DOWNSHIFTING careers has paid a creative dividend, reports MAREE WALLACE

Gippsland's Angela Betheras displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.

As young as three, she was collecting seashells and selling them to her playmates to obtain money to buy Paddle Pops.

Her early career saw her climb the corporate ladder in the clothing and fashion industry, including as an international supply-chain manager.

But with a deep longing to return to her country roots, Angela turned her back on the corporate life and established her own alpaca stud on a 27ha property at Darnum, in West Gippsland.

She has transformed the stud into a tourism enterprise, Nickelby At Darnum, which incorporates a retail store, including the sale of body products, photography studio, gallery, outdoor cafe and olive grove.

The enterprise is a far cry from her earlier life.

"Life was too hectic," Angela says.

"All I wanted was to enjoy a country lifestyle that involved working with alpacas."

And it was this affinity with alpacas that ignited a passion for textiles.

"Alpaca fleece is so soft and luxurious. It's warmer and lighter than sheep wool and there's no prickle."

She stocks Australian-made alpaca coats, jumpers, scarves, throw rugs and quilts and is in the throes of designing her own range of alpaca accessories including bags and hats.

Angela does all the physical work.

"I grow the fleece, shear, process, spin, weave, knit, felt and sell. It has been a huge learning curve," she says.

"I've attended courses and workshops and I surround myself with people willing to share expertise."

Angela has not entirely left her corporate roots, however.

She is the first woman to be elected on the Lardner Park Events Committee and is current chair of Gippsland Gourmet Country Tourism.

Throughout March, the association is celebrating the fifth annual A Palate of Passions event in Gippsland, with Nickelby At Darnum hosting A Taste of Alpaca on March 21, which will include a fashion parade, live music and an alpaca barbecue.

If Angela's life was not full enough, aside from her work in tourism and alpaca craft, Nickelby provides a variety of other experiences, from agisting the creatures to learning how to farm them and using them for corporate training sessions.

"The principles of good leadership can be applied to alpacas. Just like people, they are all individuals with their own particular traits. Some need coaxing and convincing."

Angela is in the process of writing a children's book about her favourite four-legged animal.

"Alpacas all have their own personalities and I have some hilarious stories to tell," she says.

In her spare time, she can be found whipping up nourishing creams, moisturisers and soaps for her Angelique's Country Garden range of body products.

Ever one to recognise an opportunity, Angela has introduced a spinner's cream to her range and now offers pamper parties.

Photography is another component of Nickelby At Darnum.