At 19, Kari Imer knows what it feels like to be stuck. Earlier this year, she was searching for work and struggling to find the support she needed. Then she found Troublesmiths, a youth social enterprise run by Workskills Tasmania, and everything began to change.
"Honestly, coming into the program, I just was feeling really stuck was looking for work and every person I was asking for help with resumes and stuff like I just wasn't getting anywhere," Kari said.
Kari joined Troublesmiths in February and completed the program between March and April before being invited back to help establish the organisation's new retail space in Hobart's Elizabeth Mall.
The former City of Hobart-owned information booth has now been transformed into a vibrant retail and community hub showcasing handmade, ethical and sustainable gifts and homewares created by young Tasmanians.
For Kari, the experience has been about much more than retail.
"It's such a great community of people trying to help young people. It's just so huge, honestly," she said.
Working in the booth has helped her develop confidence, teamwork and customer service skills. Each day begins with opening and preparing the store, followed by team-building activities designed to help young people connect and feel comfortable with one another.
Kari said the program has encouraged her to pursue a career in hospitality, helping her access training opportunities she may never have considered on her own.
"Troublesmiths has definitely encouraged me and helped me find other forms of training," she said.
The new booth also gives participants the chance to engage directly with the public in one of Hobart's busiest locations after being previously tucked away in Watchorn Street.
"I think it provides so much more opportunity than the last location, to be completely honest, with sales and stuff, and also getting more comfortable talking to people and being around more of the community," Kari said.
For Troublesmiths Youth Training Lead Megan Demme, that community connection is exactly what makes the new space so important.
"It was certainly more than just a new retail space for us because every purchase that's made here and every interaction really helps young Tasmanians," she said.
Troublesmiths runs a range of programs supporting young people aged 15 to 24 who may face barriers to employment. Through the social enterprise, participants gain experience in retail, product making, communication and customer service while building confidence and meaningful connections.
Ms Demme said 75 per cent of graduates move on to further training, study or employment, with many reporting a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.
"One of the main barriers is often mental health," she said.
"It's often just not realising their potential, not realising that they are capable of the things that they want and need to do."
An initial cohort of 12 young people will help operate the booth, which is currently open three days a week. Revenue generated through sales will be reinvested into programs that support training, skill development and pathways to employment.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the initiative was a perfect fit for the previously vacant booth.
"So I just think it's a win-win and it really does provide a place for young people to see that they can be part of the workforce and learn new skills."