Michelle McClure’s Post

From College Dropout to Billionaire: The Inspiring Canva Story Ever felt like you don't fit the mold? Meet Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva. At 19, Melanie dropped out of university to pursue her vision: making design accessible to everyone. But the journey was far from easy: ⤷ She faced over 100 investor rejections ⤷ It took 3 years to secure initial funding ⤷ She learned to kiteboard just to network with a key investor ⤷ Many doubted a 22-year-old from Perth could disrupt Silicon Valley giants Yet, Melanie's unwavering belief in her idea fueled her persistence. Her tenacity paid off: ➦ Start small, dream big: Canva began as a school yearbook design tool before expanding. ➦ Embrace your unique perspective: Being an outsider in tech became her strength. ➦ Focus on user needs: Canva's success came from truly understanding non-designers struggles. ➦ Build a strong team: Co-founders Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams complemented her skills perfectly. ➦ Stay true to your mission: Despite pressure, they maintained their focus on empowering creativity. Today, Canva is valued at $40 billion, with over 60 million monthly active users in 190 countries. Remember: Your perceived weaknesses might be your greatest strengths. Every "no" is one step closer to a "yes". Your lack of experience could be the fresh perspective an industry needs. What's your big idea? Don't let anyone tell you it's impossible. Start small, persist, and you might just change the world. Follow me for weekly doses of motivation, practical advice, and more startup success stories that can fuel your own professional journey. Together, let's learn, grow, and build something amazing #CanvaStory #StartupMotivation #PersistenceWins #DreamBig

Here is another unique story 😊 , We all know Canva. We use it to create everything from social media posts to presentations, flyers and even resumes. It’s hard to imagine that a tool so widely used today began as just an idea in the mind of a young woman in Australia. In 2007, Melanie Perkins was a student in Perth, working part-time while studying. She also taught other students how to use complicated and expensive desktop design software. These programs were so complex that it took an entire semester just to learn the basics. One day, Perkins asked herself a simple question: “Is there a way this could be simpler and less expensive?” That question was the spark that led to the creation of Canva. Perkins wanted to build an online design tool that was easy to use and affordable for everyone. But bringing this idea to life wasn’t easy. In fact, over 100 investors turned her down when she first started pitching Canva. For three long years, she faced rejection after rejection. But instead of giving up, Perkins kept pushing forward. What changed? Perkins realized she needed to shift her approach. Instead of just talking about the features of Canva, she started focusing on the problem it aimed to solve. She talked about the frustration people felt when trying to use complicated design software like Photoshop. By sharing this relatable story, she connected with investors on a personal level. Perkins once said in an interview, “A lot of people can relate to going into something like Photoshop and being completely overwhelmed. It's important to tell the story because if your audience doesn't understand the problem, they won't understand the solution.” That shift in strategy made all the difference. Canva received its first investment three years into her pitching journey, and from there, it took off. Today, Canva has over 60 million users across 190 countries. It’s a tool that has empowered millions of people to create designs, regardless of their experience level. Melanie Perkins’s story is a reminder of the importance of persistence, resilience, and the ability to effectively communicate the value of your ideas. It also shows that sometimes, the key to success lies in telling a story that people can relate to. #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Innovation #StartupJourney #Storytelling #CanvaSuccess

The Story of Canva: Overlooked Idea to Industry standard Melanie Perkins in 2007 in her part-time job while being a student in Perth, Australia, was struck by the complexity and cost of design software. Teaching students in her part-time job, she saw how the students required a semester's worth of teaching just to learn these design software tools. The question that sparked her design revolution: "Is there a way this could be simpler and less expensive?" Driven by this vision, Perkins set out to create an affordable, simple, online design tool. Over 100 investors initially rejected her pitch. But Melanie persevered. She honed her message, focusing on the relatable problem Canva aimed to solve the overwhelming experience of complex design software. "A lot of people can relate to going into something like Photoshop and being completely overwhelmed," Perkins shared in an interview at Inc. Magazine. "It's important to tell the story because if your audience doesn't understand the problem, they won't understand the solution." This shift in focus finally resonated with investors, leading to Canva's first investment after 3 years of getting rejected. Today, that investment has been nurtured into a platform used by 60 million in 190 countries! Melanie Perkins' story reminds us of the power of a clear value proposition and the determination and resilience required for entrepreneurial success. Rishi Chourasia Vikrant Joshi Vikalp Education #canva #designthinking #entrepeneurship

How did Canva do it ? If constant change threatens rather than excites you. let me help you flip the script, with my observations on how Canva did it. Canva growth is in hand with improving its products. Here is a break down on the process: To grow: ↳ Smart brands listen to users need. ↳ They add features people ask for. ↳ users satisfaction accelerate companies expansion. To stay ahead: ↳ Businesses must always be open to learn. ↳ Checking offerings, lets you upgrade value. ↳ Adding requested things makes you stand out. Why improving helps: ↳ Fast changes mean you can sell more easily. ↳ Knowing the customer lets you grow in uncertainty. ↳ User input means you meet shifting needs. Not changing = falling behind: ↳ Your offerings lag further behind daily. ↳ Others embrace change better and faster. ↳ Soon you have nothing unique to offer. To stay ahead as a business owner, founder and CEO. You must: ↳recognize your strength and weakness. ↳Automate and outsource task. ↳Avoid doing it all alone. ——————————————— Get more time to upscale the right way. Stay ahead of the Curve. Happy Monday, have a great week ahead . Go smash those goals. -------------------------------- Sounds like you ?. Send a DM #businessowners #entrepreneurship #founders

Here's the inspiring journey of Melanie Perkins, the Founder of Canva, one of my favourite tools. Melanie came up with the idea for Canva at 19 in her university bedroom, driven by the belief that design should be accessible to everyone, not just those with advanced training or expensive software. Despite facing three years of initial struggles to attract investors, Melanie persevered. She even took up kitesurfing (!) to connect with a group of kiteboard enthusiast VCs, including Investor Bill Tai. Fast forward to September 2021, Canva was valued at $40 billion by private investors, emerging as a serious competitor to Photoshop. Now boasting 60 million monthly users on its freemium software, with 500,000 teams from companies like Intel and Zoom paying for it, Canva is one of the fastest-growing software businesses ever. At just 36, Melanie Perkins has become Australia’s youngest billionaire. An incredible story of an inspirational disruptor. Haven't tried Canva yet? Give it a go; you'll never use PowerPoint again. #femalefounders #techentrepreneurs #designtools #disruptors

🔥From 100 Rejections to a $26 Billion Giant! 🔥 Back in 2012, Canva co-founder Melanie Perkins was rejected by over 100 investors. Fast forward to today, Canva is worth $26 billion and has transformed how marketers like us create content! 🚀 This is a reminder: Never give up on your dreams, even when the world says "No." 💡 Canva didn’t just change the game—it redefined it! For marketers like us, it’s the ultimate tool, making creativity easy, fast, and accessible to all. ✨ Honestly, when I first started using Canva , I thought, "What kind of app is this?" 🤔 But day by day, it grew on me. Now, after creating over 500 posters, videos, and designs, I can't imagine my workflow without it! 🎨Thanks to Canva , I’ve become a pro, and I owe a lot to Melanie Perkins and her incredible vision! 💡 What’s your secret to getting the most out of Canva ? Let's share tips on how to make Canva work even betterfor all of us! Drop your thoughts below 👇 #Canva #MarketingMagic #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #DesignForAll #Inspiration #ContentCreation

Ever thought of building a global brand like Canva? Well, buckle up! Here are some golden nuggets from the Queen of Determination, Melanie Perkins, the co-founder of Canva — you know, who turned a simple design tool into a $3.2 billion empire, got rejected by investors over 100 times. That's right, folks—who needs a winning pitch when you have sheer willpower and a side of stubbornness?  1. Start with a ‘dumb’ idea. Yes, you read that right! Melanie began with an idea so ‘dumb’ that it was brilliant: teaching students how to design. Because who needs another app for making Powerpoints? 2. Embrace your inner tortoise. Forget the hare — slow and steady wins the race! Melanie spent years refining her vision before going big. Patience? What’s that? 3. Find a partner in crime. Melanie didn’t just wing it solo; she teamed up with Cliff Obrecht. Because every superhero needs a sidekick (preferably one who knows how to balance the budget) 4. Customer feedback is your BFF. Can we get a round of applause for those brave souls who dare to critique our genius ideas? Melanie listened and iterated until she had something people actually wanted to use. Shocking, right? 5. Think big but start small. Launching globally? Sure, but maybe start with your backyard first. Melanie grew Canva from Australia to the world — one Aussie at a time. So, if you’re dreaming of your own billion-dollar brand, channel your inner Melanie! It might just take some ‘dumb’ ideas, a lot of patience, and a little help from your friends (and customers). #Entrepreneurship #MelaniePerkins #Canva #StartupLife #BusinessInsights #Leadership

Full Disclosure: I am a big fan and customer of Canva. I’ve been a paid member for years and use it all the time. One of the things I have loved about Canva is they have, until recently, been very reasonably priced. Unfortunately, they are starting to follow in the footsteps of many formerly great companies like Hootesuite, and starting to jack up their prices at ridiculous rates. I sincerely hope they remember the customers that built them. Otherwise they are leaving themselves open to competition that they never before imagined. If you are looking for help building a business in a way that works for you, your employees, and your customers, give me a call. * * * * * #SmallBusinessCoach #BusinessGrowthTips #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupCoach #BusinessStrategy #SMBConsulting #SuccessCoaching #BusinessMentor #LeadershipTraining #MarketingStrategy #EntrepreneurshipLife #SmallBizTips #StartupLife #BusinessPlanning #GrowthMindset

In 2007, Melanie Perkins was juggling a part-time job and her studies in Perth, Australia, teaching students how to navigate complex and pricey desktop design software. Frustrated by the steep learning curve, she wondered, “Is there a way this could be simpler and less expensive?” Driven by this question, Perkins embarked on a mission to create an affordable, user-friendly online design tool. Despite facing over 100 rejections from investors, she persisted. It took three years before Canva received its first investment, thanks to a shift in her pitching strategy: focusing on the relatable problem Canva aimed to solve. Perkins shared, “A lot of people can relate to going into something like Photoshop and being completely overwhelmed. It's important to tell the story, because if your audience doesn't understand the problem, they won't understand the solution.” Fast forward to today, Canva boasts 60 million users in 190 countries, revolutionizing the design world with its simplicity and accessibility. This story isn’t just about Canva—it’s about the power of persistence and the importance of clearly communicating your value. 💡 Just like Melanie Perkins found success by addressing a common problem and telling her story, property investing also thrives on clear communication and understanding your audience’s needs. Whether you're dealing with tenants, buyers, or investors, the ability to convey your message effectively can make all the difference. Ready to take your property investment journey to the next level? Let's connect and explore how you can leverage these principles for your success. 🏡✨ 📩 DM me to learn more! #Entrepreneurship #StartupStory #MelaniePerkins #CanvaSuccess #PersistencePaysOff #PropertyInvestin #InvestmentSuccess #BusinessStrategy #Inspiration #Motivation #PropertyManagement

🎨 Did you know that a simple tool could transform your creative journey? 🚀 This incredible adventure began while I was pursuing my entrepreneurial journey as a startup founder. I was in charge of social media marketing, and there was an ongoing need for creatives, posters, and designs for regular social media posts. I was trying to figure out what I should do because I had never used Canva. But I did not want to say no, and instead saw it as an opportunity to learn. Determined to improve our business engagement, I experimented with every feature Canva offered, pushing the boundaries of digital design to create captivating visuals that spoke to our target audience. With each design, I gained not only new skills but also a greater appreciation for visual storytelling. Thanks to Canva, design has become both accessible and exciting. I had no idea that my daily interactions with Canva were transforming me into a pro. Canva recently presented me with a certificate stating that I had created 100+ creative designs and innovative creations. As I celebrate this milestone, I am interested in hearing from you all: What is one tool or skill that has had a significant impact on your career or personal life? You can share your stories in the comments below! 🌟 #Design #Canva #Startup #Startuplife #Founderlife #Creativity #Milestone #Achievement #Transformation #Learn #NewSkill