Tanya Muia Petkovic

MUM | WIFE | CEO, Infamous Friends | GM, Chadwicks | MODEL AGENT | PRODUCER | DESIGNER

 How many identities do you have?

Mum – Being a Mum to Caleb, is my proudest title.

Wife – Married to a Creative Director and all round super great guy, John Petkovic. We were introduced to each other by a mutual friend seven years ago; I knew he was someone very special the day we met.

Manager / Model Agent / Influencer Agent/ Scout/ Creative – I’ve been involved in modelling and fashion since I was 12 years old. After being a teenage model back in the day, I jumped to the other side of the desk 25 years ago and have been an agent since. I opened Chadwick Models here in Perth 15 years ago.
@chadwickmodels
@chadwickacademyperth

Fashion Label Co-Founder – John and I are co-founders of our west coast label, Infamous Friends, which we launched in 2015.  We design a range of cheeky, luxe fashion tees for the fun and stylish, modern woman.
@infamousfriendslabel

Producer – I have a small production company called MYOMY productions.  Our focus is on fashion events, parades, styling and photoshoots.
@myomyproductions

You’re well known in Perth within the fashion scene but what else is there about Tanya that we don’t know?

Well, let’s see what I can tell you that Google can’t…

I’m a graduate from WAAPA & have a Diploma is Broadcasting. Prior to these studies, I was fortunate enough to co-host ABC “Chat Room” with Liam Bartlett on a weekly basis for a period of time & co-presented two lifestyle shows for Channel 9.

I’m also a huge basketball follower. My all-time fave basketball player is Michael Jordan. I even flew to Chicago to watch him play his last game. Not sure if that makes me a fan, or fanatical? Hmmmm….

Oh, and I love my cat. Now, this would not usually be that big of a deal. But prior to this cat, I didn’t like them. At all. Now, I’m a crazy cat lady who is a fur mum to a British Shorthair Blue (Leo) and who spends weekends having coffee at The Cat Café in Subiaco. What’s happened to me??

What is the biggest life lesson you have learnt so far?

When exploring partnerships in business, look for the right people to team up with. And be hands on from the beginning. Years ago, I learnt a big financial lesson when I partnered up with people who were in business for the wrong reasons.

Instead, the people you partner with should share the same values as you and bring the same level of passion, enthusiasm and belief for what you do. And while you may be like-minded in this aspect, you also want them to bring some sort of unique X-factor to the business partnership!

What do you believe your secret is to balancing all your passions and pursuits?

There is nothing more valuable in your personal and business life, than time. Time is what drives us to get things done, but time can also be the thing we sacrifice when it comes to family and friends. And this the balancing act I think we are all trying to manage.

So, how do I do it?

Firstly, phenomenal time management. Time is finite – the days, the weeks – there’s only so much anyone can realistically achieve. So don’t set yourself unreal goals. Aim to achieve smaller milestones that culminate in a bigger end goal.

Secondly, surround yourself with people you respect – and who also respect you. In doing so, the time you share (whether it be in business or with friends/family) is appreciated and valued by those around you. This approach sets a much stronger foundation to your work and home life.

And thirdly, give yourself some ‘me time’… Time to relax, to learn, or to maybe just sit back and enjoy a gin & tonic.

What is next for Tanya Muia Petkovic?

Well, first, John and I are both rewarding ourselves with some long-awaited long service leave. We’re off to Croatia and Italy with our little man and that (hopefully) means a decent stint of not thinking about work.

When we get back, we do have some exciting things planned for Infamous Frineds – expanding on the business; working on some new collaborations; and (in the process) sharing our west coast label with more of Australia. 

I’m also really happy with how things continue to grow at Chadwick as we lead the industry in developing new talent through the Academy. I’m lucky to have a dynamic team and I’m really proud of the incredible people I work with on a daily basis. Later in the year we will be the exclusive agency to partner on some amazing projects with some leading fashion and lifestyle brands.

But first, that holiday…

What advice would you give to other women out there who want to start their business but don’t know how to start?

Write it down! Start brainstorming, start doodling, start putting your thoughts down in a notebook. Make it your own Little Black Book of business.

Engage with a mentor. Is there someone’s work you admire? Is there a business person who you respect? Get in touch. Ask questions. Go for a coffee. Soak up everything they have to say.

Test your idea. Start small. Test it out. There’s no need to go all out from the beginning. Start building it while you have the security of your full-time job behind you. Doing it this way, empowers you to take risks you wouldn’t normally take.

Don’t let a slowdown be confused with failure. There will be times when things don’t go so well. Sales might slow down – or the phone stops ringing. Don’t let this freak you out. Push ahead and see if there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Go with instinct. Women’s intuition is there for a reason. Use it!