Friends quit corporate world to open Willetton café

By Ajay Jones From engineering and HR to running the new Six Willows café in Perth’s southern suburbs, Michelle Flanagan and E-von Lee-Arevalo are enjoying the challenges of owning a small business. The women left behind their corporate jobs to make the dream they had of owning a cafe with fresh food and delicious coffee a reality. “At first we didn’t realise small business would be so hard,” said Michelle. “But it’s definitely been worth it.” The corporate world was simply not providing the opportunities and rewards the women once hoped for. Michelle and E-von had ambitions to do something entirely different with their lives. “We just decided, yep let’s do it,” said Michelle. “Even though we aren’t earning as much money, it’s more fulfilling and satisfying.” Both women grew up in Willetton and felt the area needed an exciting local meeting place to enjoy a coffee and cake. Six Willows cafe opened on the 24^th July 2015 and is located in the heart of Willetton on Rostrata Avenue. Varga Reality is thoroughly enjoying having a café next door to their office. “Its been awesome to have such a friendly cafe just steps away from the office with delicious coffee,” said Nikki Varga. With the business in its infancy, the cafe is open every day and Michelle and E-von are managing to get just one rostered day off a week. “We knew our dream required sacrifices and compromises,” said Michelle. “Every day we’re learning and improving.” Six Willows is also a WA outlet for local Artesian gourmet food and wares.