LOVE Giving with Lovely Things

Image source: IN Noosa Magazine

Sarah Vercoe discovers a humble little store with a big heart where all the lovely things can be found.

Mother Teresa famously said “giving is about the love we put into it”. I’m convinced it was with this ideology in mind that Rachel opened Lovely Things Gift Shop at the beginning of last year. The stunning shop is an assemblage of exquisite finds from around the country, each eliciting
a sentiment all their own. An array of vibrant colours adorn the shelves with everything from homewares to eco-silk reusable bags offering the perfect something for that special someone.

Granted, Lovely Things is a gift shop but arriving is more like walking into a friend’s home than a shopfront; an uplifting scent of lemon myrtle fills the air, the soulful sounds of Etta James play in the background and the sweet furry face of Ava, a grey and white miniature schnauzer, greets you on-entry. Rachel’s warming welcome and affinity for a friendly chat is simply the icing on the very lovely cake. 

This home-like feel is embedded in the experience, with a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes you want to linger longer. 

I’m searching for a housewarming gift for a friend so I ask Rachel the key to finding the perfect gift. 

“I say if it puts a smile on your face and fills you with joy then it’s going to do the same for them,” she says. 

I consider this sage advice and select an assortment of goodies that fill me with joy resulting in a Marie Kondo style gift that includes blissful smelling essential oils from cult Australian brand Oil Garden, a pastel-pink canister of Lemongrass & Ginger tea from Monista Tea Co, and a stunning work of art from local artist Leene Aavik. 

When choosing what to offer in-store Rachel selects products that are both beautiful and useful. An ardent supporter of Australian brands, Rachel fills Lovely Things with carefully sourced products from around the country. 

“I’m a big believer in supporting the amazing talent we have right here in Australia,” she says. “Everything I sell is sourced from Australian companies.”

There’s also an emphasis on eco-friendly products in-store from reusable bags printed with beautiful Australian indigenous art to pretty stationery. 

“Earth Greetings are a fantastic Australian company that do 100% earth friendly, recycled greeting cards,” Rachel says. “It’s really nice to be able to support the Australian brands that are doing good things.”

With a lengthy career working for prominent brands like David Lawrence and R.M. Williams, supporting Australian is something Rachel was doing long before she decided to channel her passion for retail into a store of her own. 

Swapping a frenetic lifestyle in Melbourne for the tranquil setting of Noosa was a catalyst for fulfilling a lifelong desire to own her own store. 

“I have such a huge passion for retail and have always wanted to own my own store,” Rachel says. “After 25 years working for major brands it was time for me to slow things down a bit. Opening Lovely Things in Noosa was the perfect way for me to do that.

“The community here is so welcoming and supportive. I’ve had some really beautiful conversations with people who come into the store, it’s one of my favourite things to do. I could have named the store ‘Chat-a-lot’,” she laughs. “For me that’s one of the best things about owning Lovely Things, interacting with the community.”

Rachel will be hosting A Lovely Evening at Lovely Things in August to welcome the locals into her store to experience just how lovely gift-shopping can be; whether you’re buying that perfect something for someone else or simply looking for something special to put a smile on your own face. You’re sure to find more than lovely things!

 


Enjoy a Lovely Evening!

Wednesday 18th August – NEW DATE

Tickets: $10 per person 

Includes: Bubbles, canapés, a truly lovely Goodie Bag valued at more than $50! Spectacular lucky door prizes including a clutch bag, diffuser and scarf.

Book Now!

About the Author /

ali@graphicali.com.au

Ali spends her days clicking away and creating print and digital designs for a variety of coast businesses and brings more than 15 years of print publishing experience. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her outdoors with her husband and three kids.

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