Meet the Canberra mum helping struggling families at home and abroad with a bit of TLC

详细摘要

Micaela Centenera says it's important families don't feel shame in financial struggle.

When asked about mothers experiencing poverty, Micaela Centenera explains one thing: "It's not who you think." She has seen more and more families struggle and believes the cost-of-living crisis is a major factor.

"They look like they're doing really, really well, and they come in and they're like, we are struggling to put food on the table this week, we are struggling to clothe our kids, we're struggling to buy a school uniform."

Mrs Centenera's first-hand account was born of extensive work supporting local families. Her work has now been recognised by the Australian of the Year Awards. ACT Local Hero for 2027 is only a small part of her growing legacy of impact.

One of her biggest projects has been The Little Capsule Co, a store providing affordable children's clothing to Canberra families. She founded the enterprise, also known as TLC, with business partner Jane Stagg in 2024.

"Once I had my son, I realised how quickly they go through clothes and how expensive kids' clothing can be ... when Jane also had her little one a few years later [she] said the same thing."

TLC is described as a "circular economy". They keep children's clothing in circulation by allowing parents to donate items that their own family has outgrown. These clothes find a new family and parents receive credit to shop the next size up.

Mrs Centenera said many moments at TLC have stuck with her. She's given emotional support to parents experiencing particularly rough days and believes these opportunities are all the reward they need. She also described the joy of seeing their business model make an impact.

"They send us photos of [babies] in their little outfits and then they bring their outfits back in once they've outgrown them, and another family gets them."

Dignity is another important factor for the co-owner. She curates TLC's in-store stock and aims for high-quality items. She describes the store as a boutique shopping experience, saying it's important that families don't feel shame in financial…

文章开头，摘自The Canberra Times。如需阅读全文，请前往媒体网站。