As the Royal Easter Show draws to a close, I find myself in awe of the incredible journey it has been. This year marked my debut with a store within the pavilions, and I can confidently say it has surpassed all my expectations. A heartfelt shoutout goes to my Aunty Maryanne for connecting me with the stall organizers; sharing this adventure with my mom, little cousin Savannah, and Aunty Maryanne has been an absolute delight.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this experience has been the strong sense of community among the stallholders. Whether it was sharing laughs during quiet moments or receiving invaluable support during the busiest times, they've been there every step of the way. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I even found moments to reconnect with my passion for painting, something I've dearly missed in recent months.
The hours have been relentless, starting my day at the pavilion at 7:30 am and not wrapping up until 8:30-9 pm some nights, all while juggling my full-time job as a primary school teacher. I'm immensely grateful to my mom for holding down the fort during the workweek. After finishing my teaching duties from 9 am to 3 pm, I would dash over to Sydney Olympic Park to round off my day, sometimes not leaving until 9 pm. It's been a true test of endurance, but as they say, the hustle is real.
I'm particularly proud to have been one of three Aboriginal-owned stores in the Fashion and Style Pavilion, alongside two others in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome. Witnessing the success of Indigenous entrepreneurship and their unwavering commitment to community has been incredibly inspiring.
The diversity of cultures and backgrounds represented at the show has been eye-opening. I've had the privilege of connecting with remarkable individuals who have graciously shared their stories and experiences with me. There's a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from connecting with others and hearing their unique journeys.
From a business perspective, it's been a steady journey. I've been able to forge valuable connections within the industry, and I'm excited about the potential for growth and expanding my reach to more people in the future. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.