Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
Long Rd Collective has an impressively wide collection of stock, has something for everyone, from gift options to personal treats. Owner Silke Barnes explains in her own words how she categorises her catalogue, as well as giving us a look into the inner workings of one of Tamborine Mountain’s most versatile boutiques.
by Kyle Hitchmough
How did you get started with Long Rd Collective?
I’ve been a local 18 years, and I’ve always been involved in the shops here. I painted Ingrid’s shop, and a friend of mine had a shop here… I’ve always been in retail.10 years ago I managed the Christmas shop here. When this opportunity came along, I took it.
How would you describe your store to someone who doesn’t know what it is?
I sell a collective mix of items. There are so many different people that come up here with so many different personalities, always looking for something completely different. Being a local for 18 years, I like to have things that are well-priced, something locals don’t have to go off the mountain for, something different so I can serve them as well. It’s more than just trying to appeal to a tourist crowd.
Is your clientele mostly the locals, or is it more tourists?
It’s definitely mostly tourists, but I do see a lot of locals coming in. A lot of the locals are quite grateful that I’m here because of the large range, and it saves them going down the coast.
What’s the most popular stock that you carry?
Every single day it’s like people communicate with each other… “Today we’re all going to buy pots.” It’s always a mix. Every day is a little bit different. I have days where people come in, all different people, and they all buy crosses. I don’t know how it happens. The next day it’ll be something else. Very bizarre.
What’s in an average workload for you?
Meeting a lot of different people. I do get a lot of locals coming in, so I get to talk to a lot of locals, and a lot of other interesting people from all over. My main clientele is from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich… it’s always different. It can change. A lot of grandparents are coming up now at the end of January-February. It can be so different every single day. It’s a nice surprise!
You seem to have something of a focus on spirituality here, with items like tarot and books on the subject. Would you say that’s true?
I like self-help books; I think they’re really important for people to grow. I’ve always enjoyed reading those. I took over the shop, the previous owner was Nepalese, and I’ve taken over her stock: singing bowls, brass and crystal. I like purposeful items. With the clothing, I like breathable things, I don’t want polyester. It’s all natural and Australian-made or fair trade.
What’s your opinion on Tamborine Mountain and its community?
I like the green trees. We’re not on top of each other, it’s a large community, we’re not in each other’s pockets, but it’s nice to see people that you don’t really know but you recognize them because you see them all the time. You feel a bit safer up here. We don’t really need for much. We’ve got a lot of things up here that we didn’t have in the past, it’s growing and growing all the time. It makes it a lot easier now that we don’t always have to go off the mountain.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the mountain?
There are quite a few places I enjoy. The viewpoint’s absolutely lovely. There’s a nice view at the local pub…. I think just sitting up high on this mountain makes you feel at peace.
What do you think Long Rd Collective really provides to the area?
Employment for the local people. An outlet for creative people, the locals can sell their items here as well. It provides so that the locals don’t need to go off the mountain to get a quick gift, as there are a variety of gifts plus locally made. For the tourists, our shop’s completely different to what you would get at a shopping centre. We have unusual items. And we’re passionate about our business. A lot of people who have businesses up here are local. I know through customers that come up on a regular basis, they say how welcoming and friendly all the shops here are. It’s nice.
You said that you source your items locally?
A lot of them are, I try to get Australian made. The pottery and the timber are locally made. Our customers have been asking for more Australian-made items. I’ve always sold fair-trade items, and the local crafty kind of items. I’ve even got a local author, Rhonda Forrest, I have four of her books and she’s just written another one.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Firstly, I don’t have to go off the mountain for work. Secondly, it’s meeting so many different people. I do enjoy the country customer service. Different people, what you learn from them… And I just enjoy being my own boss.
Do you have any standout stories from your time doing this?
I like to inspire people by having things that are decorative, and they’ll come back later and tell me the stories of where they’ve put their items, and how they’re inspired in their own homes.
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