
With Sharon Douglas
by Sam Regi

In this story session with Sharon Douglas, we traverse the heartfelt chapters of her life, outlining her journey from a compassionate daughter to a pioneering businesswoman. As the vibrant force behind Angels In Aprons, Sharon unravels stirring tales from her life, sketching a compelling story of tenacity, emotional intelligence, and deep-rooted love for her family.
Captured amidst the bustling background of Bowens Park, opposite the Royal Brisbane Womens Hospital (RBWH) in Brisbane, the vibrant symphony of ambient sounds not only grounds the story in reality, but also resonates with Sharon's affinity for energetic, lively spaces. As the narrative unfolds, Sharon demonstrates how her unique blend of business savvy and empathetic care ignited a transformative wave in the aged care industry.
This audio vignette is a testament to Sharon's indomitable spirit, and underscores her remarkable impact on the world of aged care.
Press play to listen to an extract from the conversation with Sharon.





“This [was] my idea - visit people in hospital as volunteers. So they called me the next day and they said, Can you come in? We ended up chatting for about 2 hours about this thing and it became the room visitor program,” Sharon Douglas.
How has your journey as a businessperson evolved over the years?
My journey has been quite a learning experience. I didn’t have formal education, but watching my mother was incredibly inspiring. She was a pioneer in many ways, running a fruit shop and innovating with dairy-free smoothies and what we now call Subway sandwiches. Her generosity meant she never really profited from her ideas, but her entrepreneurial spirit was a significant influence on me.
Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped your approach to business?
One pivotal moment was when my husband, who was managing the business’s accounts, had an accident while working on the roof. I was left to juggle everything, including managing the kids and dealing with his recovery. During that time, I noticed how many people in the hospital were without visitors. I had an idea to start a volunteer program to visit these patients, which led to the creation of the Room Visitor Program. It was a turning point in how I approached both my personal and professional life, blending my business experience with a passion for helping others.

Sharon Douglas at Bowens Park.
How did your experiences with the hospital influence the creation of Angels In Aprons?
A particularly moving experience with a patient named Mrs. Smith profoundly impacted me. She was grieving the critical condition of her son and asked me to hold his hand and convey her love. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality agreements, I was unable to fulfill her request, which left me deeply frustrated. This incident led me to envision Angels In Aprons as a way to provide compassionate support where it’s most needed, blending care with a personal touch.
What was the turning point that made Angels In Aprons a serious venture for you?
Initially, Angels In Aprons began as a passion project. The turning point came when I secured my first major customer and saw the business start to grow. By the fourth year, after making significant investments like buying an office, I realized the business was no longer just a hobby but a serious venture. The introduction of Consumer Directed Care in 2017 further solidified our approach and helped us stay aligned with industry standards, enhancing our reputation.
How did you transition from a small service to a recognized entity in the aged care sector?
The transition was gradual. Early on, I focused intensely on client satisfaction and providing exceptional care. Over time, as we expanded and adapted to industry changes, I noticed our reputation growing. It wasn’t until an inter-agency meeting and hearing from industry peers that I fully realized the impact Angels In Aprons was making. Today, we’re still highly regarded in the field, which is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence.