What’s Happening?
Rockhampton local Shae Balgowan has turned her lifelong love for the outback into a thriving business. Despite immense personal and financial challenges, Shae has grown her brand Outback Oakley from humble beginnings into a community-backed success story. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that dreams are achievable—even in the face of adversity.
Why it Matters?
Shae’s story is more than just about building a business; it’s about perseverance, purpose, and the strength of community. Her experience exemplifies the challenges many small-town entrepreneurs face—especially young single mothers—while proving that determination, planning, and local support can build something extraordinary. Her journey is a rallying cry for others with a dream but little means.
Local Impact
Shae’s journey has resonated deeply with the Rockhampton region. Her business not only contributes to the local economy but also inspires others who may feel stuck or overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. She brought fresh energy to local markets and events, particularly at the Ridgelands Show, where she received an outpouring of community support. Her story has sparked conversations about resilience, women in business, and the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs.
By the Numbers:
- 12 months: Time Shae spent saving after every paycheck before launching her business Outback Oakley in May 2022.
- 8 siblings: Shae comes from a large family and credits her upbringing in Ogmore/Marlborough for instilling a hardworking spirit.
- 10+ community events attended since 2022, including Ridgelands Show and local pop-up markets.
Zoom In
Shae grew up in the small rural towns of Ogmore and Marlborough, surrounded by red dirt, gum trees, and a strong sense of community. As one of eight siblings, she learned early the values of hard work and resilience. By 27, she was a single mother with a big dream and little to spare financially. But that didn’t stop her.
“I was determined to start my own business, so I spent 12 months saving after every paycheck, coming up with a business plan,” Shae said. In May 2022, she finally saw her first product arrive, marking the official beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Balancing a full-time job and single motherhood, Shae used every spare moment to work on the business. With the support of family, friends, and Rockhampton locals, her business started gaining traction. She credits the community for giving her momentum: “The support was astonishing, and I couldn’t have been more thankful. It gave me the drive to keep going.”
In 2023, she took a major step forward—her first pop-up shop at the Ridgelands Show. It was a hit. Local feedback was overwhelming, and the event solidified her belief that she was on the right path.
A key turning point in her journey was the involvement of her sister-in-law and best friend, who stepped in as her photographer. “She wanted to take her camera skills to the next level, and it was perfect. She was also fighting brain cancer at the time, and it gave her something positive to focus on,” Shae shared. This collaboration added professionalism to the Outback Oakley brand and strengthened their bond. “She became not only my photographer but my biggest supporter.”
Zoom Out
But the journey hasn’t been easy. Later in 2023, Shae began experiencing seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy, forcing her to stop working her full-time job. Losing her driver’s licence due to the condition made running the business logistically harder. The biggest blow came in November 2023, when her sister-in-law and business partner lost her battle with cancer.
“I was absolutely devastated and unsure how to go on without her,” Shae admitted. Facing grief, a health condition, and no transportation, she made the heartbreaking decision to pause her business for 12 months.
However, her story didn’t end there. In December 2024, with unwavering support from her community, Shae found the strength to relaunch of her brand “With so much support from family, friends, customers, and local community groups, I was able to get the drive back to continue on,” she said.
Since then, she’s been on a mission. Shae has rebuilt Outback Oakley with even more passion and purpose. She’s attended more markets, reconnected with loyal customers, and found new ways to grow—proving that resilience and love for what you do can carry you through the darkest seasons.
What to Look For Next?
As she continues to hit new milestones, Shae plans to expand the product range, collaborate with other local creatives, and keep building on the momentum. She encourages anyone with a dream—regardless of their situation—to keep pushing forward. Her advice? “KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON.”
