“
SHE HAD NO IDEA
THAT BOOK WOULD CHANGE
THE COURSE OF HER LIFE,
AND EVENTUALLY HER
CAREER
”
spread, and before long, I was selling them at a stall at
the Tanks Markets.”
In 2012, Kate’s position with Migrant Services was
made redundant. It was at that time that Kate realised
that she had built the Fairy Garden business to a
substantial size.
“I was full-time pottering around in mum’s garage,”
Kate laughs.
“I found a kind of magic in the business. I loved that,
through teaching people about fairy gardening, I was
able to provide a tool for parents to connect with their
kids, and for kids to connect with nature, and to be
more present with each other. It was a real way of
tapping into that magic and introducing it back into
childhood. There’s also been a lot of research around
the benefits of fairy gardening for mental health
issues, due to it being a really quiet activity.”
“By November 2014, I realised that this business was
getting pretty big. But my processes really needed
some attention,” Kate confesses.
Kate was introduced to Kim Kelly from The Business
Booth. “I really liked her enthusiasm. I felt like an
imposter when I started the course, but they were so
lovely and so embracing. Kim mentored me, and
helped me launch my website.”
“It was an enormous process, even though, rather
foolishly, I did it just before the Christmas rush! Still,
we just got the website up in time for Christmas, and I
couldn’t believe the results. It was working while I
slept!”
“From there, I met Charisse Russell at Entrepreneurs
Accountant. She has been an amazing help to the
business. Not many accountants would help you hang
shelves in your new shop, but she did! And, with her
guidance and support, the business has continued
growing."
I’m so excited about the newly opened Garden Sparkle
Gift Shop at 54 Shields Street, Cairns. We’ve got some
great things planned, including workshops.
“The fairy garden market has changed drastically, as
has the nature of online shopping. This has really kept
me on my toes. However, Garden Sparkle seems to be
working because people recognise I have a special way
of presenting the gardens, and that it’s my sparkle that
distinguishes me from the others. I’m really proud to
hear that feedback.”
For me, fairy gardening really is a love affair, and I’m so
happy to be able to share my magic with other people.
Issue 21 |
4