22/06/2020
Tucked away within The Eco Village out at Currumbin Valley, you'll find The Little Store, the sweetest boutique filled with treasures for the home and littles in your life. Prior to covid, owner Tatiana would host a Wednesday morning playgroup under the trees, bringing together a community of parents and children for play and storytelling.
We chat to owner Tatiana about adapting her business through a period of change and what she mosts look forward when the restrictions are lifted.
How has Covid-19 affected your business?
I have had to reduce opening times along with restricting access inside the the store.
With Government imposed restrictions in place, days went past without a single sale or person in sight, it nearly broke my heart, but have been incredibly fortunate to have received support from the local community that has allowed me to keep my doors open.
Who do you live with and who have you been in isolation with?
I live with my three children, Annabella (19) Maria (17) and Jonah (6) my eldest daughters studied online via Griffith University and Kings Christian College, I felt it was best to send my youngest to school so I could try my best at keeping the shop afloat.
Will you be returning to life as per normal post isolation, or will it be different?
Normal feels so long ago, I feel many of us will happily leave certain elements that no longer serve us behind, I believe I have and will come out of this experience more resilient, tolerant, mindful and self aware.
You’ve adapted your weekly craft sessions into free home delivered craft packs.This generous idea has connected families at home during iso, including mine. What have been the benefits of creating home craft kits?
I have been facilitating free weekly story & craft times every Wednesday morning @groundcurrumbin (Eco village) for the past two and a half years.In March when we were no longer permitted to gather I decided to continue to read live every Wednesday morning on Instagram and deliver free weekly craft packs to our local community, over the 7 week lock down I was able to deliver over 400 packs to our local community.
I noticed many families looking forward to next weeks pack and they began sharing and tagging us in their craft photos, We felt a strong sense of togetherness and community knowing we were creating the same craft activity each week even though we couldn’t see one another in person.
Your beautiful store is filled with the loveliest collection of homewares and children’s toys. What appeals to you as a buyer?
Thank you that’s so lovely of you to say!
I thoroughly enjoy researching quality handmade products that bring function to every day tasks and rituals around the home and garden, particularly products with a long heritage, I’m inspired by sustainably sourced natural resources and timeless design.
I find myself encouraging customers to ask questions about where the product they are interested in purchasing was made, by who?what materials were used?how has the Planet been impacted as a result?has it cost someone their dignity or were they paid fairly for their time and craft?
We can’t wait for your weekly Wednesday sessions to return. What are you most looking forward to post-iso?
Story & Craft time and hugs!
My favourite morning of the week, two months without connecting with other local like minded mama’s and their little ones has given me time to reflect on the importance of human connection and how valuable and precious it really is.
I also miss hearing the live music being played at Pasture & Co on the weekends and seeing a busy and full cafe filled with happy people enjoying themselves.
What are you currently listening to / reading and/or watching?
I’m Re - Reading Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe, highly recommend it.Between chatting to customers at the shop I’m enjoying flicking through pages of a newly arrived book in store named “Simply Living well” by Julia Watkins. I’m Enjoying listening to Ajeet Music to soothe the mind and soul.
Lastly, how can we shop The Little Store?
You can shop with us in person at 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley (we are located inside Pasture & Co cafe) Keep in mind they bake the most amazing lemon meringue pie and serve the best Mushroom Burger you might ever eat!
We are open daily between 9-3 or you can shop with us online anytime thelittlestore.com.au if you’re local we offer free same day delivery as a way of saying “thank you” for shopping small and local.
Connect with The Little Store on IG.
