Community & Business
1 April, 2026
New face on the block
FROM baking biscuits at home to sell at the markets to becoming a business owner at just 20 years of age only a year later, Hayley Nugent is wasting no time chasing her dreams.
Hayley is the newest face on the block on Atherton’s Main Street, since taking over the Milkmaid Cafe in mid-January, and she said her new venture had been very exciting.
“It’s been really good so far. I took it on because I thought it was a good opportunity,” she said.
“I saw the opportunity that’s in here and I know the potential that this place has, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a go? Life’s short’.”
Hayley agreed it was uncommon to be a business owner at such a young age, but she pointed out that two hairdressing businesses across the street were owned by 21-year-old and 20-year-old women as well.
“I feel empowered and excited, and lucky, to have this opportunity,” she said thoughtfully.
“But seeing these young girls across the road inspires me, because they’re doing so well as well. There’s also a lot of people supporting me, so it’s very encouraging.”
Hayley has already started putting her own personal touches on her new business and is looking to have a coffee window and expand the interior space for more furniture and seating.
She’ll also be adding more options to the menu, including her signature New York style biscuits, which was the catalyst for her wanting to find her own commercial space.
She would also be changing the name of the business to Dough and Co Cafe – after her ‘Too Good To Share’ biscuit business, HB Dough and Co.
“My original business is biscuits. I sell them at the markets, it’s called HB Dough and Co. I do about 10 different flavours, New York style,” Hayley said.
“And then we’ll lean towards gourmet sandwiches and toasties. I’ve seen some really nice, healthy sandwiches that I want to make.
“I think a lot of people up here are looking for something simple and healthy, where you can actually have it often, rather than it being a special treat you only have every now and then.”
Hayley has been making her own biscuits for more than a year now and even wholesales to local businesses. She also used to frequent the Yungaburra and Palm Cove markets where she often sold-out 500 biscuits.
“It was taking me all week (to bake) though and I was doing that from home, so I needed a commercial place to rent,” she explained.
On top of her cafe responsibilities, Hayley still works part time as a disability support worker and is also studying a Bachelor of Business with James Cook University.
She said her goal was to build a good reputation and create a welcoming space for customers.
“I guess I want to be known for something, like the toasties or my biscuits, and become a destination that people want to hang out at,” Hayley said.
“I love seeing people here – just relaxing, or studying, or working and sitting here for an hour or two – it’s really nice.”
Another new addition to her business space was a large, colourful mural painted by local artist and family-friend, Susan Bonaccorsi, who said she was very proud of the young lady.
“I’ve known Hayley through friendships with her mum and dad from way back,” Ms Bonaccorsi said.
“To see Hayley doing what she’s doing and to see the new energy that’s happening in Atherton, how could I not be excited and want to back it as much as I possibly can?”
She said her mural had been hand drawn from her imagination, inspired by her love of the Tablelands.
Hayley’s cafe is located at 46 Main St, Atherton.
