I was born into a family of self employment. My dad had his own business, and in my teens my mum had her own business. Over the years I toyed with hobby businesses alongside my full-time roles, and even had one that was designed purely around sharing small business folk throughout the tumultuous shut down in Victoria for 202-2021.
However, when Sam first joined the RAAF in August 2022, I felt really lost and confused about my own career.
For over 20 years I had been employed, and been fortunate to experience a variety of different industries.
Knowing that we had a move coming our way at the end of his training, then not knowing ‘where to from here’ played havoc on my mind.
In my teens I started out in doing a traineeship in ‘small business and retail operations’, spent 4 years in a contact centre with Commonwealth Bank, then moved into taking on management and multistore leadership roles in large chain fashion retail, had many years leading a Conveyancing office, and even into payment complaints and digital services in the disability sector in government.
But when we relocated to Wagga, you wouldn’t think that all that experience was deemed irrelevant. In one job seeking encounter, I was told that “when people see a resume from someone new to the region, we know you’re probably here with Defence, and will be seen as transient. Unfortunately, even with your skills, many people will see you as unemployable”. I was gutted.
There were an abundance of signs that introduced me to my current business as a Virtual Business Manager and Executive Assistant, and all the years of strengthening businesses in person, was just translated to the digital realm.
The one area I have been deeply conscious of has always been around community.
When Sam was a Police Officer in Victoria, there was no community for the members partners or families. There was no support. There was no service offering connection for us, or advice on how to be be there for serving members — and PTSD within the Police Force is rife.
Coming into the ADF space was overwhelming in some aspects with all’o’the things, and then also ridiculously challenging in others.. because of all’o’the things!
The lack of connection with a transition INTO an environment such as becoming a military family was heart breaking. The isolation and resentment was horrendous in the beginning but we were in this for at least the next 6 years, so I needed to find my feet (and trust me, I tripped and fell many, many times — and 2 years into it, I still do ♥).
But with all of this, and the absolute legends of people I have encountered along the way, I have built a business from almost nothing (I had a computer, which is the absolute foundation of being a Virtual Assistant..), made connections that I will hold onto in my memory bank for the rest of our days, and learnt many lessons.
When I started on this epic journey in January 2023, I had spoken with my ‘course assigned mentor’ (I had stumbled upon free training and was fortunate to take up a Certificate 4 in Small Business) and he gave me a title — Defence Partner Lifestyle Empowerment Mentor.
Now, 18 months later, I’ve thrown one of my 12 hats in the ring to bring that title to life quicker. I’ve made it to the finalist round of the Spark Business community grant which is a $10,000 prize.
I’m creating a business directory platform promoting businesses owned by Defence partners and Veterans, and bringing a podcast to the airwaves discussing military life, and what to expect when your person is enlisting.
There are a few other really awesome projects in the wings working alongside other small business owners in this beautiful broad community, but to make this happen I’m relying on the support of said community.
There are 82 applicants, and two grants are up for grabs. One is a $5k grant chosen by judges; the other is a whopping $10k and is decided entirely by public vote!
How You Can Help:
Vote for ME (well, Boots Back Home)! Head over to our voting page and cast your vote for Boots Back Home 
:
https://sparkbusiness.global/vote-round-four-spark-women-in-business-grants/boots-back-home
Check Your Email: After voting, please check your emails (including the junk/spam folder) for a verification link from ‘Team Spark.’
Verify Your Vote: Click the verification link in the email. Remember, unverified votes won’t count!
Important Dates:
Voting Closes: Midnight, June 30th
Winner Announced: July 10th
Weekly Updates: Every Friday, the leaderboard of the top 20 businesses is updated to see our ranking.
This grant could make a significant difference for Boots Back Home, and getting this far is already beyond exciting! A huge thank you to everyone who has already voted and verified their emails.
Click the image to be taken to the voting page, and let’s bring this service to life quicker!
I appreciate your time in voting, and support in sharing — I am so proud to make it to this point, and can’t wait to share the continued experiences.
Be kind to you, and stay hydrated.
