Generating positivity and growth
Jemma Mrdak launched Dak & Co seven years ago, after seeing a gap in the market for social media and marketing support for small–medium sized businesses.
Tell us about your journey in business.
When I graduated with my PR & Marketing degree from the University of Canberra in 2014, little did I know that almost ten years later, I would be running my own social media marketing agency!
My journey to business started in 2016, when, after working for a range of businesses in their communications teams and launching my own personal brand on social media, I noticed a gap in the market for small and medium-sized businesses to receive support with social media and digital marketing.
Now in our seventh year, Dak & Co is a boutique agency in Canberra that helps businesses with all things social media, marketing and communications. Our purpose is to help small to medium-sized businesses make a big impact by effectively communicating their
unique stories.
Throughout the years, there have been challenges and triumphs and plenty of sacrifices, yet I wouldn’t change a single second of it. They say that when you’re in the right career, it never feels like work – and that’s genuinely how I’ve felt every day of these last seven years!
What tactics have you found most effective for building professional relationships?
Saying yes to opportunities and trusting your gut.
Remembering that connections you make now may not have an immediate impact, but could always lead to opportunities in the future.
Stay in touch with people! So important for fostering relationships.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?
Definitely imposter syndrome and a feeling of self doubt and inadequacy despite my accomplishments. I feel this is something that so many women face! A way I have learnt to manage it is to develop a growth mindset, by embracing the idea that you can learn and improve, by focusing on the process of development rather than seeking perfection.
What advice do you have for aspiring business women?
Embrace your uniqueness! Recognise that your perspective and experiences as a woman can bring a unique and valuable dimension to your business.
Don’t try to conform to traditional standards of leadership or success: be yourself
And most importantly, advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. whether it’s salary, promotions, or opportunities. Advocate for your own success and advancement.
How important is continuous learning is in your field?
Extremely important! For us, working in the world of social media, where platforms and technologies evolve quickly, staying updated with the latest features, algorithms, and trends is crucial to maintaining an effective social media strategy. Social media is also subject to various legal and ethical considerations, so staying informed about data privacy laws, disclosure requirements, and other regulations is also essential for us.
How do you approach goal setting to achieve long-term success?
I love a good vision board! At the start of each year, I sit down and create one. I find that it’s a great way to create a visual representation of your goals. Use images, words and symbols to depict what you want to achieve and place the vision board where you’ll see it daily for inspiration. I also plan out my year in quarters, with benchmarks of what I want to achieve in those periods. Having a mentor keeps me accountable in reaching these goals.
What do you see as the most significant trends in your industry?
Firstly, the dominance of short-form videos (e.g., TikTok, Reels) are gaining even more prominence. Businesses should focus on creating engaging video content to connect with their audience.
Secondly, inclusivity and diversity. Social media is becoming a platform for discussions about diversity and inclusivity. Brands that prioritise these values and engage in meaningful conversations will resonate with today’s socially conscious consumers.
How does your business contribute to your local community?
We are proud to be part of the Canberra community. Through our commitment to uplifting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and empowering the next generation of business owners, Dak & Co has placed itself into the local community, generating positivity and growth.
As more individuals and businesses benefit from our initiatives and the work that we do, the communities we seek to support become more resilient, dynamic, and interconnected.
We are also making a difference by organising social media and marketing workshops designed for community groups. These workshops allow all individuals to gain knowledge about social media and its potential to create personal and business opportunities.
Follow @jemmamrdak on Instagram, or email [email protected] or visit dakanco.com to learn more about Dak & Co.
