In Episode 49 of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King sits down with Amee Dennis from Quentin Park Alpacas to explore how a drought, a curveball moment, and a willingness to say “yes” led to a thriving alpaca farming and fibre business in regional South Australia.

Amy shares how she went from knowing nothing about alpacas to building a fully paddock-to-product business – raising, caring for, shearing, designing, and selling her own alpaca fibre products. From handmade alpaca flowers to farm experiences, education programs, and a new farm stay, this episode highlights what’s possible when creativity meets resilience.

The conversation also dives into sustainable farming, ethical fibre use, working with animals instead of forcing them into industry standards, and how listening for opportunity (even when it looks like chaos) can completely change your business path. Amy also shares the personal challenges behind the scenes which included moving interstate, rebuilding after separation and starting again with momentum and purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a niche idea could really become a viable business or felt called to build something slower, more intentional, and deeply aligned – this episode will inspire you to trust the path you’re on.

What You’ll Learn in Episode 49

  • How Amy turned alpaca guarding animals into a full paddock-to-product business

  • Why alpaca fibre is different from wool and why sustainability matters

  • How creativity and necessity sparked a profitable product line during drought

  • What ethical farming looks like when you work with animals, not against them

  • Why saying “yes” before you know how can unlock unexpected opportunities

  • How farm experiences and education create deeper customer connection

  • The mindset required to rebuild and grow after major life and business changes

Guest: Amee Dennis

Amee Dennis: Farmer, Fibre Artist, Designer, and Hand-Papermaker

Amee Dennis is a creator, storyteller, and advocate for meaningful connections between people and the land. As a farmer, fibre artist, designer, and hand-papermaker, she combines creativity with modern innovation to transform raw materials into sustainable, authentic products that celebrate the raw beauty of the Australian outback.

At Quentin Park Alpacas and Studio Gallery, Amee produces exquisite handmade collections that showcase the beauty of natural fibres and encourage an appreciation for ethical, small-scale production. Her craft is not just a business – it’s a way to connect people to stories, landscapes, and the essence of what makes each product unique.

Amee’s journey highlights resilience and creativity, particularly in rural Australia, where environmental challenges require innovation and adaptability. Her work compels people to reconsider their relationship with the land and the products they consume, empowering them to make more conscious, sustainable choices.

A natural storyteller, Amee takes her community on a journey from the paddock to the product and beyond. Whether on the farm or in the studio, she brings passion, authenticity, and vision, always exploring new ways to connect people with the land and what it offers.

By sharing her journey and experiences, Amee inspires others to embrace life’s unexpected opportunities, seeing every challenge as a chance to grow and create something remarkable.

 

Find Amee:

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