General manager and 2IC of Australian online retailer Showpo, Alex Durkin has announced her resignation from the business in an emotional blog post.
Durkin cites her own entrepreneurial goals and the desire to start her own business as the reason for leaving Showpo.
"I’ve always had entrepreneurial aspirations and started a few businesses (some failed) before I arrived at Showpo," she said.
"In my early days with the company, I built two other businesses on the side, sold one, and shut the other one down to concentrate on Showpo.
"But the itch is still there. I need to venture into the unknown and follow my dream of building my own company."
Detailing her journey in the seven years she has worked at Showpo, Durkin writes that she occupied many roles in the business from picking and packing in the warehouse, to a buyer, to a customer service officer. Durkin also witnessed the business grow from a turnover of $1 million per annum to $1 million per month.
In Durkin's seven years the business has also garnered 3.5 million followers on social media, fielded two million orders, won eight Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIA), launched 153 product ranges, operates four warehouses, five offices and three new websites.
Since hiring top level executives four years ago, the business now turns over $85 million per annum, sells into over 100 countries and has a team of over 150 people.
Showpo founder and CEO Jane Lu also posted on the blog, detailing her and Durkin's adventures building the Showpo business as well as their friendship.
"Thank you Durka, for more than what words can describe. What an incredible adventure we’ve had! I honestly could not have done this without you. You’ve been the yin to my yang, and we’ve been the perfect partners, even if it took us a while to figure each other out.
"You’ve been a dedicated employee, an inspirational girl boss, a fearless leader, a personal mentor, a reliable confidant and most importantly, an incredible friend," Lu said.
Durkin will officially finish at the business on June 30 and will take some time to travel and will also mentor smaller, fast-growing companies. She plans to have her own business started before the end of 2019.
"Showpo has been pivotal in my personal and career development," Durkin said.
"I have made life-long friends and really discovered who I am and what I am capable of achieving.
"I feel so blessed to have been a part of such a great Australian business success story. I’m so unbelievably excited for this next challenge and jumping off into the unknown!"
Durkin announced her resignation on May 23.