Work Scene at 73 Edward Street

WITH OVER 140 YEARS OF HISTORY, THE QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF KALBAR, TUCKED AWAY IN THE SCENIC RIM, HAS WELCOMED TWO BRAND NEW BUSINESSES TO THE BEAUTIFUL 73 EDWARD STREET.

With massive chain retailers spreading like wildfire, small country town gift shops are far and few these days. Most shoppers now generally looking for large shopping centres sprawling with multiple retailers, small country towns are often forgotten. But in the small country town of Kalbar, one single shop now provides a destination for customers enabling the community to shop local and support small.

A pretty little gift and beauty shop, Elegance & Grace, owned by Sarah, and Empowered Soul, owned by Jade, met by chance after both spotting a ‘for lease’ sign in the shop window. After the landlord suggested the idea of sharing the shop space, the ladies took a chance and haven’t looked back since.

“We text each other, then met and discussed our businesses and signed the lease. Jade already had an online store but the dream of opening her own bricks and mortar store never diminished over the years. And I had always loved the beautiful gift stores in other tourist areas around the Scenic Rim and knew that I simply had to give my dreams a shot, and not just say ‘I wish I could’,” says Sarah.

Deciding to actually open up a brick and mortar shop and signing the lease would turn out to be the easy part. The following month became a race to fit out the entire store. They purchased and painted bookcases, sourced shelving and contacted local suppliers to start ordering stock. Sourcing locally made items was a high priority for Sarah and Jade.

“’Keeping it local’ was important not only to us but to help other small business to thrive in our local area. Then we were ready to open, and what can we say, the local support and encouragement was huge!” Sarah exclaims.

Sarah of Elegance & Grace offers a range of beautiful gift items and homewares for babies, children and adults. A one-stop shop for the perfect item for your home or for a loved one. Stocking not just your ‘normal’ gifts, Sarah has somehow sourced an amazing array or innovative items. From stainless steel ice-cubes to ‘swag bags’ for helping keep your fruit and veg fresher for longer, it’s hard not to leave the store without a bag full of loot.

Jade of Empowered Soul provides massages, tanning and nail appointments, along with a range of beauty and relaxation products, including DoTERRA Oils. Jade is a qualified aromatherapist and uses DoTerra oils to aid in her massages, whilst also offering consultations for patients who need a little extra help healing their bodies in a natural way. Her hilarious personality is an added bonus!

“After opening, we were thrilled when other local suppliers came into the store and showed us their creations and shared their talents with us. We have incorporated many more local suppliers into the ranges we currently stock, these include candles, leather work and wood-work items, barb wire creations and paintings.”

Every time I drop by their shop, I am amazed at the new range of products they have. With their merchandising on par with larger retailers, nothing feels the same as the last time I visited. I’m like a kid in a candy store walking around in circles. With a truly warm welcome and a big friendly hug that you normally wouldn’t get walking into K-Mart, these ladies feel more like long lost friends than two women husting to make a dollar.

So next time you’re in Kalbar, stop by and help support these fantastic local businesses. Better yet, shop small this Christmas!