Inverloch is known for many things: its beachy, laid back population, growing number of trendy cafes and great waves. But what is probably one of our best kept secrets is homewares store Southern Bazaar. Today Inverloch 3996 sits down with the founder Wendy White, and we talk passion, style and life in Inverloch. As an eager young 19 year old Wendy started her first business, Southern Harmony in the main street of Inverloch, featuring clothing and homewares, her interest and love for furniture then evolved into Southern Bazaar some years later. Stepping into Southern Bazaar, you are greeted by friendly staff and a wonderfully eclectic array of homewares, giftware, artwork, furniture and soft furnishings. Wendy has a flair for sourcing unique and handmade original pieces. In 10 years Southern Bazaar has established a loyal following of customers with locals and tourists alike. Wendy has always loved furniture and decorating. She was buying furniture from garage sales and restoring it from the age of 18 when she moved out of my home. "I have always had a passion for finding old furniture and giving it new life," she said. Wendy loves having furniture restored or reupholstered and up-cycling by making use of what she already has. She believes that the quality and style in older pieces of furniture, especially mid-century designers, is second to none. "I was buying furniture from garage sales and restoring it from the age of 18 when I moved out of my home." -WW Wendy started Southern Bazaar 10 years ago in Inverloch's industrial estate and now, with her partner Josh, has opened a second shop in McBride Ave in Wonthaggi. Wendy says people today are looking for all types of furniture from Antique Retro to Modern. Southern Bazzar stocks a wide range of these styles with a view to having something to suit everyone’s tastes. "People are looking for all types of furniture from Antique Retro to Modern and we stock a wide range between that cover everyone’s tastes." -WW Southern Bazaar's offering includes a large selection of retro and antiques with brands including Molmic, Tessa, Parker, Chiswell, Fler, TH Brown, and more to meet their clients needs. They also have a large range of global vintage, including Japanese antiques and also stock a wide range of books, records, collectables and quality recycled clothing. Southern Bazaar's offering includes a large selection of retro and antiques with brands including Molmic, Tessa, Parker, Chiswell, Fler, TH Brown, and more Southern Bazaar's ambitions for the future are to continue to find and stock unique and quality new and used furniture to restore and recycle, and to encourage more people to shop locally and support their local small businesses. Southern Bazaar supports and features many local business owners, craftsmen and artists. FURTHER READING... |