Mari-Mari-Ba resident Chevette’s baking business blooms

When Chevette moved with her 3-year-old son Davari into ATSICHS Brisbane’s housing facility Mari-Mari-Ba, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are experiencing housing insecurity, she didn’t anticipate that her passion for baking would blossom into a business venture. 

With the theme ‘Making Our Mark’ running strong throughout Indigenous Business Month (October), it’s a fitting time to shine a light on Chevette’s new business – Chev’s Creations. 

The Wiradjuri woman was born and raised in New South Wales on country and described herself as an ‘artsy kid’ who loved cooking with her dad and enjoyed studying hospitality and home economics. Soon after relocating to Brisbane while completing a hospitality program in her final year of high school, she learnt how to make layered cakes and ‘fell in love with baking.’  

“Getting to create this art that doesn’t just look good but tastes good was the best. From there I just started baking for my friends and family as a hobby. It started as cakes and I slowly branched out into other desserts and snacks.” 

Chevette and Davari are among the first families to call Mari-Mari-Ba home since the facility opened to residents in April 2024. She enjoys the quiet setting and has made friends with her neighbours. “I love it here. One of my neighbours has a son who is a similar age to Davari and they play together all the time.”  

It was Chevette’s gratitude to the housing team that became the catalyst for turning her love of creating beautiful cakes with ingredients like buttercream and chocolate into her very own business.  

She surprised the team with some of her favourite baked dishes to say thank you, which led to her being supported to initiate her own business plan and encouraged to explore opportunities. During regular meetings with her support specialist, Chevette set out her goals, along with a road map for achieving them and she is already receiving cake orders.  

Mari-Mari-Ba, meaning ‘butterfly place’ in the Yuggera language group, had its official opening in September and to mark the occasion Chevette made a stunning butterfly-shaped chocolate mud cake topped with Italian meringue buttercream and decorated with strawberries, macarons and gold-wrapped chocolates. 

Chevette said she is feeling inspired to build a future using her skills and passion for baking with love. “Moving forward, I’m excited to see what opportunities come to light for me and my business and I look forward to serving my community.”  

Check out Chevette’s Instagram @chevs_creationscc. Order inquiries are also welcome via Instagram direct message.