Behind the counter is 21-year-old Elizabeth Jenkin, of Bassendean, dressed in vintage clothing and wearing an apron made from her great-grandmother’s tablecloth.
Wholesome food has long been part of her life.
Ms Jenkin’s career in the industry began as a 14-year-old dishwasher at the Darlington Estate Winery.
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READ NOWJust two years later and she was the winery’s apprentice chef, before completing her training at Jackson’s restaurant in Highgate.
Ms Jenkin said she was happy to discover her vocation away from school where she struggled with dyslexia.
‘When I was younger I used to be ashamed about being dyslexic and I had a tough time at school, but now I’ve opened my own business I’m comfortable with it,’ she said.
The aspiring entrepreneur opted for a change of direction in her career after attending a small business seminar in the CBD, followed by a visit to the Small Business Centre in Midland.
‘The people at the centre were incredibly helpful and supportive,’ Ms Jenkin said.
‘I told my parents (Colin and Tracey) about my idea and I said I would probably have to wait a few years, but they said, ‘why wait’?’
With her family’s support, Ms Jenkin opened The Little Deli in James Street last month.
Her father is especially proud of his daughter’s achievements.
‘She sorted out the loan herself; really I’m just blown away by what she has achieved and she’s so motivated,’ he said.
In the coming weeks, Ms Jenkin will launch her Dinners Done range of takeaway meals comprising homemade tapenades and other delicious dishes, such as Israeli couscous roasted vegetable and chicken salad.
The meals range will complement her range of locally sourced goods and produce, including oils from Toodyay and fudge from Gidgegannup.