Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
Tamborine Mountain is home to families young and old, the perfect place to start the next chapter of one’s life no matter their age, so it makes sense that a little help bridging that gap is an inevitable and very welcome addition to this thriving community. That’s Karen Bilton’s goal, and her children’s store Frankie & Phil is already taking noble strides towards it despite only being open for its third week as of time of writing. Karen’s more than happy to tell us all about her experiences, both in the store and, excitingly, behind the writer’s desk herself.
by Kyle Hitchmough
For those who might not be familiar with your store, can you explain what Frankie & Phil is?
I’m a doting grandmother, I love buying cute things for the kids. I saw there was a gap in the market on the mountain for a children’s store. Most of the things in the shop are ethical, sustainable, educational and inspirational products. Lots of wooden and interactive DIY kits and toys. Something original!
Where does the name come from?
Frankie and Phil are the middle names of my two grandchildren, and I’ve written a book called “Grandparents Through the Eyes of Frankie and Phil”, so it just seemed fitting that we use that as the shop name! It’s been quite catchy, which is good. I moved to the mountain to retire, and I can only do so much gardening! So I thought I’d open this cute little kids store.
Where do you source your products from?
99% are from small Australian businesses, I’m supporting them. A lot from the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and a few from Melbourne, though I try to get them as local as possible. It’s still such early days that I’ll learn and grow, find and source more local things.
What goes into selecting products for you?
I have a baby section, a toddler section, and things that go up to 10-12 years old. When I’m looking, I want things that parents or grandparents can do with their kids, make things and learn, not just a little plastic toy to play with. It’s a bit of a mix. I’ve got a little bit of décor coming… I’m not doing children’s clothes, other than some tutus which have been very popular.
Have there been any notably bestselling products?
It’s been crazy! I’ve sold a little bit of everything, which shows that I’ve got a good mix. As time goes on, I’ll see more trends. The tutus sell really well but they’re promoted right at the front door. Everyone seems to love the timber toys too. I’m trying to keep the prices reasonable, so I’ve got things that range from $5 up to $100, trying to cater for all budgets and demographics.
Have you noticed any particular trends in your clientele?
I’ve been really pleasantly surprised at how much I’ve been supported by the locals. I thought being on a tourist strip, there’d be a lot of tourists and only a few locals but there’s been really good support. It’s great, because those are your return customers.
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
I love the feel of Mount Tamborine, so I thought I’d settle on the top of the mountain. It’s beautiful, it’s so pretty this time of year. I moved here recently from Bribie Island to be closer to my daughter and grandkids. My youngest daughter lives with me and my eldest daughter lives down the bottom of the mountain. I have a background in the building industry for 30 years, and then I lost my husband quite a few years ago now so I’ve been trying to make my own way with new projects. I feel like I’m a very creative person, quite motivated, so gardening full time doesn’t work for me!
What’s your favourite thing to do on the mountain?
I love a waterfall walk. I love the Botanical Gardens too, they’re magic. I love taking the kids there. My youngest daughter works on Gallery Walk as well. We live just around the corner and then work here, which is good.
What do you think Frankie & Phil really provides to the area?
A lot of the locals have said it’s so great not to have to drive off the mountain if they want to buy a gift. They like my range and my choices, so it’s convenient for the locals. It’s a good little vibe shop that people have given great feedback on!
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
I like a project! I’m a people person, so it’s nice meeting locals and tourists. It gives me a new challenge.
Can you tell us more about the book you’ve written?
My book is at the printer at the moment, it’s due out in about a week and, talking to a lot of my customers, they enjoy the story because of the shop name so I’m really looking forward to sharing that when it arrives. That’s a highlight for me, to have that to offer. It’s been three years in the making. I wrote it during the pandemic and then shelved it, so finally finishing it has been a big achievement for me. It’s going to be in the store and on Amazon Kindle, I’m looking at getting it on other platforms. I’ve just launched my online shop last week, so it’ll be on there as well!
What are you most looking forward to for your store’s future?
Obviously, the growth of the business over time! No plans to make a franchise or anything, though. At my age, my last job was a bit too much wear and tear on my body. I don’t want to make a million dollars, this is just about doing something I enjoy.
Frankie & Phil
119 LONG RD, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN QLD 4272
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