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What is 30under30?
30under30 is an Anthill initiative launched in early 2008 to encourage and promote entrepreneurship among young Australians. Each year, we invite our readers to nominate young Australian entrepreneurs deserving of recognition for their outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours. More.
Samantha Wade, SA (b. 1992)
Name: Samantha Wade
Age: 19 (Born: December 1992)
Gender: Female
State: SA
Known for: Bluey Blundstones Blacksmith Shop
Samantha Wade hails from the rural South Australia town of Melrose, about 250 km north of Adelaide. While most entrepreneurs from her background would ditch the sleepy backwoods for the big city in a wink, Wade has staying put, determined to turn Melrose into a prime destination in its own right.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Remarkable National Park, the town of less than 500 has a rich history of miners, pastoralists and pioneers. Part of that history is embodied in Bluey Blundstones Blacksmith Shop, which Wade now owns and runs as a bed-and-breakfast and coffee shop.
“I seized an unexpected opportunity when I got the funding to be able to purchase Blueys,” says Wade. “I believe I invested in something worthwhile where some people would have seen a shopping spree.”
The original blacksmith shop, which opened in the 1860s, remains on display for customers.
Naturally, Wade is a familiar face in her hometown, thanks also to her involvement with local council and working for her local pub. She’s also amplifying her business expertise through the South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme and a diploma of Events Management.
Wade describes a “rough teenage life”, marked by death in the family and frequent moves from place to place, as part of her motivation for succeeding as an entrepreneur.
“I was determined to overcome all this bad luck that had come my way,” she says, “and use my life experience from that and make something of myself that my family would be proud of.”
Whether visitors are in town for the annual Fat Tyre Festival in June or to explore the Flinders Ranges year-round, Wade is confident that more of them will stick around for a cup of joe and an invaluable glimpse of her community’s heritage.
Anthill asks: Samantha Wade, give us your ‘elevator pitch’ for the 30under30 judges.
I believe I have the ability to give back to the small rural community I grew up in. I intend to make Melrose a destination and not a drive-through town. And I know I am able to do this.
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To check out the full list of Anthill’s 30under30 winners, click here.
give us your ‘elevator pitch’ for the 30under30 judges.
