A selection of handmade businesses from across Townsville and Ingham have come together to create a unique pop up shop that is encouraging people to ‘buy local’ this festive season.
Local artisans and owners Cathy Sunderland, Tina Di Bella and Tina’s 14 year old granddaughter Madison Smith, opened Handmade at Heart in Hermit Park Shopping Centre two weeks ago with the intention of supporting other local businesses and sharing their love of craft and unique homemade gift items with the wider community.
“We stock handmade products ranging from children’s clothes and products, home decor items, gift boxes and gift lines,” explains Tina who is originally from Ingham.
“The shop is being run as a Co-op shop where we have local businesses from Townsville and Ingham joining us and we already have around five stockists from Ingham.”
After being part of another Co-op shop for close to 18 months, the trio decided it was the right time to branch out on their own. Thanks to the support of Knight Frank Townsville, they have been able to turn their dream into a reality and maximise their exposure leading up to the peak Christmas period.
“Knight Frank have been very good in giving us support and recommendations which has enabled our little pop up shop to come to life and we are very appreciative for all their help,” continues Tina.
“We are extremely passionate about promoting local stockists and even though we only opened two weeks ago, it’s been awesome. Everyone has been super supportive and we’ve had such great feedback.”
Cathy’s collection of homemade children’s clothes and Tina’s range of home decor are also stocked in the store. However, it is 14 year-old Madison who is Handmade at Heart’s main supplier via her business ‘Mad About Dye,’ which has been operating for the past 12 months and produces a range of vibrant handmade tie dye products.
“Madison has been doing so well with ‘Mad About Dye’ and throughout the store we have a great assortment of gift items that are all locally made so you won’t find the same two products,” continues Tina.
“From our hampers to bags and children’s products, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”
Handmade at Heart is located at the Hermit Park Shopping Centre. You can find more information here.
By Georgie Desailly.
