Meet Cassandra Hili she takes care of your social media needs

It all started with a goal to chat to entrepreneurs over 60. Then out of curiosity we decided to chat to entrepreneurs under 30. We believe these two very vast generations can learn and grow from each other. 

This week we head to Sydney Australia to chat with Cassandra Hili who is founder of Millennium Communications which is a Public relations and marketing business. 

Can you tell us a little about your business and what you do?

Millennium Communications is a PR and marketing (mostly social) agency where we combine the two to get our clients seen everywhere. We start by looking at our clients branding and stories, ensure they’re well-structured and then start marketing them to our clients consumer.

What motivated you to start your own business?

I’ve always been on social media and when I was blogging for myself, I didn’t realise I was also doing my own PR. By the two combined and working together, it grew my status quite enormously. So when I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life, it only seemed like a natural road for me to take.

What were some of the struggles you faced when you first started?

When I first started my business I struggled with balancing a job, the business and uni. I was doing a lot all at once and the first six months included me working 15 hour days. I also started the business from either my own savings or wages I would receive from work, so I had to give up quite a lot in order to make sure I was setting things up properly for myself. A lot of friends and some family also didn’t understand why I chose to start up my business. So I did sometimes struggle on the toughest of days because I was very much self-reliant.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt from your first business failure at 18?

I learnt that you need to stay accountable for yourself and in business there is always something to work on. The first business that I ran was in the fitness industry and even though I sold e-books well online, gaining clients in a gym was another thing. Rather than really working for it, I chose to give up. Now I don’t. If something happens- I push through. I became resilient to failure and I’ve learnt to find a way to push through any kind of situation. If you want something to work- you need to work for it.

What do you like most about having your own business?

I like the fact that I’m in control of my career and its future. The thought of having to have to wait for someone to have to hand me an opportunity to start terrifies me. Why? Because they also get to dictate if one day I’m hired and the next I’m fired. I love the responsibility that comes with it and it has forced me to grow up- a lot, but I would not have it any other way. I can say that every opportunity that has popped up, has been something I have worked hard for.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be so hard on yourself and just take every day as it comes. I’ve always been very hard on myself and it has caused me to throw the towel in. I’ve learnt that in order for my business to succeed, I need to appreciate myself and understand why I am doing what I am doing.

Who is an older person that you admire and why?

I really admire my father. Ever since I can remember he has worked so hard for his businesses that it has inspired me and has taught me how to be fearless and to take risks. Being surrounded by someone like himself, has made being in business a lot easier because I get to see the way he does things and I always learn. It inspires me to be tough, listen to my intuition and stay authentic.

If you could jump into a time machine what era would you visit and why?

I would totally visit the 1970s. I would have loved to have worn those flare jeans and danced along to some 70s music!

Anything else you would like to add?

I recently launched a YouTube channel dedicated to my journey. It’s called Unedited and you can watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqo1VpujH4U&t=2s

The aim of the vlog is to show my entrepreneurial journey as a 20 something year old entrepreneur. It’s raw, authentic to me and can take you on an emotional roller coaster.

You can visit Millennium Communications here at www.millenniumcommunications.com.au