When Shasta Stevic made the bold decision to leave her secure career as an employment lawyer, she had no idea it would lead her to the small screen. This month, the founder of Montue Restorations will share her inspiring transformation story on 10's new series 'Start Me Up', which premiered on Saturday June 28th.
When Passion Calls, Sometimes You Have to Answer
Shasta's story begins in a place many of us know all too well: burnout. After years of working in the legal sector, she found herself exhausted and unfulfilled, searching for something that would truly ignite her spirit. What started as a weekend furniture restoration course became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.
"I genuinely didn't know that I could wake up looking forward to going to work," Shasta reflects. "It's such a joy to be in the workshop, and I feel more like me than I ever have because I'm doing something I feel so connected to."
That connection led her to apprentice under a master restorer, and today she operates from the very workshop where she learned her craft. Her business name "Montue Restorations" pays homage to the Monday-Tuesday schedule she kept while mastering her skills – a reminder of those early days when she was building her expertise while transitioning from her legal career.
From 18th-Century Treasures to Rolls Royce Interiors
Today, Shasta breathes new life into time-worn artifacts, each piece telling its own story. Her work spans from investigating the provenance of 19th-century campaign chests to restoring Rolls Royce interiors and yacht woodwork. It's meticulous, patient work that requires both technical skill and historical understanding – qualities that have helped her carve out a unique niche in the restoration world.
But like many entrepreneurs making the leap from employee to business owner, Shasta discovered that passion alone isn't enough to build a sustainable enterprise. That's where her Asuria Business Mentor, Ray Jopling, came in.
The Power of the Right Mentor at the Right Time
Ray, who brings extensive experience in accounting, was able to provide Shasta with the business guidance she needed to turn her craft into a profitable venture. Their partnership, which will be featured on 'Start Me Up', a new two-part series for 10 , powered by Asuria, demonstrates the transformative impact of the Self-Employment Assistance program's mentoring component.
Shining a Light on Australia's Best-Kept Secret
Shasta's television debut is part of something much bigger. 'Start Me Up', hosted by influencer and small business owner Liv Phyland, aims to showcase the incredible support available through the Self-Employment Assistance program – what Liv calls "one of Australia's best kept secrets."
The show doesn't just tell Shasta's story. Viewers will also meet:
Each story demonstrates the diversity of businesses that can flourish with the right support and mentoring.
Your Business Dreams Don't Have to Stay Dreams
Shasta's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur is proof that with the right support, self-employment isn't just a dream – it's entirely achievable.
Whether you're feeling stuck in your current career like Shasta was, or you have a business idea that's been percolating for years, you don't have to go it alone. Asuria’s experienced Business Mentors are here to guide you through those challenging early years and help you build something meaningful and sustainable.
Watch Shasta's inspiring story on 'Start Me Up' this Saturday July 5th at 2:00pm on Channel 10. The full series will also be available to stream on 10.
And if Shasta's journey has inspired you to explore your own entrepreneurial path, Asuria is here to help. Learn more about the Self-Employment Assistance program and discover how Asuria can support you in turning your business dreams into a new reality.
Start Me Up episode 2 airs Saturday July 5th at 2:00pm on 10.