Hello there! 👋 I’m Michelle, a local business owner and mum of three. Growing up in the Inner West now living in the East, I’ve always had a deep rooted connection to community and creativity. My husband is a builder and I was an industrial designer who later gained a teaching degree. When our second child was 3 we moved to the East and haven’t looked back. Our children are now 21, 19 and 13. With our youngest now more independent, I’ve been able to indulge in some of my favourite hobbies like dancing, going to the beach and working on new projects.

I’ve always loved working and keeping busy but when our first daughter was born, I found myself dissatisfied with the daycare options available at the time, so I decided to start one of my own. All Star Learners in Botany has been nurturing and educating countless children for 17 years. This then extended to a before and after school service, Star Club, which has been supporting families for over 12 years. As you can imagine, there’s been lots of challenges which come with running education services and small business, yet I’ve been blessed to work with a phenomenal team – couldn’t have done it without them (and a super-supportive family!)

As a teacher, a mum and a manager, I’ve always been drawn to thinking creatively. Throughout my journey, this skill helped me approach challenges from innovative angles and empowered me to use ‘out-of-the-box’ problem solving. 

As a result, I had a vision for a place that could empower others to think and learn creatively and bring people together for a purpose. So, at the end of 2021 we opened The Brightspace, an education and creative hub in Botany. Think one-to-one and group tutoring, art classes for adults and children, birthday parties, events and even team building, that’s what we do.

It’s a really positive, warm, safe and friendly learning environment. Our tutors and art instructors are a talented group of people who want to share their love of learning too. We are all about growing confidence, learning new skills, facilitating human connection and making everyone’s day better and brighter!

Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?

We lived in the east since 2007, first in botany then La Perouse

Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?

Coastal – Community – Natural beauty

How many children?

Three

Favourite Park?

Booralee Park in Botany holds countless memories of my kids playing there as they grew up

Favourite Beach?

Congwong and Coogee

Favourite kids friendly cafe?

Botannix, Benzi’s, Cosi Nero, Botany Buzz 

Favourite Coffee Spot?

I can’t zone in on just one favourite, so I share the love between the above cafes, plus Croquembouche and Bik’s

Favourite date night place?

A bike ride and picnic near a beach

Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?

Would like to try more restaurants and bars in Bondi 

What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?

More live music, more arts & dancing, some outdoor entertainment perhaps

Favourite Local Shop?

Botany Fresh for produce and Amisa in Botany have unique gifts

Favourite wet weather location?

Latin Junction dance studio

Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?

Having older children who ‘have their own life’, anytime I get with all of them is my favourite! Something as simple as a meal, walk, family get-together with all 3 of them is a special!

Work or SAHM?

Work

Motherly advice?

Cherish each day..we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Remind your kids you’re there for them and it’s okay to ask for help.

Website: www.thebrightspace.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebrightspacelearning

Instagram: @thebrightspacelearning


by jay