Rachel - Rachel Titley
Rachel Titley is a fourth-generation South Australian farmer, business coach and the founder of SheFarmer, a business that helps rural women build and scale their businesses. She left the farm at 19 to become a police officer, and has moved between agriculture and people-centred work ever since.
Rachel is a mum of four daughters, two biological and two who came into her life through foster care, and a grandmother. She registered SheFarmer in 2012 and officially launched it in 2022. Today it brings together business coaching, events and services for rural women.
Never underestimate what one woman can change when she decides to invest in the people and community around her.
Hi Rachel! For those who don't know you, can you tell us a little about yourself and where you call home?
I'm a fourth-generation South Australian farming woman, mum of four daughters, grandmother, business coach and founder of SheFarmer. I live between the city and the regions, which probably reflects my personality rather well. I love the energy, creativity and opportunities that come with city life, but there is something about the country, the people, the landscape and particularly a beautiful mob of merino sheep that will always feel like home.
Family, faith, community and meaningful work are the threads that run through most of what I do. I'm naturally curious, love a good conversation and genuinely believe there is something to learn from everyone we meet.
You went from police officer and foster parent to founding SheFarmer. What led you there?
I'm a fourth-generation farmer, ridiculously passionate about sheep and wool, but equally passionate about people. I went off-farm at 19 to become a police officer and have spent much of my life moving between agriculture and roles centred around people, advocacy, leadership and community. I'm also a mum of four beautiful girls, two biological and two who came into my life through the foster care system.
I've been incredibly fortunate to have people recognise potential in me, open doors and invest in me at different stages of my life, often before I could see those possibilities myself. I always knew I wanted to pay that forward, particularly to women in agriculture and regional communities who have so much to contribute but don't always have the same access to opportunities, networks or support.
I registered SheFarmer in 2012 and officially launched in 2022. Today it encompasses business coaching, events and services that help rural women build and scale their businesses and navigate life and all the blur in between. At its heart, it's about people, possibility and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
What does living and working in country Australia mean to you?
For me, country Australia is about belonging, identity and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and places that have shaped us. Agriculture is much more than an industry; it's generations of knowledge, resilience, innovation and relationships woven into the fabric of our communities.
I love that regional communities have this extraordinary capacity to come together, particularly when things are difficult. And I think we sometimes underestimate the intellect, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity sitting quietly in rural Australia. I'm enormously proud to be part of it, and even more passionate about ensuring our women are recognised, supported and given every opportunity to flourish.
What's been your biggest challenge, and what got you through it?
Life has certainly given me a few chapters I wouldn't necessarily choose to repeat, both personally and professionally. Some of the greatest challenges have involved navigating significant change, loss and uncertainty while continuing to show up for the people who depend on me.
My Christian faith has been an enormous anchor through those seasons, particularly the understanding that our circumstances don't define our worth or necessarily determine what comes next. I've learned that resilience isn't simply about enduring difficult things; it's about allowing those experiences to deepen our compassion, strengthen our judgement and shape how we show up for others.
I'm also incredibly grateful for the people who have loved me, challenged me, prayed for me and reminded me of who I am when I've temporarily forgotten.
What advice would you give a young woman who wants to make a difference where she lives?
Start where you are, with what you have, and don't underestimate the significance of your contribution. You don't need a title, a platform or someone's permission to lead, and you certainly don't need to have everything figured out before you begin.
Be curious, ask questions, build genuine relationships and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Find women who are doing things you admire, learn from them and be generous in sharing what you learn with others.
Making a difference isn't always about doing something extraordinary or being the loudest person in the room. Often it's about consistently showing up, noticing where something could be better and having the courage and compassion to do something about it. Never underestimate what one woman can change when she decides to invest in the people and community around her.
What's next for you?
I'm really excited about continuing to grow SheFarmer and the opportunities emerging through business coaching, events and partnerships across regional South Australia.
I think there is an enormous opportunity to rethink how we invest in rural women, not simply as business owners or contributors to agriculture, but as leaders, innovators and people whose influence extends across generations.
For me, the next chapter is about taking everything I've learned through agriculture, business, community and life and using it to build and scale others, and to create something that has genuine, lasting impact. And hopefully spending plenty of time around sheep along the way!
What does it feel like to have a shirt with your name on it, and where will you wear yours first?
It's a little surreal, incredibly special and honestly quite humbling. I've spent much of my life championing other people, so having someone create something that celebrates me personally is a beautiful and rather unexpected experience.
I love that the Rachel shirt reflects the different worlds I've always moved between. I'm equally comfortable in a sheep yard, a boardroom or sitting around a kitchen table having a meaningful conversation, and I love that we don't have to choose between being capable, feminine, practical and creative.
As for where I'll wear it first, probably somewhere between a farm visit, a business meeting and a beautiful long lunch! I love a little country, a little corporate, a little creative and definitely a little girlie.
To learn more about Rachel and SheFarmer, follow @she_farmer on Instagram.
Shop the Rachel shirt
