Thinking of starting a business with your romantic partner? Mike Tsapazi, Managing Director at The Edison Agency, shares honest insights from running a branding studio with his wife. Hosted by Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative, with psychological insights from Katie Feder, registered Psychotherapist, this conversation covers the realities of mixing business with pleasure. From personality compatibility and financial planning to setting boundaries and dividing responsibilities, Mike's practical advice on the "rocks and rockets" framework offers a roadmap for couples considering this bold step. Whether you're worried about protecting your relationship or wondering how to make it work practically, these insights provide a warm, realistic perspective on entrepreneurship's most personal challenge.
Starting a business with your romantic partner can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The idea of mixing love and work brings up valid concerns about boundaries, finances, and what happens if things go sideways. But with the right approach, it can actually strengthen both your relationship and your business.
This question was answered by Mike Tsapazi – Managing Director at The Edison Agency – who runs the Melbourne branding studio alongside his wife Amber Bonnie. The conversation was hosted by Andy Wright – Founder of Never Not Creative, Co-Chair of Mentally Healthy, and CEO of Streamtime – with insights from Katie Feder – registered Psychotherapist specialising in emotional health and wellbeing.
The foundation of any successful business partnership lies in complementary personalities. Mike describes this through his "rocks and rockets" framework: rockets are the drivers and go-getters who push the business forward, while rocks protect the business, maintain stability, and keep things on track.
"Amber's a rocket and I'm a rock," Mike explains. "If we were both rockets, that would have been a disaster from day one." This difference in approach means they naturally handle different aspects of the business without stepping on each other's toes.
One practical reality of working with your life partner is that you're essentially relying on one income source for two people. This can create challenges when dealing with banks or financial institutions, who prefer the stability of traditional employment.
Mike recommends maintaining some financial stability during the transition: "One thing lending institutions and banks love is PAYG jobs and they don't love self-employed jobs." Having one partner in traditional employment while building the business can provide crucial stability during the early stages.
Success requires clear division of responsibilities both at work and at home. Mike and Amber have naturally fallen into different lanes based on their strengths: "I'm very ops-focused, governance... I look at the HR side, worry about the financial side. Amber's exceptionally creative, she's an exceptionally strategic thinker."
The most important boundary they've established is simple but powerful: "Work cannot be the first conversation in the morning or the last conversation at night." This rule helps maintain their relationship outside of business hours.
Working with your life partner creates a unique dynamic that can be both a blessing and a challenge. As Mike puts it: "One of the biggest pros is you know everything that's going on in that person's life, work, home, you name it. One of the biggest cons is you know everything that's going on in that person's life."
This complete transparency brings incredible understanding and flexibility, but it also means there's no escape from work stress or business challenges. Every aspect of your lives becomes intertwined.
How you legally and financially structure your partnership matters. Mike suggests speaking with accountants and financial advisors to determine what works best for your situation. They chose an "owner and employee scenario" that suited their circumstances, but every couple's needs will be different.
The key is getting professional advice rather than trying to figure it out alone.
Katie adds valuable perspective on the psychological aspects: "I'm the complete opposite to my partner too... it is our greatest area of growth and our biggest trigger." She emphasises that working with someone so different requires "the right mindset and curiosity and respect and framework around it to enable us to support ourselves within that."
Working with your life partner isn't for everyone, but with complementary skills, clear boundaries, and mutual respect, it can create something truly special. The secret lies in understanding that your differences are your strength, not your weakness. When you can support each other's growth while maintaining your individual identities, you create space for both love and business to flourish.
With over 25 years in retail, Michael combines sharp commercial thinking with a people-first approach to leadership. He’s led transformation across brands like Nike, Bunnings, and Cotton On Group, and more recently, in the creative sector—overseeing operations, culture, and customer experience at an award-winning agency. Known for his curiosity and inclusive style, Michael empowers teams to drive meaningful change, balancing strategic growth with genuine care for the people behind the work.
Registered psychotherapist blending Jungian & Eastern approaches with modern science to support emotional wellbeing. Works holistically, tailoring therapy to each person, now based in Australia.
Founder of Never Not Creative, CEO of Streamtime & co-chair of Mentally Healthy, driven to make the creative industry fairer & more human. Believes great work should never cost wellbeing.
