Jana Tangalakis is the founder of Consigned Co, an e-commerce and Instagram platform which features a curated collection of luxury designer pieces.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I am currently a university student completing my Bachelor of Marketing at Monash University. I am just about to begin my final semester, which I am very excited about.

During the past few years I worked for a vast array of companies such as Tiffany & Co, Tony Bianco, and Viktoria & Woods, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. These experiences gave me the ability to learn new skills and gain insights into the world of business.

Currently, I am running my business Consigned Co., which is an online consignment platform for pre-loved luxury goods. This role allows me to employ all of my previous knowledge, observations, and skills to develop something I am extremely passionate about – combining my love for both fashion and business. 

2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

Almost every work day is different for me. I always like to start the day with a coffee (that’s for sure), and then I get straight into my emails.

Then the day usually consists of organising new stock to be uploaded onto the website, zooming with current or prospective clients, and preparing all social media content for the next few days. 

Then, in between all of that, I am reviewing stock, arranging potential collaborations with professionals within the industry, organising shoots and content creation, creating new edits, and planning ahead for the next few weeks. 

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine? 

My current role definitely does allow me to work flexibility, as I can do the large majority of the work from my laptop. So as long as I’ve got my laptop with me, I can work on virtually any task.

I would also say that the majority of my work involves constant communication – whether that means talking to current clients, signing on new consignors, chatting to marketing or talent agencies and even putting through a sale – it’s all done on my laptop! 

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

This is something that I find extremely important. I’m always thinking of a million things a minute, so knowing when to mentally switch off is crucial for me to stay focused on the important tasks at hand. I usually do this by getting some exercise in, catching up with some friends, or even just watching some good old Netflix in the evenings. 

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life? 

I have tried to go to bed earlier, which allows me to in turn get up earlier and start my day feeling refreshed and energetic.

I have found sleep to be extremely important for sticking to a healthy routine, as it allows me to put all my energy into tasks the following day, and perform at my full potential. I never want to complete anything half-done, everything has to be done at 100% effort.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

Yes for sure! I really love listening to people on podcasts and interviews that I find really inspirational – such as other young entrepreneurs.

I find it super cool and admirable when people work extremely hard to create something at such a young age, and love to listen to their stories on how and why they do what they do. In particular, I really enjoy The CG Show and Startups and Unicorns with Belinda Agnew.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

It sounds really bad, but probably my phone. I’m constantly communicating with people, monitoring trends, and saving various research or inspiration – so I definitely couldn’t live without it. 

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

I would have to say someone that I find super inspirational is Gretta Van Riel. I’m always reading articles and interviews by her, and find what she says to be extremely impactful on how I view business, and of course on how to manage that work-life balance.

If anyone is gonna do it – it’s her! She has five multi-million dollar start-ups under her belt, which I found unfathomable and outstanding.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

I’d probably say that if you’ve got an idea, just go for it! There are always going to be those people who talk about various ideas or projects that they want to start – but always blame ‘time’ for being the main issue or roadblock.

I truly believe that if there’s a goal you’re extremely passionate about reaching, you can always make the time to bring it to fruition. Whether that means working on it, bit by bit, each day, or simply writing an email to someone and starting a conversation, there is always something that can be done to bring you one step closer- even a tiny step- to making that dream a reality. 

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