Kate Bezar

Founder and publisher of Dumbo feather

1. Who are you and what do you do?

In 2004, I walked into a newsagent wanting to buy a magazine. After ten laps around the store and numerous mags picked up and put down again I walked out. I hadn't found anything to read, but had found what I was going to do next (cue lightning flash). I would make a mag for people like me; something that spoke to the desire in all of us to realise our potential and live out passion. So Dumbo feather was born; a quarterly publication, international in readership and scope, which features in depth profiles of fascinating individuals.

2. What has been your greatest challenge?

Without a doubt, self-doubt. Prior to starting Dumbo feather I'd been a management consultant. I had no experience in publishing or media, no contacts with writers, photographers or designers. I had to start from scrtach. In retrospect I actually think that's what's made it so special because I had no preconceived ideas about what could be done, only what I thought should be done. That said, I've battled self-doubt a lot of the way and it's the only thing that'll stop me doing anything, but I can honestly know that I believe I can do something, then I can.

3. Tell us about a memorable moment?

One day, around 3pm I turned up at my distributor in a borrowed van to pick up a thousand copies of my first issue. My jaw plummeted at the sheer volume of mags, and as the guys loaded them in with a forklift, they asked, "You've got someone to help you at the other end haven't you love?" I nodded when, in actual fact, I didn't. I had to get back, unload the van, return it to my friend and get to Sydney Opera House by 5pm to do an interview. That afternoon pretty much set the tone for the next five years.

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