What is it that you love about rural Australia?
AKB Gallery is a beautiful Gallery in Inverell. Where did the idea start?
I had been working alongside my husband on our farm before having my children. About 8 years ago, I started mulling over ideas about opening a business in town. It had to work in with my family & farm commitments. I have always had a love of art & aesthetics and had some great contacts who were artists. Vanessa Stockard agreed to give me the first exhibition which was a sell out.
The opening night was packed out with people flowing out into the street. The support from the town was overwhelming. Since that time Vanessa has hung in the Archibald Prize 3 times and the Gallery has gone from strength to strength. I show work by some of Australia’s best known contemporary artists and I sell all over the world. The Gallery has a very large online following.
What advice would you give other women who are looking to start their own business in regional rural areas?
I would stay just start. Find your passion, find your people and start. Consider your ‘brand’, your ethos, your goals. Steer in these directions at all times where possible. I would encourage women to be courageous and determined in these objectives.
Ask yourself the question, ‘Who said you couldn’t do it?’, mostly your answer would be ‘Nobody’.
How would you describe your style?
I have always loved fashion & clothing. I dream of being bold & outlandish but I always seem to come back to the classics. I love jeans! They are my favourite wardrobe staple and I would wear them most days. I love fine prints in natural fabrics; silk shirts & jeans for most work days in the Gallery, Cotton shirts & jeans for home. I love clothing that is well cut & dare I say it, practical.
Tell us, why you love what you are wearing from Goondiwindi cotton?
I love the fact that the articles are a practical yet timeless staple. I will always resort to wearing clothing along these lines because they work for me & my lifestyle. I love the natural fabrics and quality and I absolutely love supporting a rural & regional business.