 years, working for the likes of TAFE NSW and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. But truth be told, stepping away from full-time employment opened up a world of opportunity not just for her personally, but for her family. “This is what fuels my soul,” she says. “Being my own boss gives me the ability to be there for my son and spend my mornings on the beach with my dog, watching the sunrise. And while there’s