Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
Though she has only owned mountain staple clothing store Illahie Boutique for twelve months, Margaret Hesse already has a keen eye for the local fashions of Tamborine Mountain, and she has plenty of insights into the needs and trends of the area. Join us for a few fashion trade secrets.
by Kyle Hitchmough
How did you get started with Illahie Boutique?
My husband, Mark and I moved to the mountain three years ago. When the opportunity came up to buy Illahie we thought it would be a great little business to own. We also believed it would be a way to get involved with the community and get to know people and provide a great service. As I haven’t owned a business before it has definitely been a learning curve, but I have enjoyed the challenge.
What kinds of clothes do you carry here?
I love supporting small business and Australian made so a lot of my giftware is produced either locally or in Australia. I have an array of gifts including soaps, candles, earrings, and bags. With my clothing range, I focus on Australian designers where possible and am conscious of how they are ethically and sustainably produced. I am proud to have Outland denim in store, which is a Tamborine Mountain-born label. Their backstory is inspirational: if you haven’t heard of them, I encourage you to check them out. Other labels I have in store include Lii Lii Designs, Orientique Australia’s Escape range, Bamboo Australia, Fate+Becker, Sass, Betty Basics, and Boho Australia, just to name a few. Natural fibres are very popular in store along with clothing that can take you through the seasons. Linens, cotton silk, organic cotton, and bamboo are some of the fibres that we offer in our ranges.
Are there any particular kinds of clothing you find are popular up here? Any bestsellers?
Ladies love clothing that feels nice against the skin so our linen, cotton or silk, and our bamboo range is always popular. Outland denim is also very popular as people are invested in the story behind the label.
What goes into an average day for you working here?
Some of my day includes processing stock, entering data, and ordering, but most importantly serving my customers. Being able to create an atmosphere that welcomes, encourages and offers some styling tips is the environment I like to provide. I spend a lot of my day talking to customers about their lives and what is happening in their world. That is the best part of my job.
Are there any notable trends in your clientele?
We have a mix of locals and tourists that come into Illahie. Main Street is definitely the hub for locals as we have a great selection of stores from restaurants, health food store, cafes, boutique clothing and gift wares, so I’m blessed to have many ‘repeat’ local customers.
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
Yes, I am a local. Tamborine Mountain is an amazing place to live. I feel we live in a ‘little bubble’ from the rest of the world. Owning a business has given me the opportunity to get to know the locals and I love our community. We have some incredibly talented artistic creative minds on the mountain. It’s definitely a slice of paradise.
Is there anything you personally like to do on the mountain?
My husband and I like to go for walks and explore the beauty that surrounds us on the mountain. We are definitely spoiled for choice for cafes here, so most Saturdays we go out for coffee. We love going to the markets, there is one on nearly every Sunday. The array of local organic produce that is available on road carts is also amazing. We stock up when we can.
What do you think Illahie Boutique really provides to the area?
Illahie Boutique provides a diverse range of clothing that suits most women. You don’t need to drive down the coast to buy beautiful clothing. We offer clothing but we also offer an environment that makes you feel welcome and comfortable. A smile will always greet you at the door.
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
I’m a people person, so definitely the people. Buying Illahie has been a great lifestyle change. I don’t really feel like I’m working most days. I love going to work, playing with clothes and chatting with customers that have become friends. I’m really living the dream.
We are always looking for new topics for our blog. If there’s something you like to see more of, email your suggestions to: social@professionalsserendipity.com.au, or email the writer at kyle.hitchmough@hotmail.com
