Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
Michelle Roper-Dennis and Nadine Beckhouse own Lux and Gather, a relatively recent new gift boutique on Tamborine Mountain— and one with a very unique approach to cultivating its products. Michelle breaks down just what “rustic modern farmhouse gifts” are, and what makes them such a hot new commodity.
by Kyle Hitchmough
How long have you owned this store?
We started Lux and Gather last year in August, probably the worst time to start a business, but we watched the space and we really felt we could do something really positive with it. A unique gift store for the mountain. We have a combination of Australian-made items and things from all around the world.
What was your inspiration to open Lux and Gather?
Both myself and my business partner Nadine had stores in other locations. The location is what brought us here. We watched the space sit empty for a while, and we felt like we could do something fun and unique here. Both of us are in gift stores and boutiques, so we wanted to replicate that but put a new spin on it.
How would you describe the kind of items you sell here?
This store, we would call “rustic modern farmhouse gift store”. Very boutique, and we’re tried not to replicate product that’s anywhere else on the mountain. We’ve picked up exclusive brands and little knick-knacks that you might like to give to your friends, pieces of furniture, books, aromatherapy, perfumes, jewellery, body lotions, candles, anything you might like to gift someone. It’s all got a little bit of an edge. We want the really beautiful stuff. We try and think, when a person comes into the store, what are they looking for? If they’re looking for a gift, we think about what you would give. We also think of your home, and what makes it a home. A pot plant, a candle, anything that gives ambience or warmth. Body lotions and body washes, they’re things that add your own personality to your home. We give you a variety to choose from so that you can put it into your home and add warmth.
Where do you source your stock from?
Sourcing is probably now the hardest thing to do for any business owner. It takes a lot of time. Sometimes suppliers will just gravitate to us. Because we both had our own businesses, we already had contacts but we both spend a lot of time on Facebook and Instagram, we go to shows and local markets. We’re always sourcing, always looking, is it anywhere else on the mountain? We’re always looking for new suppliers.
The range of items that you stock recall a very particular kind of aesthetic. Do you cultivate that on purpose?
When we look for products, we’re trying to think of a modern farmhouse feel. It’s not so devoid of colour that it’s bland, but it’s rich with warmth and comfort. Lots of pastel colours and soft tones, nothing sharp, a cosy but modern feel. When we’re sourcing, we’re thinking “Will it look good in the shop? Will it fit into someone’s home without being protruding or offensive?”
Are there any items that are notably popular?
We’ve been incredibly lucky. We’ve had incredible support from the local community. We’ve got a really eclectic range of lamps which have just gone crazy. We never expected the lamps to be so popular. Shapes like tortoises, monkeys, spiders, hedgehogs, snails… things that you would not think to have as a lamp. The giraffe pots over there… just really interesting things.
Are there any particular trends in your clientele?
This is still an emerging and growing business. It’s not what we thought it would be, but that’s a good thing too. We weren’t sure which way the customer direction would go, and it is growing and expanding all the time, but we’re really grateful for the local community support. We weren’t sure what we would get, but the customer base is very diverse.
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
Yes, I live at Mount Tamborine. I’ve been here 15 years and I just love it. It’s beautiful, it’s lush, it’s green, it’s friendly, and it’s just home. It’s easy to want to be here and put down roots and stay here. You really feel like you’re in the country, and it’s a good place to feel like you can grow old here. It’s a nice place to be. People are friendlier, maybe it’s the air up here! It’s just a good place to be with nice, kind people.
What do you like to do on the mountain? Do you have any favourite places to go?
Eat and drink! I usually try and get my morning coffee at Main St. Provedore or Elevation, but I’m quite partial to Provedore’s sandwiches as well. It’s a new little place next to Three Little Pigs. It’s really yummy! It’s small, but the food is excellent.
What do you think your store really provides to the area?
I think Lux and Gather has been a really good addition to the mountain because it brings a gift store to the area that is not same-same. We have unique gifts here, you don’t have to rush off the mountain to find something different. We’re trying to get new exciting things all the time, but if you’re really stuck for something you can pop in and find what you’re looking for without having to travel a long way.
What’s been your most memorable moment from working here?
We’re only new, but the team we’ve created around us, the girls that work here are beautiful. Just creating happy and healthy relationships with other women is great.
Is there anything else you’d like to go on the record?
The store’s still young, so we’re still growing, and we’re just really grateful for the community supporting us so far. Watch this space!
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.
