The Shop 8a 340 Hope Island Road, Hope Island Central has been created from a brainstorming session over a wine or two between a few likeminded friends. Throwing around proposals, writing down ideas on butcher’s paper; the suggestions were rampant.
Over the next month the notion of opening a shop became the forefront of my mind. I had a burning inside that made me excited to get up every morning and work towards this goal. I started questioning what made Hope Islanders Tick.
The commonality was Boating, Fishing, Classic Cars, Fashion, Décor, and Pets, in particular Dogs.
With this knowledge in hand, I consulted some compatible colleagues in Sydney and picked their brains for ideas and inspiration. The one common suggestion was to support local producers to sell or consign their wares that I quite quickly engaged. These beautifully created hand-made products (candles, earrings, vintage jewellery, printed boards, gift cards and grazing tables have enhanced my store immensely.
My passion was to have a one stop shop that had merchandise to cater for all patrons shopping for family, friends, work colleagues or themselves; an “Aladdin’s Cave,” when I thought of this name, immediately “Diamond in the Roughies” popped into my head. A diverse store that resonated with all walks of life.
My background is extremely vast, from Veterinary to selling high-end furniture, managing then owning restaurants; but more recently Financial Controlling for some of Sydney and Gold Coast’s construction companies. I am also a Certified Marriage Celebrant of 3 years known as “My Favourite Celebrant”.
Opening my own store has been a learning curve to say the least but my extensive career knowledge has assisted me at every angle; but the result is giving me more pleasure and satisfaction than I ever dreamed possible. The clientele has been amazing and supportive; also, the wonderful Stockists supplying Old Guys Rule, Salty Crew, Kelly Lane, Rayell, Sebago Dockside Boat Shoes, Nautica, Dry Case, Comfort Seats (to name a few) could not have been more accommodating.
I do dream that everyone feels enlightened when they enter the shop and give positive feedback and suggestions along the way.
ANG WHITTLE