Orcadia McCann (Cade Digital)
Everyone has heard the old cliché 'do what you love & you'll never work a day in your life' but surprisingly few people ever follow though. Wollongong's Orcadia McCann from Cade Digital is the exception that proves the rule though.
After listening to a teacher's speech at a school assembly Orcadia took a moment to reflect on the things that she enjoyed, quickly realising that manipulating digital media was at the top of her list.
"Outside of school I was really into making funny videos or editing digital recordings," reflected Orcadia. "One memory in particularly that jumps out at me is editing one of Mum's voice messages into a ringtone."
Coming to this realisation set Orcadia on a life path which would see her studying a Bachelor Of Communications & Media, with a major in Digital Media, at the University Of Wollongong (UOW). After graduating Orcadia would go on to work in Sydney before ultimately returning to Wollongong to found her own digital marketing & media business.
When reflecting on her journey Orcadia told Pario that as a kid she "never imagined" running her own business, but she is certainly thankful for the opportunities that it affords her now.
"If I step back & look at my life now I realise I am so lucky," said Orcadia. "That's not to say it's not hard work or a grind sometimes. There are definitely times where you have to knuckle down, do those early starts or travel long distances. But that also comes with the amazing benefits of being able to wake up in the morning, grab a coffee, walk my dog & enjoy the town that I live in."
Whilst speaking with Orcadia it is clear that finding a positive work-life balance is at the core of her being, & her business decisions. This was most evident when we asked what inspired her to leave the corporate world in Sydney to establish her own business.
"I loved both of my corporate jobs but I felt like I was living in such a great place & couldn't enjoy it in the way that I wanted... I was feeling a bit like a cog in the machine because I was waking up in the dark, getting home in the dark & sitting on a train staring sadly out of the window for hours."
With that in mind Orcadia began laying the foundations for Cade Digital.
After 6 months building Cade Digital on the side it was time. Orcadia finally made the leap & "let go of the safety net" to go all in on her business. A decision which to this day she says was "scary" but also "the best decision of my life."
Now that she is working full-time on Cade Digital Orcadia has found the perfect balance. Not only is she able to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Illawarra but she is constantly challenged creatively through her work.
"The diversity of people that I get to work with now is amazing," Orcadia beams as she speaks about her work. "No day is ever the same, & I love that! The work is never boring & I always feel like I'm being challenged creatively."
Keep up with Orcadia at: www.cadedigital.com.au & on Instagram at: @Cade_Digital
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