FINER THINGS

A motorbike holiday in Vietnam took Felicity Nivison down a new road selling homewares and luxurious bedlinen through her store, Highland Living, in Uralla, NSW.

Wool has been the backbone of the Nivison family property, Mirani, at Walcha. Opposite page Felicity appreciates fine fibres — from fleece to pure cotton and linen.

“YOU DON’T KNOW my mother.” Tom Nivison, the determined 17-year-old speaking these words, had just been told that his mother was unlikely to recover from the most severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome seen in Tamworth Hospital, in northern New South Wales.

“I was determined to get better,” recalls his remarkable mother, Felicity, as she describes those terrible days five years ago. It was an experience that changed her attitude to life — and business — forever.

“I promised myself not to worry about the small stuff and to appreciate every day,” she says. “Life’s way too short. You need to get on with it.”

These are not idle words. Today, Felicity can be found most days at her Uralla shop, Highland Living, just over 30 kilometres from Mirani, a 1500 hectare sheep and cattle grazing property in Walcha, where she lives with her husband Hugh. Her typical day can include working with Australia’s leading decorators such as Adelaide Bragg and Anna Spiro on the bespoke linen she produces under the Letto Bello Linen label, or getting out the upholstery tools to finish a chair. And during August each year, don’t be surprised to find her at home helping to weigh the fleeces of the 8000 merinos that pass through Mirani’s woolshed.

We asked Felicity about her experiences running a successful business in a country town.

How did it all start?

I had always been interested in fabrics and textiles after I studied interior design in Brisbane, where I also worked for an interior designer. But in 2005 I went with my sister and a group of western Queensland friends on a motorbike trip to Vietnam. Hanoi has great shopping, and I discovered one shop with beautiful bedlinen that was not the scratchy fabric so many others offered.

The next morning, I was whisked away in the back of a car, with no idea of where I was going, to meet the owner and we agreed I could import her linen to Australia.

In the beginning, some things were difficult. I did think at times, “This isn’t going to work, it’s going to be too hard” — particularly when a doona cover came back with all the buttons down the side — but the linen was so good, I just kept trying.

What changes have you seen in the retail environment in the bush over the last five years?

In rural areas, times are good when we are having a reasonable season and locals spend money. But when the rain stops, we need to have towns open for trade on the weekend for the tourists who are out and about. Shops in our region have come and gone, but at the end of the day retailers who are offering great customer service, individuality and quality will survive. My customers don’t want mass produced and they all want to know about a product’s provenance.

There has been an increase in online sales, but many people still want to touch a product before they buy. Buy from the Bush has been great for bush retailers, making city customers more aware of what there is on offer beyond the Great Divide!

Tell us about where you live.

Mirani was originally part of the Ohio run at Walcha and was purchased by my husband’s great-great-grandfather in 1840. It has been in the family for five generations, with our children, Zoe and Tom, being the sixth generation. It’s now a sheep and cattle property with a 750mm average rainfall. We have a fine wool merino stud and a commercial merino flock, and along with a commercial Angus herd we background cattle for feedlots. We have improved pastures, with the first aerial spreading > of super phosphate in Australia occurring on Mirani in 1950 from a Tiger Moth plane now housed in the museum in Walcha.

What is it like juggling farm life with an off-farm business?

We have a manager on the farm these days as Hugh and I both have off-farm work. Hugh is managing director of Agricultural Business Research Institute, a company based in Armidale providing agribusiness software to the breed societies.

Any key moments? The good ones and the not-so-good ones!

Five and a half years ago I had a very severe case of GuillainBarré syndrome after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. I was totally paralysed, unable to blink, intubated and could only communicate by moving my eyes.

My family was told it was unlikely I would survive, but I had great support from my family and friends and a wonderful team in ICU — my husband was under pressure to have me moved to Sydney, but I’m so glad he didn’t. A very dear friend put together a spreadsheet to make sure I had a visitor every day and that was so important. Then, after 100 days in Tamworth ICU, I went to Sydney for a month of rehabilitation to learn to walk again.

On another note, we often have city people come into the shop that ask how we survived during COVID. But COVID was nothing compared to the drought, especially for mental health in rural areas. It felt like it would never rain again, but then the heavens opened on Christmas Eve and our Christmas wishes were answered. The thought of looming dry times is terrifying, as the last drought is still haunting us.

Tell us something people may not know about your business?

I am very proud of the fact my pure cotton and pure linen bedlinen is made in Vietnam by rural women in a province south of Hanoi. I love going to the village where the skilled women do the embroidery, working from home or gathering as a community to work together. It is then sewn, washed and finished by a small group of women in Hanoi, several of whom have been there since my first visit in 2005.

The women in Vietnam who I work with are skilled hand embroiderers using traditional methods on the small hoop. I send them a copy of a wedding invitation and they will replicate the exact monogram design, either on bedlinen or table linen. It’s a wonderful wedding gift.

Advice you would give to others starting out?

Make sure you have a quality product and offer good customer service. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What’s next?

Recently I had a trip to Portugal where I spent some time researching the famous linen district in the north near Porto. Their product is very different to the Vietnamese bedlinen and I have my first shipment arriving this month. I have a fabric agent I have known for many years and she is now representing LBL and showing the product to designers who require custom bedlinen for their projects — so these are exciting times. g Highland Living is at 68 Bridge Street, Uralla, NSW. For more information, telephone 0412 885 855 or visit highlandliving.com.au

Clockwise, from top left “You don’t know my mother,” said son Tom, when told that Felicity’s recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome was unlikely; guinea fowl; the Nivisons’ stud comprises 1500 hectares and carries 8000 merinos; part of the sprawling homestead at Mirani. Opposite page Felicity says memories of the last drought still haunt her.

From The Source

We’ve compiled a list of some of the our favourite shops around the country.

54 31 Collective

With its name inspired by the postcode of Orroroo in the southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia, this not-for-profit enterprise is run by the community, for the community, to provide rural creators with links to a platform to showcase locally made quality products and services without the overheads of having their own shopfront. This business also hosts events and workshops, offering a free space to encourage the community to gather together and connect.

9 Second St, Orroroo SA; 0411 042 282; 5431collective.com.au; @5431_collective

Akubra

This Kempsey-based iconic hat company, Akubra, offers a range of handcrafted hats, bags, belts and accessories. 1800 258 272; akubra.com.au; @akubraofficial

Annandale Trading Co.

Founder Jenna Brook is a born and bred local of Birdsville in outback Queensland and has curated a collection of Australianmade products, partnering with creators who care about the environmental footprints of their goods.

65 Adelaide St, Birdsville Qld; (07) 4656 3236; annandaletradingco.com; @annandaletradingco

Anneva

A shopping destination offering beautiful Australian fashion labels for a versatile wardrobe, all of which are hand-picked by owner Sheri.

255 Main North Rd, Clare SA; 0407 074 716; anneva.com.au; @annevaboutique

Atore

A beautiful collection of homewares, jewellery, linen, beauty products and much more.

9 Beauval St, Wilmington SA; 0427 822 775; @atorehomewares

Bec Fing Designs

By day, Bec Fing is a business consultant living in Goondiwindi, Queensland. By night, she is a side-hustling artist who loves colour, feminine designs and all things beautiful. She creates bespoke homewares and gifts, all featuring original designs. becfingdesigns.com.au; @becfingdesigns

Birdsnest

Based in the country town of Cooma in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, the Birdsnest mission is to solve women’s wardrobe dilemmas with personalised styling advice, express delivery, outfit inspiration, above-andbeyond customer service, lifetime returns and a vast range of brands and sizes for all body shapes, both online and in store.

232 Sharp St, Cooma NSW; 1300 696 378; birdsnest.com.au; @birdsnestonline

Black Colt Clothing

Based in remote outback Queensland, this small rural business is owned by Katie Hennessy, who designs quality, stylish and affordable country clothing blackcoltclothing.com; @black_colt_clothing

Black Swan Bookshop

Based in New Norfolk, Tasmania, Black Swan Bookshop is a wonderful tiny store packed wall to wall with an incredible selection of books, as well as coffee.

11 Stephen St, New Norfolk Tas; 0459 279 011; blackswanbookshop.com.au; @black_swan_tasmania

Brisk Trading

A collection of lovely items for you, your home, and the people in your life. Whether you need a gift for a friend, a new mother or perhaps you just want to buy something nice for yourself, Brisk Trading has something for everyone.

106 Bradley St, Guyra NSW; 0427 321 850; brisktrading.com.au; @brisktrading

Bush Mits

Made by a woman in the bush, these sun-protection gloves provide UPF 50+ protection and extra comfort during long days in the saddleyards, or garden. These gloves are designed to protect you from whatever your day throws at you. bushmits.com; @bushmits_

By Banks

Discover made-to-measure and couture pieces designed and made by Kate Banks, owner of this bespoke dressmaking business, By Banks. bybanks.com.au; @_by.banks

Crossdraw Country Co.

Providing country clothing for the whole family, this boutique store is filled with quality western-inspired products. 4/109 Palmerin St, Warwick Qld; 0427 262 113; crossdraw.com.au; @crossdrawcountryco

Draft & Co

Based in Julia Creek, Queensland, Draft & Co offers unique Australianmade designs for men and women. 0427 421 959; draftandco.com.au; @draftandco

Dumble Collective

Dumble Collective is an Australian bush business with small-batch productions. They create classic timeless feminine fashion and jewellery. 0429 897 999; dumblecollective.com.au; @dumble_collective

Ello Botanicals

Ello Botanicals creates all-natural Tasmanian facial oils to nourish, inspire and restore — adding a touch of luxury to your everyday routine. 0415 814 529; ellobotanicals.com; @ellobotanicals

Fancey’s Out West

A beautiful little boutique in the outback, where country styling meets modern trends in stunning outfits and leathergoods.

109 McDowell St, Roma Qld; 0448 190 059; fanceysoutwest.com.au; @fanceysoutwest

Fig & Co

Owned by rural mum Bec Nicholls, this gift and homewares shop stocks a diverse range of Australian-made products, and is home to beautiful artworks by a number of talented Australian artists.

224 Sheridan St, Gundagai NSW; figandco.com.au; @figandco_

George the Farmer

Founder Simone Kain creates fabulous storybooks, music and educational resources that inspire kids to learn about agriculture. She has recently opened a shop in Penola, South Australia.

52 Riddoch St, Penola SA; 0419 832 026; georgethefarmer.com.au; @georgethefarmerau

Gidgee Eyewear

Named after one of the toughest acacia trees in rural Australia, Gidgee Eyewear was created for equestrians of all disciplines and all Australian outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique eyewear solution to combat Aussie conditions.

(07) 5533 8066; gidgee-eyes.com; @gidgeeeyewear

Glerups

From boots and shoes to slippers, glerups offer stylish footwear made from 100 per cent pure wool. The natural benefits of wool — breathability and temperature regulation — make them cosy and comfortable.

021 453 784; glerups.co.nz; @glerups_nzaus

Goondiwindi Cotton

This family-owned and locally operated label in Goondiwindi, New South Wales, is built on old-fashioned principles synonymous with people in the bush, the business offers a quality clothing collection specialising in natural fibres.

(07) 4671 5611; goondiwindicotton.com.au; @goondiwindicotton grampiansgoodsco.com.au; @grampians_goods_co

Grampians Goods Co.

Based in Victoria’s Grampians region, Amanda Cochran founded GGCo. in 2016, offering a range of recycled wool tartan blankets, organic bath and body products, Australian-made goods and luxury gifts.

Greenwood Designs

Specialising in stylish accessories for all occasions, founder Kate Greenwood designs bright, fun and functional accessories with wearability and style. 0488 937 243; greenwooddesigns.com.au; @greenwooddesigns

Gringa Denim

Previously working alongside her husband on their rural Queensland cattle property, Niki Fitzgerald founded her fashion business after becoming a mum. Her aim is to design quality, timeless pieces for women. gringadenim.com; @gringa_denim

Hawkes General Store

Located in Orange, New South Wales, Hawkes General Store is the epitome of regional style. They have been operating for more than 40 years and their range of boutique fashion and homewares is full of colour and vibrancy. 46 Sale Street, Orange NSW; (02) 6362 5851; hawkesgeneralstore.com.au; @hawkesgs

Highland Living

In the vibrant community of Uralla, northern New South Wales, Highland Living stocks a range of high-quality bedlinen and homewares including Lello Bello Linen.

68 Bridge St, Uralla NSW; 0412 885 855; highlandliving.com.au; @highland.living

Hillside Harvest

From late November through to May, Hillside Harvest offers a pick-your-ownfruit experience alongside its farm store and café in the Orange region of New South Wales. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local harvest hampers or grazing boxes.

1209 The Escort Way, Borenore NSW; (02) 6365 2247; hillsideharvest.com.au; @hillsideharvest

Homegrown Kids

Founder Emma Hawkins created Homegrown Kids because she craved practical, comfy clothes that still look adorable for her two baby daughters. homegrownkids.com.au; @homegrownkidsau

Hope & Co

Hope & Co is a creative brand founded by Sarah Hope, with a focus on handcrafted small batch ceramics and prints, and a curated selection of homewares.

270–272 Gray St, Hamilton Vic; 0402 431 331; hopeandco.com.au; @_hopeandco_

Inky & Moss

A fun little store filled with gifts, fashion, home and beauty products. Everything is bright, happy, beautiful and hand-picked.

54 Wyndham St, Roma Qld; (07) 4622 3455; inkymoss.com.au; @inkyandmoss

Intuition of Lockhart

A unique collection of beautiful homewares, clothing and gifts. Leonie Golder started the business in 2006, and her love of travel and anything different brings an exciting selection of items to the New South Wales country town of Lockhart.

129 Green St, Lockhart NSW; (02)6920 5592; intuitionoflockhart.com; @intuition_of_lockhart

Iris & Wool

Founder and rural mum Emily Riggs designs beautiful 100 per cent Certified Australian Merino Wool knitwear, as well as denim and accessories, from her home on a sheep farm in South Australia.

10 Market Square, Burra SA; 0433 716 509; irisandwool.com; @irisandwool

Ivy & Gus

Founder Lil Scolari produces bespoke, handmade leather pieces with a focus on timelessness and high-quality design. ivyandgus.com.au; @ivyandgusaustralia

Jumbled

Home for all things bright and beautiful, this Orange store is packed with everything from art to furniture and everything in between. All stock is hand-picked by Pip Brett and her team to bring style and beauty into your home.

33–35 Sale St, Orange NSW; (02) 6361 4447; jumbledonline.com; @jumbledonline

Just Country

Just Country is a distributor of internationally recognised brands including Ariat, Big Country Toys, Montana Silversmiths, Roper, Troxel Helmets, Sunbody Hats and their own range of work shirts. (07) 3711 8050; justcountry.com.au; @justcountryaustralia

Iris & Wool

Iris & Wool’s Emily Riggs has added a retail space to her successful fashion brand.

Why decide to open a shop?

It has always been a dream of mine to have a space to welcome people with beautiful things and a message of hope. When I was little I used to play ‘shop’ with my friends, setting up a pretend shop with a counter and cash machine.

Iris & Wool has outgrown the front room of our home: that room has been the warehouse, the social media studio, the packing zone and the designing arena. All between nappies, wool, kids, toys and the farm.

Now we have a space and place to showcase Australian merino wool and to offer incredible customer service in regional South Australia.

You will notice photos and iris flowers around the store. My beautiful mum is in those. She was a lover of local stores as well as fashion. I remember her wearing the Burra-born label, Saltbush. My husband said, “Never employ anyone or open a shop”, but whoops, I am doing both. I know he is thrilled for me and can’t wait to have his house back to being a home.

What will the new store offer customers?

People are becoming increasingly conscious of their spending and, when purchasing luxury items, they want to touch and try and feel the quality in real life. In the new store they will be able to do that. We hope to offer that extraspecial customer service you don’t receive when purchasing online.

I think today it’s so important to have a human connection: people want to buy from people. They want to know the back story of the brand. We’re doing it in our home town of Burra with the flagship store.

Katie B

This boutique, based in Central Queensland, has something for everyone with a unique combination of Western fashion and classic styles selected from fashion hubs across the United States.

128 William St, Rockhampton Qld; 0432 428 363; katieb.com.au; @katieb.com.au

Kent Saddlery

Established in 1988, this Australian family saddlery business sells quality saddles and leather products, handcrafted in their Queensland workshop.

25798 New England Hwy, Stanthorpe Qld; (07) 4681 4220; kentsaddlery.com.au; @kentsaddlery1988

Little Farmers

Eugowra-based farmer and photographer Kim Story runs this online store selling books, clothing and toys for little farmers. littlefarmers.com.au; @little_farmers_store

Little MeMe Designs

Little MeMe provides beautiful quality leather footwear for babies and children. littlememedesigns.com; @littlememedesigns

Little Spurs & Co

Husband and wife duo Vanessa and Trent Challacombe operate their online country-wear business from their cattle station near Capella in Central Queensland. With three kids under three, their growing family’s life on the land inspired the label.

0418 721 681; littlespursandco.com.au; @littlespursandco

Little Windmill Clothing Co

Founder Katie, a mum of four, runs her label from a beef cattle station located in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales, offering a range of unique and affordable clothing for kids.

0439 712 080; littlewindmillclothingco.com; @littlewindmillclothingco

Lou Webb Collections

A selection of hats, fashion, accessories and homewares suited to your lifestyle, regardless of where you live.

132 Dubbo St, Warren NSW; 0428 473 958; louwebbcollections.com; @louwebbcollections

Louenhide

This Brisbane-based fashion accessories brand was established by two friends, Heidi Bailey and Lou Kendall, 17 years ago. Louenhide create beautiful and functional handbags that don’t break the bank.

(07) 3356 5566 louenhide.com.au; @louenhide

Love Thy Farmer lovethyfarmer.com.au;

Owners Sarah and Melinda are from Wee Waa, Australia’s cotton capital and are both daughters of farmers. Their brand offers a beautiful range of clothing, sleepwear, hats, Liberty fabric, table linen and more.

@lovethyfarmeraustralia

Made of Fridays

Made of Fridays in Forbes, New South Wales, has a very curated selection of eclectic and fun goods and homewares. Mel Hoey, the owner, is also a graphic designer who manages her graphic design business from the store, and her eye for design and style is reflected in the range of products she has selected. She also has a fantastic selection of gifts for newborns and children.

97–99 Lachlan St, Forbes NSW; (02) 6851 6578; madeoffridays.com.au; @madeoffridays

Merchant Campbell

A homewares, garden and jewellery shop sourcing beautiful and unique pieces from home and aboard.

287 Comur St, Yass NSW; 0498 009 814; merchantcampbell.com.au; @merchantcampbell

Merry People

Comfy, versatile and stylish gumboots, designed with superior technology to keep your feet warm and supported. (03) 9000 0806; merrypeople.com; @merrypeople

Millwoods

This authentic bush-based business was founded by mum of three, Jane Robertson, who designs high-quality, ultracomfortable and stylish shoes for busy women. 0418 667 727; millwoods.com.au; @millwoods

Mink & Me

A regional boutique based in Coonamble owned by Lucy Moss, Mink & Me offers a wonderful collection of fun and fabulous items for you and your home, plus coffee!

2 Namoi St, Coonamble NSW; 0477 802 767; minkandme.com.au; @minkandme

My Shed Home

Louise Golden of My Shed Home in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, is a warm and welcoming hostess who is always happy to help when you pop into her shop. Her selection of homewares is stunning. She also loves to support local and rural businesses as a stockist.

108 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW; (02) 6921 3141; @myshedhome

Noss and Co

Featuring vibrant and colourful ceramics, owner Kristy Hawkins designs all Noss pieces from her farm studio in Tasmania. 0428 838 716; nossandco.com.au; @noss_and_co

Merchant Campbell

Merchant Campbell opened the doors to its eclectic collection in 2017, to showcase Margot Shannon’s love of travel and exotic homewares. Six years later, it has become a destination store attracting visitors from far and wide to the town of Yass, NSW.

When did you start your business and why?

Chris and I opened the shop in August 2017. I’d had 12 months off after leaving my previous job as an electorate officer. I’ve always loved handmade items and had a fascination with other cultures and traditions. My grandmothers, mother and mother-in-law were all wonderful stitchers and embroiderers, so I think I really appreciated the time and effort that goes into making something beautiful.

It took me about six months to work out what I wanted to do, and then six months of preparation and planning before I opened the shop. I used all the facilities available to give assistance to people starting businesses from the state government’s Service NSW.

I wanted to combine the rising interest in knowing the provenance of what you eat, wear and use with my love of history, languages, other cultures, travel, interiors and beautiful things and my thirst for knowledge about how people live, what drives them and how things are made.

I’ve always liked having an off-farm income, something that wasn’t reliant on rain, markets, interest rates and the Australian dollar from an export point of view. Plus, I love retail and I love meeting people and I love shopping.

What was your first sale?

It was the large, vintage pressed-metal ceiling panel behind the counter in the shop, which came from an old haveli (estate) in Jodhpur, India. It was so funny, because when we’d unpacked it from our first container, my husband, Chris, had commented that it would never sell: “Who’d want that?” he’d said. (It must be noted here that our whole house is pressed metal and he just couldn’t see the beauty in a pressedmetal ceiling panel.) Anyway, when the customer said she’d like to buy it I was thrown into a state of excitement mingled with equal amounts of anxiety and nerves — I couldn’t work out how to use the credit card machine or how I was going to get the piece off the wall, as it had taken a considerable effort to get it up there and it had only been installed for a matter of hours! In the end we had to ask the customer to please come back later after we worked out how to take her money and found some muscles to get it off the wall!

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself about starting out?

Believe in yourself. Don’t question your ability to do this. Stop being ageist about yourself. Don’t think that just because you’re over 50 you can’t reinvent yourself and find a job that can fulfil your needs, employ you and other staff, and be successful. Just pull up those big girl pants and walk into it. I can say to myself now, “Look! You did it!” and that’s fantastic.

Oak + Bay

This lifestyle store in Ballarat, Victoria, provides unique but practical fashion, jewellery and accessories for rural women. 420 Sturt St, Ballarat Vic; 0432 248 422; oakandbay.com.au; @oakandbay_store

Outback Linen Co

Owned by a rural mother, this label offers organic linen clothing and homewares from the bush. The unique patterns and fits are built to withstand busy lifestyles. outbacklinen.co; @outbacklinenco

Paint Me White

Sandy Palmer sold Paint Me White, a second-hand and upcycled furniture store in Bonogin, Queensland, and moved to Tenterfield, New South Wales, where she opens her pop-up store on Saturdays. 350 Rouse Street, Tenterfield NSW; (0408 276 762; paintmewhite.com; @paintmewhite

Pearle Boutique

Established in 2013, and situated in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, Pearle Boutique stocks a beautiful collection of rural Australian brands such as Peter Bill, Iris & Wool and more.

44 Gawler St, Mt Barker SA; (08) 8391 0398; @pearle_boutique_

Peggy & Twig

Founder Emily Quigley showcases the luxury and classic nature of pearls in a contemporary form, designed and handmade in central New South Wales for all to enjoy.

17 Dandaloo St, Trangie NSW;, 0400 940 649; peggyandtwig.com.au; @peggyandtwig

RB Sellars

This Australian-owned brand offers a range of functional and hardwearing workwear for men, women and kids, plus a collection of casual wear that’s also easy to care for and comfortable. 1300 727 355; rbsellars.com.au; @rb_sellars

Rebecca Hutchinson Art rebeccahutchinsonart.com.au; @rebecca.hutchinson.art

This Riverina artist wears many hats: wife, mum, artist, nurse. Rebecca’s been making art since she was young and loves to create heartfelt works.

RM Williams

Iconic leather boots, purposeful accessories and timeless apparel, crafted for life. 1300 697 697; rmwilliams.com.au; @rmwilliams

Saddler and Co

Saddler and Co are makers of luxury leathergoods in Dubbo, New South Wales, where you’ll find their beautiful craftsmanship meeting modern-day life. 1a Sterling St, Dubbo NSW; 0419 496 834; saddlerandco.com.au; @saddlerandco

Salubrious Living

Carefully curated in regional New South Wales, Salubrious Living is a collection of homewares and beautiful goods showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of small Australian businesses. salubriousliving.com.au; @salubrious__living

Sarah Smith Artist

Raised on a sheep and cattle property at Nevertire, New South Wales, Sarah has an appreciation of the simple things in life. She creates pieces that magnify the beauty and detail of simple subject matter with a fine and precise watercolour style. sarahwatercolour.com; @sarahsmith__artist

SG Off Road

With great attention to detail, SG Off Road supply and install 4WD accessories to suit your needs. From vehicle-specific protection equipment such as bull bars, to camping and touring needs such as rooftop tents, recovery gear, swags and camp chairs, they have you covered.

2 Tilson Court, Leongatha Vic; (03) 5662 5554; sgoffroad.com.au; @sg_offroad

Simon the Potter

Simon lives on a beef property in central Queensland, creating beautiful pottery in his studio located on the farm. His stoneware ceramics are hand-thrown and no two pieces are ever the same. simon-the-potter.square.site; @simon_the_potter

Six Forty Five Outfitters

With a huge range of clothing, hats, accessories and wilderness equipment, Six Forty Five has something a little bit country for the whole family.

34 The Parade, Tumbarumba NSW; 6fortyfive.com.au; @sixfortyfive_outfitters

Sorority the Label

Founded by sisters Danah and Cara, this label offers organic cotton Liberty of London–print clothing for women. Drawing inspiration from the 145-year history of the iconic British designs, Sorority offers timeless styles that can be worn anywhere.

54 Wyndham St, Roma Qld; 0404 700 508; sororityclothing.com.au; @sorority_the_label

Spinifex & Co

Founder Kayde Lehman hand-designs luxury linen pieces that are simple, yet elegant, and all about celebrating femininity in the outback. spinifexandco.com; @spinifexandco.thelabel

Stampede Studio Co

Founded by Lucy Tanner in 2018 while she was living on cattle stations in North West Queensland, Stampede Studio offers beautiful handmade pearl jewellery for every occasion. stampedestudioco.com.au; @stampedestudioco

Stitched on the Station

Stitched on the Station creates muchloved embroidery pieces. Hand-stitched with love for the little ones in your life. @stitchedonthestation

Sunday Merchant

Based in Toowoomba, Sunday Merchant is a lifestyle store curated to represent the simplicity of weekends.

21 Bridge St, Mount Lofty Qld; 0409 332 211; @sunday_merchant_tbar

Tambo Teddies

Handmade from Australian wool, every Tambo Teddy is a unique and very special childhood friend.

17 Arthur St, Tambo Qld and 46 Water St, Toowoomba Qld; 1300 185 638; tamboteddies.com.au; @tamboteddies

The Kangaroo Belt Company

This Australian business offers high-quality hand-braided kangaroo leather belts, designed and crafted to last a lifetime.

0406 995 332; kangaroobeltco.com.au; @kangaroobeltco

The Malbon

At this unique retail collective in the heart of beautiful Bungendore, New South Wales, you’ll find antiques, homewares, art, artisanal products, a plant nursery and more.

2 Malbon St, Bungendore NSW; 0437 360 453; themalbon.com; @themalbon_bungendore

The Rural Trader

Vacant for over 70 years, the 1930s general store in Nevertire, New South Wales, has been converted into a boutique and café offering clothing, homewares and pantry goods, as well as amazing coffee for locals and travellers. 23 Clyde St, Nevertire NSW; 0437 453 475; theruraltrader.com.au; @theruraltrader

The Woolly Brand

Founder and rural mother Anna Brand designs Australian knitwear for kids that is gentle, durable and machine washable, made from 100 per cent Woolmark-certified Australian extra-fine merino wool. thewoollybrand.com.au; @thewoollybrand

Treasure Chest Co

A rural-based online collection of wearable treasures designed by founder Madeline Moloney from her home on a cattle property in Queensland. treasurechestco.com; @treasurechestco_

Twill & Tee

This Australian-made loungewear and luxury essentials brand provides beautiful silk and cotton garments that can be bought ready-to-wear or customised. 0414 919 990; twillandtee.com.au; @twillandtee

Wattle & Hide Homewares

Owners and friends Kirsty and Kylie opened their shop to reflect their everyday lifestyles. The stock comprises all the things they love, featuring cowhide, homewares, clothing, footwear and accessories.

3/184–188 Carp St, Bega NSW; 0417 897 067; wattleandhidehomewares.com.au; @wattleandhide_homewares

West Nightwear

An Australian-designed luxury fashion brand delivering the ultimate wardrobe staples that transition from comfortable loungewear to elegant everyday fashion. westnightwear.com.au; @westnightwear_

Whitney Spicer Artist

Based on a property in Manildra, New South Wales, with her husband and three boys, this artist creates beautiful original pieces of art, stationery, napery and more. whitneyspicer.com; @whitneyspicer

Will and Russ

Nestled in Gunning, New South Wales, Will and Russ is a foraged goods store where Min Byrnes aims to bring a touch of nature into your home.

Yass St, Gunning NSW; 0438 324 529; @will.and.russ g

Sadly, it’s an impossible task to list all the businesses we love, but we will be featuring more in our newsletter, so please email amie@graziher.com.au and tell us about your favourite businesses.