A Perth Dream Turned Reality: How the Right Support Sparked a Small Business
For many aspiring business owners, the dream of working for themselves can sit quietly in the background for years—waiting for the right moment, the right support, and the confidence to take the leap. For Amy Hawkes, a mature‑age participant from metropolitan Western Australia, that moment came with the support of the Self‑Employment Assistance program delivered by ABS Institute.
After carrying the idea for her own business for a long time, Amy knew she wanted to create something meaningful, creative, and sustainable. She had spent years working on creative projects and often spoke with friends and family about starting something together. When the opportunity to join the Self‑Employment Assistance program arose, it felt like the perfect time to finally back herself and turn a long‑held vision into a reality.
That vision is now The Mill Room Mercantile, a thoughtfully curated homewares store located in North Perth. Co‑founded by Amy and her business partner Rachel, the shop is a reflection of their shared love of beautiful, useful objects for the home. From kitchen tools and linens to ceramics, books, and gifts, every piece has been carefully chosen for its function, beauty, and purpose—whether sourced locally or from trusted international makers. The result is a welcoming space filled with items designed to be loved and used for years to come.
Through the Self‑Employment Assistance program, ABS Institute supported Amy with practical training and structured guidance that helped transform her idea into a clear and workable business plan. The training provided a deeper understanding of what is involved in starting and running a business, particularly in areas such as financial planning and understanding the many moving parts that come with self‑employment. This knowledge helped make the idea feel real, achievable, and grounded in practical steps.
One of the most valuable aspects of working with ABS Institute was the sense of structure and stability the program provided. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar territory, but regular check‑ins and guided milestones helped Amy stay focused and confident throughout the process.
“Having someone to check in with made such a difference,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I was doing it all alone.”
Rather than rushing decisions, Amy was encouraged to work through each stage carefully and thoughtfully. This approach gave her the breathing room she needed to build The Mill Room Mercantile on a strong foundation—one that aligned with her values and long‑term vision.
“The program gave me the breathing room I needed,” Amy explained. “Instead of rushing, I was able to build The Mill Room in a steady, thoughtful way.”
Amy credits the ABS Institute team for providing the right balance of accountability and support, helping her stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
“My provider kept me accountable without ever making it feel overwhelming. It was exactly the kind of guidance I needed.”
As a result of the program, Amy achieved exactly what she set out to gain: structure, confidence, and a clear path forward. With the business now established, she is focused on steady and meaningful growth—refining the shopfront, improving systems, expanding the product range, and nurturing a connected community around the space.
Reflecting on her journey, Amy feels grateful for the support she received through ABS Institute and the Self‑Employment Assistance program, crediting it with giving her the confidence and clarity to bring The Mill Room Mercantile to life in a thoughtful and sustainable way.
“The structure and support came at the perfect time,” she said. “It helped me slow down, think things through, and feel grounded during the process.”
Amy’s story is a powerful example of how the Self‑Employment Assistance program, delivered by ABS Institute, helps participants turn ideas into viable businesses—providing not just training, but confidence, guidance, and the support needed to succeed.