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It’s not always easy to see the long journey undergone to achieve something - the dedication, commitment, emotion, knowledge, time and personality that goes into bringing it to life. Not much gives a better example of such a journey than the story of the company we have today, and the remarkable person behind it. With her knowledge of education, extensive experience combined with her passion for helping others, Kirstie Wishart has created a community that has helped thousands achieve their dreams, and here's how it all started...
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Kirstie received her Teaching Diploma from Wollongong University. She was head hunted for her first job at Campbelltown School, having been awarded High Distinction for Teaching Practicum. She later gained experience working with disadvantaged children in schools within low socio-economic areas, setting her sights on special education.
Having noticed the lack of specialised teaching resources, Kirstie had begun designing her own. Excited by the idea, her brother Cliff, also a teacher, jumped onboard to give her a hand. The garage of Kirstie’s family home was stacked high, full of their creations, which included magnetic learn aids, jigsaws and educational games.
Following the success of TPP, Kirstie joined forces with friend Karen as distributers of specialised educational resources, supplying parents, teachers and schools with creative new items. They both wanted a fun way to get beneficial products out to the community that needed them, the business being aptly named ‘Clever Possums’.
Having discovered a desire to help disadvantaged children, Kirstie - now with four sons in tow - went back to university to complete a Masters in Special Education. She focused on Dyslexia, Learning Difficulties, Special Education and Disabilities.
Prof Deslea Konza, who mentored Kirstie, offered her a lecturing position at the university immediately after she completed her masters. Her ability to talk about real life examples from her tutoring consultancy she was running meant Kirstie’s lecture room was always full, and she was subsequently awarded a University Teaching Award.
Having been drawn to foster care and helping disadvantaged children, Kirstie found new challenges working with out of home care through William Campbell College. Here, she was able to use her skills to help children suffering with learning difficulties to reach their potential.
Kirstie begins tutoring kids specifically from traumatic backgrounds, creating her own consultancy to help reach as many children as possible. She understood the need to approach education differently, and the importance of building relationships and trust in order to do so.
Inspired by her love for educational products and the need for a base for the consultancy business, Kirstie decided to open her own shop in Kiama - a dream of hers she had had for years. This would serve as a tutoring centre as well as being able to stock all the educational and sensory resources she needed.
By this point, Starfish had been able to help the lives of many young people. Customers from further afield were desperately asking for an online service where they could order products, and so the first website was created to distribute products within Australia.
The need for expansion was clear, so a solid branding for online and in store marketing was created. Kirstie wanted a brand that felt accessible to everyone, highlighting the support for those with or without disabilities - academic, social, emotional or physical.
As Starfish continued to grow and expand, there was a desperate need for a bigger space. As an inclusive store, Kirstie also wanted a shop she could equip with better disabled access. After lots of packing and unpacking, Starfish finally found it’s new home in Shellharbour, where we hope you’ll visit us very soon!
In 2022, Starfish was awarded the 'IWIB Best Small Business' for the IWIB woman in business awards 2022. Starfish was recognised for promoting awareness around creating accessible work places and retail spaces, and to also encourage everyone to consider offering open, inclusive and diverse employment opportunities.
Just what we needed then and now!
Having been a teacher, I always browsed and purchased educational products from the previous shop in Kiama.
Now, as a grandparent I continue to love to visit your expanded business. I am keen to view new toys or regulation products to support my grandchildren’s needs. I have always found your staff knowledgeable,...
NO.1 FAN FOR LIFE!
We came to Starfish for quality sensory and educational resources, we definitely got that! But we found something even better. An incredible team of happy, caring and supportive people who make us feel like family. They go above and beyond for each and every customer. I have to say their products, advice and support improve our...
40 Proprioceptive activities for the classroom. Simple and practical activities to incorporate Proprioceptive into the classroom. 16 A4 sheets to print for your classroom, therapy space or home.
