Variety Scholarship helps business blossom

As Year 12 students across the country begin making plans for their future post-high school, 18-year-old Breanna Kramer is ahead of the curve, having recently set up her own print and design business with the help of a Variety WA Scholarship.

Breanna, who has autism, came up with the idea to start her company ‘Breannimals’ during a family brainstorming session. Combining her love of animals with her artistic abilities, Breanna creates and prints bright animal designs on mugs, caps and T-shirts, as well as taking custom orders.

Her mum Nicole said Breanna has always known that she wanted to do something with her artistic talents.

“Breanna loves to draw animals. She has an eye for the finer details and will spend hours getting her designs just right. She especially loves using her computer for digital drawing and animation. It has been so rewarding for her to be able to combine her interests and skills and turn them into a small home business,” Nicole said.

Therapy Focus supported Breanna to apply for a Variety Scholarship so that she could purchase the necessary equipment to set up ‘Breannimals’.

“Breanna’s therapist encouraged us to apply for the Variety WA scholarship because she recognised Breanna’s talent and ability. She supported us with writing the application and guided and encouraged us throughout the entire process. Therapy Focus has always encouraged us to work to Breanna’s strengths and allow her to develop and use them as much as possible,” Nicole said.

Although it’s still early days, Breanna and her family are thrilled with how the business is progressing and it has become quite the family affair.

“Breanna has just set up a Facebook page and customer orders have started coming in. She received several order requests around Father’s Day and she handled the pressure really well,” Nicole said.

“She has the full support of her family as well as her church community. We are all incredibly proud of Breanna’s achievements and everyone has been more than happy to do their part. It’s been a really rewarding experience.”

Nicole said making the transition from high school to employment can be overwhelming and scary, but has the following advice for parents in a similar situation.

“Find the things that bring your child joy, consider their strengths and talents, and together you can come up with amazing things. A small home business may not make a lot of money but it brings things far more valuable; purpose, education, a sense of inclusion, creativity and opportunities to connect with others. Start small, but think outside the box. It can be a beautiful thing!”

Now that she is a business owner, Breanna has started saving for a trip to Bremer Bay and is hoping to realise her dream of seeing Orcas.

To view and order Breanna’s designs visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/breannimals