As part of the Coonabarabran Times “New Business Spotlight” we chat with Kaitie Nash from WK Property Maintenance, a new venture helping local people keep their gardens and lawns in tip top condition...

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Perth and moved to Darwin where I lived for 10 years working as a flight attendant and administrator on the Ichthys project. I met my husband, Will Nash, while I was living in Darwin and we moved back to the family farm in Coonabarabran two years ago where we live with our two young kids.

Where did the idea to launch WK Property Maintenance come from? 

I literally woke up one morning and said ‘I don’t want to work in an office anymore’. I wanted to do something outdoors that I was capable of doing.

I mow our lawns and thought I could help people who can’t or don’t have the time to mow their lawns. I’m a mum, so I completely understand when you’ve got kids and your husband’s away you just want the yard to be looking good.

I think there is a real need for this service in the area. Plus, it's something that I can do myself and gives me flexibility with a young family by choosing the hours I work. And that’s when WK Property Maintenance was born.

When did you embark on this venture?

I started to think seriously about the business idea about six months ago. If anything, working in aged care has really shown me that life is so short - so if you have the opportunity to do something, grab it with both hands and do it.

I had most of the equipment already, but purchased a ride-on mower and did my first job at the end of October. I started out with clients that I knew or that Will knows and then word of mouth has led to other jobs. 

Tell me about the business - what services do you provide and where?

It’s mowing, edging and general garden maintenance. I’m no lawn expert, I’m just here to provide some help to those who need it. I service Coona, Baradine, Binnaway and the surrounding areas. 

How are gardens and lawns looking now that we've had some rain?

I think everyone’s gardens are looking much better than this time last year! That means more grass to mow more often.

You must really like mowing?

It’s funny, I actually don’t mind it! But I think it’s more about physically doing something and challenging myself. I am completely out of my comfort zone with this - I’ve had to learn how to fix the mower, change the head on the whipper snipper and learn a heap of stuff that comes with the job. 

Were you anxious opening a business amid COVID-19?

Regardless of what’s going on there is going to be road blocks with everything you do. I think I was more anxious about putting myself out there than COVID-19.

Any future plans for the business?

I’d like to pass on the skills that I have learnt and am still learning to equip young people, school leavers and others with the basics of home maintenance. To boost their confidence and show them they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to. 

How does it make you feel to be one of several new unique businesses opening in town?

Excited and nervous! I know that with my previous working experience, I now have the opportunity to utilise my skills. I have an eye for detail, a passion for great customer service and a love for helping others.