Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
Lisa Kennedy came to Tamborine Mountain’s Gallery Walk in August of 2022 with not much more than a dream and the passion to see it through. Five months on, Little Homebody is thriving, a collection of homewares, giftwares and clothing curated and catered by and for locals. Lisa shares her story, how she got where she is now, and how she intends to steer Little Homebody forward in the future.
by Kyle Hitchmough
What was your original inspiration to open Little Homebody?
I was just sick of working for other people. I had a really fast-paced job that I gave up in June, and I was looking for something to do. I love a challenge. I’ve had a shop before but never a retail store, so I was really keen to give it a crack and see how it went. I came into it without any expectations at all, just decided I was going to put things in the store that I liked myself. I really wanted the customers to tell me what they wanted, so that’s how it’s come about.
For those who might not be familiar, could you describe your range of products?
I started off with gifts and homewares, that’s where “Little Homebody” came from. The lady who previously owned this space had a few clothes out the front, so I thought I would add to that and it really went off. We have a boho-y sort of feel, a lot of flowy clothes and floral prints, lots of linen as well, and the gifts and homewares. Things to make your home look and smell beautiful. We’ve got a skin care range as well. My background is that I’m a social worker so for me, it’s about people enjoying and loving their life. If they can have something that smells good and makes them feel good, that’s important to me.
Are there any items that are notably bestselling or popular?
I guess the woman’s dresses, the floral, there’s a brand called Jaace. That’s really popular, everybody loves them. I’ve worn Jaace for years so I decided to bring it up here and see how it goes.
Where do you source your stock from?
I try and get everything as local and Australian-made as possible, that’s really important to me. I don’t import anything myself, everything is supporting businesses in Australia. There’s a lady who makes me ceramic mugs, she’s down in Bonogin, there’s a lady in Pimpama who does pottery, I’ve got skin care from a lady in Victoria.
Have you noticed any particular trends in your clientele?
I had no real expectations. I didn’t do any research before I opened up the store, I just wanted to start up something that was a reflection of me as a person and what I enjoy. I do notice that throughout the week you get more of the bus tours and some older people who come up to the mountain, and then a lot of the locals after school and on weekends. It’s a tourist strip, so you get a lot of tourists, but it’s been really great meeting some of the locals as well. I think there’s a spot for women’s clothing up here on the mountain.
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
I live at Cedar Vale. My parents and grandparents lived on the mountain for many, many years. I absolutely love it. I’ve met some really lovely people. All the other shop owners I’ve met have been absolutely amazing. It’s got that small community feel. People look out for each other, and I’ve found it’s a lot friendlier than being down on the Gold Coast. I’m originally from New Zealand, grew up in the country, so I just love that small-town country feel.
Do you have any personal favourite things to do on the mountain?
I like going to Wild Plum Kitchen! I’ve met Rachel and Tim up there and they’re really great people. I got married at the Hamptons estate, so that’s something that we keep popping back to. The mountain is gorgeous, we love it here.
What do you think Little Homebody really provides to the area?
I just think it provides variety. It is a tourist strip, there’s lots of gift stores, and I think there’s room for everybody up here. It gives something new and fresh to Gallery Walk and to the mountain. I’m not here to step on anybody’s toes, I think there’s room for everybody, and being small businesses, we can all support each other.
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
I love meeting people. I love chatting to people, that’s what I love doing. I’ve found my passion for people and my love of beautiful things really comes together in Little Homebody. It works for me!
What’s been your most memorable moment in your time here so far?
I do remember when a girl came and bought one of the handmade mugs from the supplier in Bonogin. She said to me “I’m a nurse, I live in America, and every night before my night shift I’m going to have a cup of coffee in this mug and I’m going to remember Mount Tamborine.” It was awesome, I really loved that we could provide something beautiful she could take home that meant something to her.
Is there anything else you’d like to go on the record?
My daughter Ella works here a few days a week with me as well, so that’s really great since it’s almost like a family business. We work well together!
Little Homebody
149 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
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