‘Yura’ – it means ‘Hello’ in the Jandai language native to Quandamooka Country. This is where Elisha Kissick runs Yura Tours, a tourism company that offers First Nations walking tours of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
Inspired by the growing number of tourists flocking to Minjerribah in 2020, Elisha decided to swap her corporate job for something closer to her heart. “I had the chance to sit back and reassess my life,” says Elisha. “I wanted to spend more time with my family but I also wanted to make sure the history and stories of my Elders stayed alive.”
Now, she takes visitors on walking tours through the bushland, lakes and beaches of her island home, sharing ancient knowledge about how her ancestors, the Quandamooka people, lived in harmony with nature for over 25,000 years.
Here’s a peek inside her life as a founder and operator of a successful tourism business.
Elisha’s Daily Routine
Make Time for a Morning Reset
“A typical day starts with me trying to get [three] kids (daughters aged 18, 14 and 9) out the door to school! My morning is all about being a wife and a mother; it’s only after they go that I can really start on my work. I usually take a moment or two to ground myself before I pick up guests. I get my morning caramel latte and head to the waterfront to look for koalas and watch the ocean for half an hour in peace. I don’t want to be in a rushed frame of mind because then I won’t be able to be a good host and show them this beautiful country and culture.”
Set Aside the Afternoons for Admin
“I get back [from the tours] at around 2pm and that’s when all my admin begins. I sit in my big, black Officeworks chair and open my laptop to work on everything from answering emails from potential guests to marketing – which might involve liaising with Queensland Tourism – to making sure [our] social media is up to date, and of course invoicing and paying bills.”
Focus on Family and Personal Time
“I try to clock off by 5pm. After that it’s family time, which means dinner, homework, relaxing and then bed. It’s one of the reasons I do this job – I really value that work-life balance and the ability to recharge.”
Tips for Small Business Success
Find Staff Who Share Your Passion
“I am in the position now where I need to expand my team because I’m turning business away. You’ve got to make sure that you're putting on a person that has the same passion and the same beliefs that you have to make it succeed.”
Know When to Outsource
“At the start, I was doing my own expenses, taxes and things like that, but that’s not my high skill. I’m not a bookkeeper; I needed an accountant. Get somebody to do the business side of things so you can focus on what you’re really good at.”
Take Time for Yourself
“I can’t afford to turn up to my job in a bad mood. I have to have a smile on my face and be ready to share important cultural stories. I can’t do that if I don’t prioritise self-care. Having worked in mental health, I understand what it means to be burnt out. For me, that means only working during school hours, but for someone else it might mean making time to really switch off so you can be your best at work.”
Prioritise Key Relationships
“Whether it’s tourism bodies or guests or other businesses here in Minjerribah, it’s important to stay in touch and foster those relationships. I wouldn’t call it networking, but staying open and friendly is what helps you expand your business. It’s one of the reasons I have a five-star rating; making people feel like they matter is a huge part of what I do.”
Embrace Opportunities to Grow
“Last year, I was nominated to become Tourism Trade Ready [through the Australian Tourism Export Council] for [selling into] the international market. For my business to be recognised for its quality and authenticity was a real highlight. But it also means a steady income – I’ve got bookings right up until August 2026.”
Essentials for Running the Office
“I have my own space at home with my big chair, desk and laptop, and I also use paper and highlighters to map out my thoughts. I carry BIC pens on me all the time because you never know when you’ll need them. I use a printer for flyers occasionally, but most of my work is online.”
