Spinning Success: How Pink Moon Records Turned a Passion for Music into a Thriving Business
For many people, a love of music remains a lifelong hobby. For Michael Morris, the owner of Pink Moon Records, that passion became the foundation of a thriving small business, thanks to determination, community spirit, and support from the Australian Government’s Self-Employment Assistance program delivered by ABS Institute.
Located in Guildford, Western Australia, Pink Moon Records is an independent record store specialising in carefully curated second-hand vinyl records, CDs and cassettes. With a focus on rare finds, cult classics and local music, the business has become much more than a retail store. It is a welcoming space where music lovers can connect, discover new artists and share their enthusiasm for physical media.
The business began when the owner decided to pursue a career that aligned with his lifelong passion for music. After feeling unfulfilled in previous employment, he drew inspiration from the musicians and artists he admired who had successfully followed their passions and built meaningful careers.
“I decided I wanted to find a way to turn that passion into a career rather than just a hobby,” he said.
Building strong foundations through Self-Employment Assistance
Determined to create something of his own, he began exploring opportunities to turn his passion into a sustainable business. During this journey, he discovered the Self-Employment Assistance program and recognised it as the ideal opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and support needed to successfully launch his venture.
Through ABS Institute’s delivery of the program, he participated in business training and mentoring designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs build strong business foundations. The training provided practical guidance on business planning, decision-making, goal setting and the realities of day-to-day business operations. More importantly, it helped develop the confidence and mindset required to become a successful business owner.
The mentoring component proved especially valuable. Having access to experienced business mentors provided ongoing support, practical advice and objective guidance throughout the startup journey.
“The program has given me the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to build Pink Moon Records and continue moving the business forward,” he said.
Growing a unique business
With the support of Self-Employment Assistance and ABS Institute, Pink Moon Records successfully established itself within Perth’s vibrant music community. The business sources music collections locally and imports unique records from Japan, carefully restoring and preparing them for resale. Since launching, the owner has travelled to Japan on multiple occasions to source distinctive records that are difficult to find elsewhere, helping the store build a loyal and growing customer base.
“Pink Moon Records was my way of building a job around something I genuinely care about and creating a business that brings me happiness every day,” he said.
More than a record store
Beyond commercial success, Pink Moon Records has become a positive force within the local community. The business actively supports local artists and creatives through commissioned artwork, sales opportunities and collaborations. The owner has also played a key role in helping establish The Corner Store, a collaborative retail space that provides local businesses with opportunities to grow, connect and reach new customers.
For him, success is measured by more than sales.
“For me, Pink Moon is about more than selling records. It’s about creating opportunities, supporting local talent and building a community around music and creativity,” he said.
Pink Moon Records is an excellent example of how Self-Employment Assistance can help individuals transform a personal passion into a sustainable and rewarding business. Through the training, mentoring and ongoing support provided by ABS Institute, Michael has built not only a successful business, but also a welcoming community hub that contributes to the local creative economy.
