5 Minutes with Kelsie Prowse

This month our member in focus is Kelsie Prowse from The Apple Farm. Kelsie is a previous recipient of our Business Booster Scholarship, she has a passion for working with guests to create and style the perfect event for any occasion. Together with her husband they are dedicated to creating a family friendly atmosphere where people can unwind and enjoy their surroundings.

1/ Who is Kelsie?

I am a Queenslander, born and bred, with my parents still residing on the Sunshine Coast, but my brother and his family in WA. My husband Troy & I relocated to be closer to his family in Mount Gambier 10 years ago. I now proudly call myself a South Australian and love all that our region has to offer. I often get asked if I’m crazy moving from sunny QLD to the cold climate of SA, I just love The Limestone Coast.

2/ What are the main professional areas you have worked in over the years?

I have been a hospo girl for all of my professional life. I was the first QLD employee for Hudsons Coffee, becoming regional manager at the tender age of 19 and it ignited my love of this industry. This footstep provided me with much opportunity all over Australia, London & Edinburgh. I have worked in cafes, restaurants, comedy clubs, bars, delis and now I operate a small function venue.

3/ What is the biggest challenge you have faced professionally or personally?

The biggest challenge for everyone in my industry is the hours. Long hours, weekend work, split shifts, public holidays. It goes with the territory. But working in this industry with a young family can be very challenging, with balls in the air all the time and balancing family and work life would be the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Learning to say no was one of the biggest breakthroughs of my life.

4/ What is your favourite place to visit in the Limestone Coast & Western Victoria area?

I just absolutely love standing on top of Mount Schank, I feel on top of the world! I take all of my out of town visitors on that walk. And, I recently snorkelled Ewens Ponds for the first time ever. that blew my little mind and wasn’t nearly as cold as my nerves had led me to believe it would be. But my most favourite place would have to be floating on my noodle in the middle of Little Blue on a hot summer day.

5/ Do you have any recommendations for our members to  take away?

I have always loved the saying ‘work to live, don’t live to work’.
You’re work has to be satisfying for the soul, and if you aren’t happy at work, you won’t be happy in life. Life is full of opportunities and sometimes you need to remove yourself from the security and take risks. Often some of life’s biggest accomplishments comes from taking risks. And if you fall, you pick yourself back up and try again!