"Shoot for the moon and if you hit a star along the way, well that's a bonus" is a saying Deborah Atkins has lived by for much of her life.
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The modified version of Norman Vincent Peale's quote "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" Deborah says her version of the quote has sustained her through the many ups and downs, tragedies and highlights of her busy and interesting 58 years.
Deborah, along with husband Ian own and operate the award winning family business Milligans Shower Screens and Wardrobes in Forster and Taree.
Renowned for its friendly, efficient customers service, along with Deborah's vibrant and energetic personality, the company was recognised for its unique qualities back in 2017 taking out the business of the year, excellence in customer service and excellence in trade in the Mid Coast Business Awards, after taking a regional award in the NSW Business Chamber the previous year.
The couple, Ian a career accountant and Deborah a trained home economics and textiles high school teacher - who has dipped her fingers into a variety of job descriptions mainly in disability services - bought the successful business in 2012 following 12 months of travel.
Too young to retire, they initially thought of childcare before Milligans came on the market.
And, with son David, a professional glazier, along with support from daughter Katherine, Milligans was a perfect fit.
He gave me that gift. It helped me get through.
- Deborah Atkins
Deborah said both she and Ian have very different skill bases and experiences in the business world.
"I am a dreamer, planner and creative, Ian is more realistic," Deborah said.
"I also love people, and I'm a problem solver."
The daughter of a carpenter, and at one stage an owner builder, Deborah could also be described as a fixer turning her hand at a number of home and work maintenance jobs.
Deborah also has lived by the adage, keep going because tomorrow is going to be better, a saying which has sustained her through personal tragedy, situations which were beyond her control, while at the same time enjoying good health, family and career success.
Perhaps the most painful was the death of her son Andrew at just 20 years of age.
"He was a vibrant, intelligent young man gone too soon," Deborah said.
Just three days before his death Andrew invited his mum to spend time together where they spent a memorable time enjoying one another's company.
"He gave me that gift. It helped me get through."
"And, I dug deep into my job.
While her happy place - sewing - was temporarily put aside, Deborah did meet Ian during her grieving, who also was coming to terms with heartbreak.
And, she was also able to draw on her faith to support her through these dark days.
Deborah has returned to her first love, sewing herself into a number of new projects putting together a range of COVID-19 face masks and creating a range of quirky, adorable 'bliss dolls'.
The soft, tactile dolls, which sell for $15, have also found their way to Sydney as therapy dolls.`
Besides her family and business, sewing has been her passion since she was five years old.
"As soon as I could operate a treadle (sewing machine); it just clicked with me."
Like many youngsters, Deborah made dolls clothes, especially Barbie creations.
'I love fabric, I love sewing, I love creating."
"You have one life, live and embrace it."
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
