Josari Launches Android App

Almost two years ago now, I first joined Josari as their consultant/virtual CTO. It has been a fruitful relationship so far, and this year, we have reached a new milestone. The Josari App is now available on the Play Store! Josari is a marketplace for instant advice. It allows you to connect with a range of professionals via video chat.

We started the work on the Android app using QUT Capstone Student Interns. The students did their best but their skill level was not quite up to what we needed. I stepped into code a bit myself but once the students finished up, we hired a freelance Android developer to take the code, add the missing features and finish-up the Android app.

So during my time with Josari, we have managed to get the Josari iOS app out of development hell and out the door. We have also launched the Android app. We also have a student team, courtesy of QUT capstone again, building the Josari Web app.

The web development student team has a higher skill level. They are doing a great job and we hope to launch the Josari Web app soon. With the product completely, it’s now all over to sales and Marketing!

Sharka Bosakova & UnMasked Exhibition

I live!!!! COVID-19 did disrupt my plans by a lot. But Start with Tinni was as active, and I was working hard to help clients get their businesses ready for post-COVID activity. One of the people and business I am working with is Sharka Bosakova. Sharka is the creative mind behind the 3D Ova Jewellery and the UnMasked Exhibition.

I met Sharka last year, but we started working together in earnest when Sharka was accepted into the Sunshine Coast Fashion Incubator The Refinery. As part of the program, we revamped and launched her website and woo-commerce based shop with 3D Ova jewellery and some of her fashion creations. 10% of all sales revenue goes towards Sharka’s Madagascar Project, which is dedicated to educating, and empowering women and their family in Madagascar.

The 3D Ova aren’t just jewellery but also art. Sharka uses them to explore her emotions and express her artistic intentions. As a result, the pieces are now part of the UnMasked Exhibition. At the time of writing, the exhibition will be active for two more days at GCA Grey Street Gallery. Please check it out for yourself.

I have had a lot of fun working with Sharka. I am looking forward to working with her more. Check out the video of Sharka talking about her work with Popsart, featuring me crashing the live stream near the end!

Brisbane Social Enterprise Drinks & Networking

January was much slower event wise then I would have liked. But as an Impact Boom Alumni, I couldn’t miss the Brisbane Social Enterprise Drinks & Networking!

Congratulations to the cohort of 2020. It’s going to be the strong group and very different from my cohort because the mix includes lawyers, investment-oriented social enterprises and more! I am looking forward to the pitch event later this year.

During the event, I also found out that the Brisbane City Council is sponsoring a Social Enterprise Hub at The Capital. I guess the hub will be in level 4, which used to be Little Tokyo Two. I think it’s a good idea to go niche. Because I feel as if Brisbane is suffering from too many co-working spaces, I don’t have any stats to back it up, mind you. It’s just how I feel. But any rate. I will be checking out the Social Enterprise Hub when I get a chance!

The NEIS Program

On Saturday I made a small post to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Start with Tinni. One of the things I mentioned in that post was that Start with Tinni was part of the NEIS scheme during its first year. It was a good experience.

The NEIS grant amounted a little over $10k, most of which I used to upgrade equipment, insurance, necessary saas service, pay for travel to Launch Festival, costs beyond tuition I had in associated with the MIT Bootcamp. Finally, the out of pocket expenses I had for Impact Boom Elevate+ accelerator. So, in essence, I used the grant to expand my network and build my knowledge.

I am incredibly grateful that I am in a position where I could spend the grant like this. I know that for many, the grant goes towards more essentials things as they wait to generate revenue

I also received training and mentorship through the NEIS program. The training happened in a group setting, so if you believe that the value of accelerator programs is mainly in the cohort, I am glad to have made the acquaintance of such a great bunch of people.

As for the training, I started my six-week in-person workshop-based training in July of 2018. But I didn’t officially launch my business until the 1st of November. I needed the extra time to implement everything I learnt properly. The workshop training also led to a formal qualification in the form of Certificate IV in New Small Business.

I went through the Sarina Russo Group, and so received my certificate through their institute. I thought I had a good grasp of business basics, but there were holes in my knowledge that the training helped to fill. Also, it was nice to have time and space to stop and think about the business.

Finally, I was assigned an official mentor through NEIS and Sarina Russo, and that was extremely helpful. Because sometimes, you need a mentor who has been there, done that and can help guide you. Mine was Sandra Gartner, and I am very grateful to her for her year-long mentorship and support.

1st Anniversary of Start with Tinni

Last year, 2nd of November was a Friday, so I took the opportunity to formally announce the launch of Start with Tinni at the RCL Pitch Night. My pitch got me one connection at least and launched and eventful year of Start with Tinni!

It’s been a packed year,

1. Start with Tinni completed the NEIS program

2. I completed the MIT Bootcamp

3. I finished Impact Boom Elevate+ with Abide

4. I attended the Launch Festival on the back of Abide

5. I got to participate in the QUT CEA Collider Bootcamp Day with Josari

6. I successfully project managed the launch of the Josari MVP, also the Abide MVP, and the first Your Happy Place MVP

7. Finally, I helped Birnam Wood navigate a crucial phase in their existence

But it’s also been a year of lows; my grandfather was still alive on the 2nd of November 2018. I am not celebrating much today because my grandmother is very sick. I might lose her before the year ends. Still, I am grateful for everybody who has been on the journey with me. Here’s to year 2 of Start with Tinni!