Helena Hills' TrueStory

Helena Hills Co-Founded TrueStart Coffee with her husband Simon, something that took a whole lot of courage! Here she explains what courage means to her, and why she and Simon gave up everything to go all in on TrueStart.

WHAT DOES COURAGE MEAN TO YOU?

Feeling able to try things you didn't think were possible, able to have a positive mind set. I believe you can only do that when you completely understand the consequences of doing versus not doing, have a network that genuinely supports you and the daily motivation to constantly up your game. That's what TrueStart is all about.

WHY DID STARTING TRUESTART NEED EXTRA COURAGE?

I guess for two reasons; firstly because we were turning our back on stable, successful careers (there's obviously a huge amount of risk involved in startups) and secondly because we decided to bring a brand new concept into the world, disrupting two well established sectors (coffee and energy drinks). It involves an awful lot of hard graft and passion, particularly on the down days! 

WHERE ARE YOU FINDING THAT COURAGE FROM ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS?

People. #TEAMTRUESTART to be precise - that's our customers and supporters who have been completely incredible since day one. They're bought into the same values and the same mission to launch a million personal challenges by encourage people to up their game in sport and life. #TeamTrueStart are a very inclusive, positive bunch.

SUMMARISE YOUR STARTUP EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN ONE SENTENCE.

Highs so high and lows so low that I didn't even know they were possible - I feel completely honoured to be able to impact the growth of others, and absolutely fulfilled when our customers smash their limits to pieces.

WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO BE COURAGEOUS AND UP THEIR GAME WITH THEIR NEXT PERSONAL CHALLENGE?

Surround yourself with people who will push you forward, not hold you back.