AN ADVERTISEMENT for a “bunch of camels with their equipment and a trailer” was enough to start 18 year old Romy Campbell-Hicks in business.
Dunsborough-based Ms Camp-bell-Hicks had just returned from an overseas holiday and started a degree in travel and tourism.
After seeing the ad, studies were deferred. A further six months training for four riding camels and Yallingup Camel Safaris was born.
Fully operational between October and March, the business offers beach rides on Smiths Beach during summer and bush rides during the slower winter months.
Sunset rides are the most popular and the camels can also be hired for fairs, fetes and functions.
Ms Campbell-Hicks’ marketing efforts are concentrated on distributing flyers at tourist attractions and accommodation venues throughout the South West.
“At present my target market is families but I see an opportunity to service other groups,” she said.
She has twice entered Operation Livewire, a competition that encourages people aged between 18 and 25 to establish their own business.
Ms Campbell-Hicks said it was a valuable exercise, encouraging entrants to write a business plan, attend a business course and be allocated a mentor.
