Meet Vattessa Colbung, the small business owner of “Desert Gem” based in Perth, WA
Meet Vattessa Colbung, the small business owner of “Desert Gem” an Aboriginal owned family business based in Perth, WA. She is a passionate entrepreneur and commercial supplier of coffee beans, compostable biodegradable utensils, and automoted coffee machines that can be rented or hired. She also offers solar panels for rent or hire.
“I received a lot of support and guidance in areas of marketing, business plans, policies, developing and sending emails to corporate bodies. Thanks to Many Rivers, I got Origin as my customer. My business coach, Debera has brought a lot of clarity in my mind. She has provided me in-depth support for all areas of my business.”
Read more about Vattessa’s business journey so far:
Vattessa’s Business
Desert Gem, is an Aboriginal owned family commercial supplier business of coffee beans, compostable biodegradable utensils, and automoted coffee machines that can be rented or hired. We also offer solar panels for rent or hire. The business was registered in 2012, but officially started in 2014. Initially, I began with Aboriginal design flip-flops and experimented with various products. Eventually, I concluded that there was more potential in becoming a commercial supplier.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers?
I was working within population health, supporting Indigenous communities, and supporting them to change their perception and actions regarding their health.
Why did you want to go into business?
I used to work in population and health within Aboriginal communities, helping them make informed lifestyle choices and decisions. I noticed significant gaps in health, education, and other areas. During that time, I decided to start my own business to improve my own lifestyle and inspire the community to move away from welfare payments and start their own ventures.
Working with Many Rivers
Years ago, I found Many Rivers online whilst I was living in Kalgoorlie. I engaged with Many Rivers because the support to begin my own business was free of charge and I was shown a lot of kindness from the team and the business coaches. The variety with what they could help me with was great. There is a true gap of support in Aboriginal business. We can’t work it out on our own and we need the support through dialogue and care. I honestly feel that Many Rivers assist in some areas of applications and don’t just give documents and leave you on your own to work it out.
Everything that Many Rivers does is very helpful. Business advice, documentation, helpful links to websites and grant applications, policies that are relevant for me, operational structure of business, and education around cash flow statements.
There are a lot of blockages for Aboriginal businesses and not really a lot of support out there to start your own business. However, my coach from Many Rivers always had time to speak with me and give me proactive advice and recommendations. Truthfully, I find that Many Rivers is closing that gap for Aboriginal businesses. The work they do assists micro businesses like mine to grow into medium size businesses. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for what Many Rivers and Origin has been doing for me.
Moreover, I received a lot of support and guidance in areas of marketing, business plans, policies, developing and sending emails to corporate bodies. Thanks to Many Rivers, I got Origin as my customer. My business coach, Debera has brought a lot of clarity in my mind. She has provided me in-depth support for all areas of my business.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
I did when I first started a different business before Desert Gem. It was incredibly helpful.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
This financial year, the assistance from Many Rivers has been incredibly helpful. I’ve been introduced to suppliers and have gone through a Procurement Readiness process, which is enabling Desert Gem to become a supplier to large organizations.
Overall, the support and guidance from Many Rivers have been invaluable. It’s hard to pinpoint just one aspect, as their assistance has been comprehensive and beneficial in every area.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
No employees right now. My kids help me voluntarily. However, I am hoping that this opportunity can help employ more Aboriginal people within my community. I sell more than just one product and with my model I plan to provide my employees with variety of work and more learning opportunities.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenge has been the unique difficulties that Aboriginal women face in the business industry. There are struggles in many areas, including managing finances, generating revenue, and knowing how to allocate resources effectively. As my business begins to grow, I am now focusing on securing more reliable revenue streams and expanding the market for each of my products.
Biggest Success
My biggest success has been overcoming my own challenges and not giving up. Many Rivers has played a crucial role in my success by connecting me with Origin, my biggest supplier contract. Additionally, I’ve achieved significant success by developing the perfect blends
Biggest Change
The biggest change has been the flexibility and improved work-life balance that comes with being my own boss. This flexibility has allowed me to spend more time with my family and address community issues. Based in Perth, I’ve experienced a breakthrough this year, and the excitement about future possibilities has been invigorating. With the pressure lifting and feeling more supported than ever, I no longer feel like giving up. The support and advocacy I’ve received has been incredibly uplifting.
Future Goals
I aim to complete the range of Desert Gem products, which includes coffee beans, coffee machines, and biodegradable products, including coffee pods. I also hope to create employment opportunities for Aboriginal communities and promote reconciliation through my business. In addition, I plan to expand and potentially secure office space in the future.
Thank you, Vattessa for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Vattessa and her small business, follow “Desert Gem” through the following links:
Website: https://www.desertgem.com.au/
Email: [email protected]
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