Katerine goes from classroom to creative enterprise

“Learning has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to stay up to date while challenging myself, and the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) felt right,” Katerine said.

What she didn’t expect to happen during her two nights a week of studying was rediscovering her creative passions and reshaping her professional future.

The evening classes allowed her to maintain her work and family commitments during the day while carving out dedicated time to learn and reflect.

“It was a really positive experience. Studying at night meant I could keep up with everything else in my life without neglecting my responsibilities.”

That balance gave her the space she needed to absorb new knowledge, while also reconnecting with long-held interests and ideas that had quietly sat in the background for years.

“TAFE’s learning environment helped me break out of routine, stimulating my mind and giving me a sense of empowerment through knowledge,” she explained.

From the very beginning, the classroom environment was energising. Her peers were supportive, positive, and quick to form connections, making group work feel natural and seamless.

The routine of coming together after a busy day created a sense of community, and the discussions sparked fresh inspiration, giving her a renewed sense of curiosity.

Her teachers also played a pivotal role in this transformation because they didn’t just teach - they listened.

“My teachers took the time to understand how I thought, asked questions about my interests, and encouraged me to explore my ideas. Their emotional intelligence and genuine care made the whole learning experience more personal and meaningful.”

Katerine quickly found herself reconsidering what she was capable of during a leadership style class discussion with her teacher, Dr Michael Hanzal-Bayer, where she realised that leadership wasn’t limited to a specific type of person with fixed traits. 

“I used to think leadership was only for certain kinds of people. But I realised leadership exists in many forms - and that we all have the capacity to lead.”

Discovering leadership is a skill that could be developed, adapted, and expressed in many ways. Her perspective shifted, and she realised she could lead, both professionally and in guiding her own creative direction.

At the same time, Katerine was beginning to reflect on her artistic talents - painting, cake artistry, and crochet. She loved them all but knew she couldn’t pursue everything at once.

Through conversations with her teachers and exposure to guest speakers at TAFE events, she gained the clarity she needed to focus on one path.

Crochet, something she had once shared with her grandmother, felt like the most authentic expression of herself.

“It still feels like magic to me, the way a single thread could be transformed into something expressive and full of character resonated deeply with me,” she explained.

With her decision made, she began applying her newfound leadership and management skills in real time.

Project planning helped her organise her production schedule; communication skills supported her interactions with suppliers and customers; strategic thinking allowed her to set clear goals and confront challenges with confidence. 

Lessons about technology and the modern digital landscape inspired her to research online platforms and ultimately launch her own online store.

Soon after, Love Crochet Australia was born - a collection of handmade jewellery shaped by colour, texture, and story.

“Love Crochet Australia began with a single hook and a spark of creativity. Every piece I make blends fibre art with fashion - lightweight, expressive, and designed to celebrate individuality. No two pieces are ever the same, because neither are the people who wear them,” she explained.

What had once been a hobby she shared with her grandmother quickly became a creative business built on structure, vision, and the confidence she developed throughout her studies.

Beginning her diploma, she sought to strengthen her leadership skills, and upon completion, she emerged with the confidence to turn her creativity into something tangible, sustainable, and uniquely her own.

Even now, her connection to TAFE Queensland continues. Her teachers still reach out, offer guidance, and encourage her to stay involved in events and networks.

“Their support extends beyond the classroom, and their genuine care means the world to me. Choosing to study at TAFE has truly been one of the most valuable decisions of my life,” Katerine concluded.