Picture This nails the framing game in Maitland, NSW
If you know FOUND Regional, you know we love a good news story – especially one that talks about good humans like Deb Atkinson. Thanks to a background in custom framing and a passion for the arts community, Deb has created a thriving small business in Maitland that she loves… brought to you by our sponsorship partner, ETC.
Debra Atkinson, from local company Picture This Custom Framing, is nailing the framing game across the Hunter region. After taking the leap into starting her own business, she says the key to success was finding the right business support and mentor.
Enter Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance, delivered by Enterprise and Training Company (ETC). The not-for-profit, community-oriented company services the Hunter region from offices in Maitland and Newcastle.
Through Self-Employment Assistance, Deb first completed Skillset Training and is now undertaking the 12-month Coaching Program, with her mentor ETC Business Trainer Julian Campbell.
“My favourite part about the training with Julian and ETC is that it has given me the right guidance,” says Deb.
“It’s transparent and the communications are very easy to follow. It gives me confidence knowing I have this support behind me and that I’m on the right track.”
Now in business for two years, Deb says she likes being able to reward herself as a business owner as opposed to rewarding someone else.
“What I enjoy most about running my own business is having full ownership of the decision-making process. I also get a lot out of seeing my name out there – ‘Debra Atkinson, owner of Picture This’ – I didn’t expect to get so much pride from that. There have been highs and lows, but I’ve always been one to take on new challenges and grasp potential to succeed.”
“I believe Deb is suited to her business because she is both passionate about what she does and has the experience to take it through,” adds Julian.
“That’s something I particularly look for with people who are thinking of starting a business – because passion for what you do is so important. There are going to be ups and downs, but the passion someone has for their business takes them through those down times and out the other side.”
Get in touch
ETC is a community orientated, not-for-profit provider of employment, training and business services. If you’re interested in learning more about ETC’s Training Programs, contact 1800 007 400 or visit their website today.
