Matt John is the proud founder of Anatomy Studios, located in Melbourne, Australia. Anatomy Studios builds brands that stand out for what they stand for. They are industry specialists in Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
For more details, visit their website here.
Today we sit down with Matt to learn a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. How did you get started as an entrepreneur? What inspired you?
Matt: I was inspired by the challenge of applying my creative skills to business. I’ve always had a vision to create and develop a product of my own so I started Anatomy to learn from people who were doing that on a national and international level.
I was working for an entrepreneur in the food and beverage sector and we developed a wholesale coffee company called Sensory Lab. Through that journey, we scaled nationally and met lots of retailers with whom I developed relationships. Three years into the business I decided to sell my shares and apply my knowledge and partner with brands that had products with the potential to scale.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge and what did you learn from it?
Matt: The biggest challenge was growth. After some early success with a client (Schnitz) who generated a lot of noise and traction in the FMCG space, Anatomy started becoming known as a specialist in that area.
Hiring people and nurturing their growth whilst maintaining relations and doing the work was the greatest obstacle. I brought in mentors to help me delegate my time and attention to the most important tasks and eventually brought in a business partner to assist in the operations of the business.
Q. What is one of your biggest accomplishments?
Matt: My vision was to build a brand that became Anatomy’s biggest client. My business partner and I did that with People Haircare and Kings Domain Melbourne. Two hair care brands that we scaled nationally in every Coles retailer throughout Australia.
Q. What book would you recommend to fellow entrepreneurs?
Matt: One book that stands out is ‘Essentialism’ by Greg McKeown. It helped me simplify my thinking and ask the right questions that solved the biggest problems which inevitably led to the greatest impact not only within my business but my personal life.
Q. What are 3 tools you use on the daily that help you stay productive?
Matt: Buddify for meditation, 5-minute Journal for self-reflection and gratitude practice, and Audible for learning.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the world through your work?
Matt: I’m currently working on a brand/product that carries a message that inspires young people to fight for what they believe in. I am a huge advocate for the development of young people and believe in a world that encourages them to pursue their passions.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Matt: Always lead from your heart, not your head.
To keep up to date with Matt and his journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.