For Kathryn Shannon, starting her own business was an idea that had been developing for several years. With experience in the home care sector and a desire to create a more sustainable working life, she knew she wanted to build something of her own, she just needed the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.
That opportunity arrived when Kathryn was offered the chance to take over the Western Australian client base of an existing company. Recognising that the time was right, she took the leap and established
Today, the business provides home care and support services designed to help older Australians and people living with disability remain safe, independent and comfortable in their own homes. Services include nursing, domestic assistance, personal care, community access, transport, respite, companionship and tailored daily living support.
Taking the leap into business ownership
While Kathryn brought valuable industry experience to her new venture, she recognised that delivering quality care and running a successful business required different skills.
“Although I had industry experience, I wanted to gain the knowledge and confidence to successfully run my own business.”
Kathryn contacted Businessplex and joined Self-Employment Assistance, where she received training, mentoring and ongoing support to help establish the foundations of her business.
Through the program, Kathryn developed practical skills across financial management, administration, marketing and business planning. Just as importantly, she says the mentoring and ongoing support helped give her the confidence to grow the business.
Kathryn has already achieved significant growth.
She continues to expand her client base and is working towards becoming a successful NDIS provider. One achievement she is particularly proud of demonstrates just how far the business has come:
“One of my proudest achievements has been managing a team of 14 contractors, and I’m excited to keep growing my business and making a positive difference in the lives of my clients.”
It is a significant step from having an ambition to start a business to now coordinating a team delivering support to others.
At the heart of Shannon Aged Care & Disability is a commitment to providing care with compassion and respect. As the business grows, Kathryn remains focused on making a positive difference in the lives of the people she supports.
Kathryn’s journey demonstrates how industry experience, combined with the right business skills and support, can create a pathway to successful self-employment.
What began as an idea she had considered for years has developed into a growing home care business, providing Kathryn with greater opportunity while helping older Australians and people living with disability continue living independently in their own homes.
