By Lynn Whyatt – RRR Network Story-Teller
With strong roots in the Goldfield-Esperance region, Samantha Marinoni embarks on a new chapter nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Great Southern, alongside her partner Matt on his family farm in Kojonup. Transitioning from the bustling mining city of Kalgoorlie to the serene farming community of Kojonup, Samantha finds comfort in the strong community bonds that characterise the region, deeming it nothing short of “good for the soul.”
For Samantha, the vibrant demographic of young people in Kojonup fosters a welcoming environment. There is a strong sense of community with various social events and clubs, which is so important in a farming town where you need to be there to support each other and encourage people to “get off the farm sometimes.”
While the social support within the community is fantastic, the lack of professional networking events on offer in the region is apparent. There are a range of women entrepreneurs and professionals with diverse career niches who are realising their ambitions and going out on their own, but the networks are lacking, and Samantha echoes a common barrier experienced in the regions: the need to travel to Perth or other regional hubs for professional development or networking opportunities. It costs time and money and while women may be part of networks that span across Western Australia, there is also the need for networks and opportunities closer to home.
Reflecting on her educational experiences, Samantha reminisces about her school’s efforts to bridge the gap, particularly in facilitating ATAR Physical Education students’ assessments in Perth. Despite the disparities in facilities compared to schools in the cities, her school did the best they could to help prepare and support students. Samantha attended university in Perth and spent a transformative year in Canada with her partner before they decided to settle in Kojonup.
In pursuit of utilising her degree and expanding her passion for graphic design, Samantha navigated the challenge of limited opportunities by venturing into entrepreneurship with the creation of her business, Saje Creative Co. Drawing inspiration from the diverse industries in the community, she has relished the opportunities to work with the agriculture industry, the wedding industry, and other small businesses in the region.
Isolation tends to breed innovation and Samantha has enjoyed working with the broad spectrum of industries. The supportive ecosystem of the family farm spanning three generations provided the fertile ground for her ventures, including a burgeoning organic oat start up with her partner.
As many agricultural families know, farm-life can be quite demanding. Samantha does however make time for other activities that also bring her joy; she loves being outside and playing sports, which gets her and her partner off the farm on the weekends at least. She also enjoys quiet creative moments of painting, drawing, or cooking.
Life is a balancing-act but as priorities change from one chapter to the next, sometimes the scales swing in one direction for a while. With the family farm, her graphic design business, and her organic oat startup with her partner, Samantha has a long priority list with her top priority being building her business. As many small business owners know, starting a business is a steep learning curve with not only the core business side, but also bookkeeping, establishing and marketing your personal brand, and the many other aspects that come with freelancing.
Anyone with a solo venture like Samantha needs a supportive professional network of like-minded individuals to share and grow their businesses together. When opportunities for networking and community-building arise in the regions, it is important to be bold and establish a connection. Even more important than the initial chat and exchange of business cards can be the maintenance that follows – the quick message or follow-up phone call to maintain that connection and grow your network.
Samantha recently participated in the STEM Jumpstart Program with Value Creators, supported by RRR Network, and has found being able to reach out and send a quick message to her fellow alumni to be beneficial for her personal and professional development.
From Samantha’s story, it is clear that the essence of regional living is not just about landscapes and communities; it is about overcoming challenges together and seizing opportunities with unwavering determination. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that one’s location should never be a barrier to ambition and dreams. With resilience, courage, and a willingness to seek assistance when needed, Samantha exemplifies the spirit of women thriving in regional Australia.