Creating solace with insulated windows and doors

The future looks bright for Karen Porter and her team at Solace Creations, who have been installing insulated windows and doors in homes across Canberra for the past 17 years, enhancing liveability and energy efficiency.

What inspired you to start this business?

I left the public service after 22 years and started Solace Creations as there was a gap in the market with insulated windows and doors. I have had Solace Creations for 17 years now. It has been an amazing experience to be in charge of my destiny with work, and to employ others with a similar passion to mine.

What tactics have you found most effective for networking and building professional relationships?

I love networking and am part of several groups. Whenever I chat to people, I share information and then look at ways to collaborate or work together in some way. Anyone in business is generally on the same journey and it is beneficial to share experiences, challenges and wins.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?

Not only am I a woman in business but my business is in construction which has had its challenges over the past 17 years. I really enjoy building my expertise and forming relationships with builders and other suppliers. Gaining credibility and respect was paramount to our success. I don’t play golf, so I miss out on that part of the networking world with builders.

What advice do you have for aspiring business women?

Learn everything that you can about how to run a business and to meet your obligations. The tax office puts their hand out too often and it is good to retain some money regularly so it’s there when they want it. Financial management is essential; you need to know your numbers intimately. Learning about marketing and the best way to make yourself visible is also important, along with asking for a sale from your clients.

What are some important skills women require to excel in their careers?

Relationship building is number one followed by financial management and marketing.

Have you had any mentors who have been particularly influential?

I have a network of mentors around me who are either my suppliers or accountants. They are always there for me when I have questions or am looking to make changes.

How do you approach goal setting to achieve long-term success?

We do a 12-month plan and have targets and milestones. The business is mature now and growth is organic.

What do you see as the most significant trends in your industry?

We are grateful that new homes are going to require 7-star ratings, and this means that our product offering will help builders and new home owners to achieve the new ratings. The benefit to home owners will be a more comfortable home that is cheap to run.

We are an advocate of the 7-star housing and many in the industry are not in favour of it. We are happy to assist any builders that need help in this area as we have the tools and support they require.

How do you contribute to creating a positive work environment?

We have a great workplace culture with weekly lunch meetings where we provide the lunch for the team. This gives everyone a chance to catch up and chat and enjoy lunch together. We do work trips to celebrate successes and lunches out.

How does your business contribute to your local community?

We recently donated windows and doors to the MBA ACT Charity House that provided funds to three local charities. The house was auctioned and proceeds went to the charities. We donate where we can to female focussed charities or health charities.

Call Solace Creations on 6260 1621 or visit solacecreations.com.au to see how Karen Porter and her team can enhance your home.