ARTIST

from Salt spring 2021

by salt magazine

BEAUTY

STRAIGHT from the heart

FOLLOWING YOUR HEART while keeping your head is no mean feat, but Julie Holland and Greg Peeler have done a spectacular job of doing just that.

This couple, the founders and owners of the aptly named Hearts and Minds Art in Noosa Heads, is living proof that not only is it possible to do what you love, but you can actually turn it into a very successful business.

Hearts and Minds Art is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and going strong – a particularly impressive achievement in a climate of uncertainty. Julie, herself an artist, photographer and author, is also celebrating the publication of her fi rst novel, That Summer in Nautilus Cove, a work of contemporary women’s fi ction.

The Hastings Street destination is a gallery and retail store that features the works of artists, ceramicists, artisans and jewellers with a strong focus on locally made work that is not available anywhere else. The gallery also stocks a large range of inspirational books and stationery, as well as unique gifts and homewares.

“We’re pretty proud of it actually,” says Julie. “We set it up ourselves, and it’s grown; it’s nice.

“Our name, Hearts and Minds Art, came about because we wanted a business that refl ected quality and thought, as well as being conducted from the heart. It’s about doing what your heart wants, against all odds. You always come up against doubters and people that say ‘you can’t do it, won’t do it’. But you’ve just got to be true to yourself and true to where you want to head.”

This philosophy is also refl ected in the couple’s personal lives. Their love story began as childhood sweethearts in their home town of Melbourne, but they broke up at the end of high school to pursue separate lives – a choice that Greg insists was not his, but Julie’s.

“When we got our results in year 12, Julie got straight As

Emily Portmann, ‘Aftercare, Action One’ (2021) (detail). Image courtesy of the artist.

SUNSHINE COAST ART PRIZE EXHIBITION 27 August to 10 October 2021 HIROMI TANGO: HEALING GARDEN 15 October to 5 December 2021

Hiromi Tango, Healing Garden. Image courtesy of Art Dubai and Photo Solutions.

This dynamic visual arts award refl ects outstanding contemporary 2D arts practice in Australia. The exhibition presents the diverse range of 40 fi nalist works by artists from across the country. This vibrant exhibition explores the many ways in which nature sustains our wellbeing. International artist Hiromi Tango will work with the local community to create an evolving paper and textile garden in the gallery.

and I went nowhere near straight As – I was too busy playing cricket,” says Greg. “It took 20-something years for her to work it out.”

After marrying other people and both having children, Julie and Greg eventually reunited, and enjoyed holidaying at Noosa, which would eventually become their home.

“I just looked at Julie one time when we were on the Noosa River, and I was having a lobster mornay as a thunderstorm came along at lunch time and I said, ‘I could live here’, and

“we wanted a business that reflected quality and thought, as well as being conducted from the heart. ”

Julie said, ‘so could I’, and I said, ‘okay, we will’. So we moved up when the kids fi nished school. And here we are.”

It’s a decision they have never regretted. Leaving corporate careers in Melbourne 12 years ago, they have never looked back.

Over the last decade, their business has grown into a thriving hub for local artists and artisans to showcase their work, and has built a strong following of international and interstate customers. Adapting to change is one of their key drivers for success, according to Julie.

“We’d never say there aren’t struggles, particularly now, but you’ve just got to adapt,” she says. “I think that’s what we’ve done over the years; we’ve been really aware of what’s happening around us and overseas, and of course Hastings Street is such a big international market, and we’ve lost that, so you’ve really got to think.”

Encouraging the local market is something both Greg and Julie feel strongly about, and which they continue to pursue, particularly now.

“It is increasingly essential that people support their local small businesses,” says Julie. “Not just restaurants, but the other small businesses as well, whether it’s a fl orist, gallery or carpenter. The large chains can offset against their other stores, whereas purchasing even just a card makes a difference to a small business.”

One of Hearts and Minds Art’s key points of difference is its suppliers – the artists themselves, whose work inhabits the space. The other is the exclusivity of the works on offer.

“We have always had a local focus on Australian product and locally made product, so whereas a lot of other small retailers have maybe struggled with supply, we certainly have found out that it’s been to our advantage,” says Julie. “We work hard at that – it’s a little bit tricky, but we don’t want you to be able to walk down the other end of Hastings Street and fi nd the same thing. We love our long-term artists.”

As well as the long-term artists, Julie and Greg always welcome new works into their fold, such as the etchings of Brisbane-based Kate Piekutowski, who also produces stunning one-of-a-kind aluminium earrings.

One of the most popular ranges in the store remains the books and stationery featuring inspirational quotes and verse, a topic that is close to Julie’s heart. Her own work, A Nest Twice Built, is a collection of inspirational verse she also personalises into framed artworks.

“We really want people to walk in and fi rst of all have a nice experience,” says Julie. “And to see something different – so many people come and say, ‘thank heavens, something different’. We do our research; whenever we go anywhere, we do check what is around and if we see something that is everywhere else, then we won’t stock it.”

Both Julie and Greg work hands-on in the business, but they make sure they have some time off together, as well as indulging in their own individual passions.

“We live together and work together and that’s a big call,” says Julie. “I’ve got my writing, and Greg’s got his golf. He can go and whack a ball if he’s frustrated with me. And I’ll write him into my next book, and call him something different.”

While the future may be uncertain, Julie and Greg have every intention of continuing to build the business that they have put so much of their hearts – and minds – into. “We aim to continue adapting, but also to stay true to customer service,” says Julie.

“We just love our little shop in Hastings Street.”