In this episode of Karratha Chronicles, I sit down with Jade, co-owner of Soak Café in Dampier — a true coastal gem that began with nothing but a credit card, courage, and a leap of faith.

Jade shares how she and her partner Aart moved from Tasmania to the Pilbara, swore off hospitality forever, and somehow ended up building one of Dampier’s most loved local cafés. From starting with a humble coffee van to opening Soak in 2019 — just 11 months before COVID and Cyclone Damien — their story is one of resilience, risk, and raw determination.

We dive into:

The leap from stable jobs to starting a café on a credit card.

Surviving a cyclone and the pandemic as a brand-new business.

Lessons in running a business, managing staff, and staying positive through uncertainty.

The community spirit that helped Soak grow.

Why Dampier feels like home — and why it’s “an Eggs Benedict” kind of town.

If you’re chasing inspiration, love small-business stories, or just want insight into what it takes to turn risk into reward, this episode delivers.

Listen, like, and subscribe to Karratha Chronicles — real stories from the Pilbara, told by the people who live them.