Start-up businesses are booming in Bundaberg, with plenty of unique, handmade and quirky concepts.
Here are just some of the Bundy locals giving it a go after opening up a new business.
1. Yellow Monkey Coffee
It's the new cafe on the block and while its doors may be opening for the first time, Bundaberg will recognise the brand which was once on wheels.
Bundaberg local Stacey Smit first started working in a coffee shop when she was 16-years-old and has dreamt of owning her own store ever since.
Along with the help of her partner Luke and mum Cindy, the three co-owners of Yellow Monkey Coffee has been supplying the region with a caffeine hit from their mobile van for the last 12 months.
Keen to find a permanent base to call home, Stacey began looking for a suitable shop space to lease and finally found the perfect place right on Bourbong St.
For more information click here.
Mother and daughter Stacey and Cindy Smit are the happy faces that will welcome customers to their new cafe on Bourbong St. Picture: Rhylea Millar
2. Blooming Bespoke
While a talented Bundaberg florist has been working in the field for years, her love for flowers has only grown and now she is launching a new business specialising in dried arrangements.
You may recognise Emma Stegman from her role as the head florist for One Little Farm and now she has started her own side hustle - Blooming Bespoke.
Launching her business website recently, Ms Stegman has created one of a kind dried flower arrangements for special events and in bunch releases.
For more information click here.
Blooming Bespoke owner Emma Stegman has launched her own business selling unique bouquets of dried blooms. Picture: Rhylea Millar
3. Ritz and Glitz by Daisy
Handmade with love, a new crafty business is selling pieces that offer the glitz and glam without the hefty price tag.
Working full-time, caring for two young children aged five and seven and starting a side hustle that supplies handmade jewellery, might sound impossible for one person to achieve.
But Kristin Freeman doesn't shy away from a challenge.
Proud Bundy local, Ms Freeman started her own business Ritz and Glitz by Daisy, with the original intention of making handmade gifts for loved ones.
Named after her late uncle Ritzy and her roller derby name Daisy Dynamite, there is a lot of special meaning behind the brand.
Describing herself as her own worst critic, it took a lot of convincing from others for the small business owner to give it a go and put herself out there.
Now she's encouraging others to follow suit and step out of their comfort zones.
Always looking for new and creative designs, the local maker currently sells earrings made out of acrylic paint, stainless steel, glass domes, wood and macramé, all with a personal touch.
Ms Freeman said she is blown away by how much the local community has embraced her work.
For more information click here.
New start-up Ritz and Glitz by Daisy owner Kristen Freeman wearing one of her handmade pairs of earrings.
4. The Fish and Chip Factory
With a desire to transform the trope of a greasy takeaway shop, an experienced restaurant owner has opened a high-end fish and chip store in Bundaberg.
With years of hospitality experience under his apron Scott Goodwin has previously run restaurants, cafes and Subway stores but now he has a new venture underway.
Finding its home on Bourbong St, The Fish and Chip Factory first opened its doors this week and Mr Goodwin said the public support has already been incredible.
For more information click here.
Bringing his years of experience in the kitchen to Bourbong St, Scott Goodwin has opened up his own fish and chip shop. Picture: Rhylea Millar
5. From the Ground Up Wellbeing Farm
With two decades of experience working in the education industry and helping young children who live with disabilities, Kamala Paech has built a farm specialising in animal therapy programs.
Branyan-based business From the Ground Up Wellbeing Farm offers a diverse range of programs designed to meet the requirements of clients and is open to NDIS participants of all ages.
The wellbeing farm assists people living with disabilities, developmental delays, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder through animal assisted learning and support.
With the help of their animals who were rescued or in need of a loving home, Kamala said she can tailor sessions to suit each individual client and their needs.
For more information click here.
From the Ground Up Wellbeing Farm owner Kamala Paech has started offering animal and nature supported therapy programs for people living with disabilities and mental health.
6. Bundaberg Whisky Club
Whether you drink it neat, on the rocks or mixed whisky lovers of Bundaberg now have a reason to toast with a new club in town.
Local pals Tai Burgess and Shane Chung are the faces behind the Bundaberg Whisky Club - a social experience that offers members a selection of world-class whiskeys for their tasting pleasure.
The pair brought the unique concept to the region after they noticed outings with mates would often result in discussions and tastings of different whiskeys.
Inviting the wider public to join the club, the founders of the ultimate whisky experience have partnered up with Bert's bar where they will host a tasting event every three months.
For more information click here.
Local pals Tai Burgess and Shane Chung are the faces behind the Bundaberg Whisky Club – a social experience that offers members a selection of world-class whiskeys for their tasting pleasure.
7. Maureen's Craft Creations
Partners in life and business, a local couple have joined forces and are using their respective talents to sell a range of products that are handmade with love.
When husband and wife Hysen and Maureen Sali started their well-deserved retirement, they quickly realised it wasn't all it was cut out to be, so they both began looking to start a hobby.
Initially setting up two separate market stalls, Maureen would sell beautiful handsewn pieces through business Maureen's Craft Creations, while Hysen focused on his bright green plants.
But the sweet pair eventually decided to team up and apply each other's areas of expertise to create unique projects together - such as cat planter boxes.
For more information click here.
The dream team, husband and wife Hysen and Maureen Sali. Picture: Rhylea Millar.
8. Bubbles and Brushes in the Bush
A unique upcoming event will allow participants to explore their creativity and create their own stylish piece of art in a stunning setting.
You may know Chloe Johnson from her handmade and colourful collection of handpainted clutch bags but now the owner of Willow and Hide is taking her little venture a step further.
The Childers local has launched a new side hustle that allows participants to create their very own work of art and fashion statement.
Bubbles and Brushes in the Bush is a unique paint and sip experience where the finished painted canvas product is turned into a bespoke Willow and Hide clutch
Describing the experience as unique and whimsical the local maker said it was the perfect excuse to network with like-minded women in the stunning countryside.
For more information click here.
Childers local Chloe Johnson has launched Bubbles and Brushes in the Bush – a unique paint and sip experience where the finished painted canvas product is turned into a bespoke Willow and Hide clutch. Picture: Beck Blakemore Photography.
9. Two Tribez
Two besties and their exciting new partnership proves mixing business with pleasure can work - in fact, it's bringing them the best of both worlds.
When Bundy local Gabriella Collins, 19, and Maryborough's Alicia Sandow, 21, became mums for the first time, they noticed a gap in the market for calming baby accessories that would suit their style of nursery and for an affordable cost.
Their experience led to the pair teaming up to start their own business Two Tribez late last year.
And while the dynamic duo are separated by an hour-long drive, it doesn't stop them from meeting up to talk business and they Facetime each other almost every day.
Offering a selection of organic, neutral and boho-styled accessories, Two Tribez stocks everything from bibs, plates and bowls, to blankets, swaddles and custom-made macramé wall hangings.
For more information click here.
Best friends Gabriella Collins and Alicia Sandow have created their own start-up business, specialising in baby accessories and nursery decor.
10. Rollin' Smoko
The wheels are in motion for a new food van with a very special purpose.
Gin Gin local Cathy Ison has always been passionate about helping others to flourish and achieve their goals.
But in 2016 and after two decades of working in the special education system she decided to branch out and open her own small business Positive Steps Mentoring.
And the small business owner has been facilitating programs for young adults living with autism ever since.
Now Ms Ison is launching an exciting new initiative that will teach participants about food safety practices, event planning and running their own food van business among other important skills.
For more information click here.
Owner of Gin Gin disability support business Positive Steps Mentoring Cathy Ison has launched a brand new food van and catering program to help participants gain skills and experience in the food industry.
11. Girl On the Swing
Gone are the days where buying a new outfit means spending more than you can afford, as is running the risk of bumping into someone sporting the same frock as you.
While a thrift store is not a new concept, the trend of purchasing preloved items has continued to grow which is why one 19-year-old Bundy girl has started her own boutique.
Driven to reduce waste and give items a second chance at finding a loving home, Astrid Anderson has launched Girl On the Swing - a business dedicated to selling preloved, handmade and homegrown items.
Hoping to grow a presence locally as well as through their online store, the mother and daughter duo have also held a stall at the Bucca and 1770 markets.
Pre-loved pieces include clothing, shoes and restored furniture, while handmade ranges from clay ornaments, macramé plant holders and earrings as well as homegrown plants, pesto and chutneys.
Astrid said the business sells vintage and handmade items for more ethically-conscious reasons too.
For more information click here.
Mother and daughter duo behind the new Bundy start-up are Helen Thorne and 19-year-old Astrid Anderson.
12. The Cordalba Store
While The Cordalba Store has been a prominent business of the small rural town since the 1900s it has now undergone many changes and is under new management.
But one thing will never change for the little corner store with a big history - it remains to be the heart of the local community.
Partners in life and business Sherrie Gabler and Shawn Anderson have been serving customers delicious meals from their food van Deldora Delights for the last five years.
But when The Cordalba Store went up for sale the couple decided to buy the business and make it their own.
For more information click here.
Partners in life and business Sherrie Gabler and Shawn Anderson have big plans for The Cordalba Store which recently reopened after undergoing a renovation.
13. Sezza's World of Wood
Grazing platters are one of the latest trends to sweep the nation and one Bundy beach lover has jumped on 'board' creating wooden serving to present your favourite snacks.
After leaving her job late last year local mum-of-two Sarah Johnson decided to try something new, so she began crafting wooden serving boards and decorative pieces.
Opening up a world of new opportunities, it wasn't long before Ms Johnson launched her own business Sezza's World of Wood.
Growing up in a family that embraced the surf, the local maker has incorporated her love for the ocean and childhood memories to create surfboard shaped pieces.
For more information click here.
Bundaberg mum of two boys Sarah Johnson has started her own small business Sezza’s World of Wood.
14. Cookie Cravings
A former state politician has ditched question time for cookie time after launching her own business and her baked goods have already satisfied the sugar cravings of many.
Serving the Bundaberg community as the Labor Member from 2015 to 2017, Leanne Donaldson was also sworn in as the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries before later resigning in 2016.
But the former MP's life was turned upside down when she was involved in a serious crash with a cane train in 2018, leaving her with permanent injuries.
Refusing to allow her experience and the circumstances to get her down the optimistic baker launched her business Cookie Cravings just last week selling homemade sugar cookies.
For more information click here.
Former Bundy MP Leanne Donaldson has launched her very own business selling handmade sugar cookies. Picture: Rhylea Millar
15. Escape Grid
Bundaberg contenders of all ages are stepping up to take on a new challenge.
New local business Escape Grid is said to have left participants "buzzing" after putting their wits to the test in a unique escape room experience.
Owner Beth Scott said she came across the concept in early 2018 and after taking the time to research it she discovered a whole new world.
Going about to fulfil her dream Ms Scott imagined she'd be open within six months but that quickly turned into three years instead.
Featuring two escape rooms with the third set to open over the next few weeks Ms Scott gave the NewsMail a tour of the new premises but not wanting to spoil the surprise, what lies in each room remains a mystery.
For more information click here.
Beth Scott has brought an out of this world experience to Bundaberg – the Escape Grid. Picture: Rhylea Millar
16. Wanna Treatie?
Passionate about offering a nutritious alternative to mainstream dog treats, a new Bundaberg business owner is educating the community about what we're really feeding our furry friends.
No stranger to business, Tracey Golchert who owns Bundaberg Motorcycle Centre with her husband Keith, decided to take the plunge, branching out into a brand new business of her own.
Specialising in 100% Australian, natural and healthy air-dried dog treats, Ms Golchert started selling her Wanna Treatie? products at the local markets.
In addition to helping dogs achieve a balanced diet, the Bundaberg local said her range of products also help with teeth cleaning and cater for different types of allergies, medical condition and diet requirements.
For more information click here.
Keith and Tracey Golchert sell a range of 100% Australian, natural and yummy air-dried treats for dogs through new business Wanna Treatie? Picture: Rhylea Millar
17. Six of Swords
A new tattoo studio called Six of Swords opened in Bundaberg late last year after owners Alan Morris and Maddie Blackwell moved to the region.
But it's not the first time you may have seen Mr Morris and his work.
The artist is the man behind incredibly realistic tattoo portraits, some of which have made appeared on celebrity Instagram pages and The Ellen Show.
His artistry and dedication to details with celebrity pieces like Cardi B and Ken Jeong portraits are prime examples of how he has got his name in the limelight.
For more information click here.
Maddie Blackwell and Alan Morris recently opened their new tattoo studio in Bundaberg.
18. Eyeswide Imaging
Memories last forever and after recently moving to the region, a new local face hopes to document some of Bundy and the surround's most cherished moments.
Describing her style of film as unique, authentic and relaxed, photographer and videographer Mia Peronis has a talent for documenting special occasions.
Moving to Agnes Water Mia noticed a gap in the market for wedding videography so she started her own business Eyeswide Imaging.
Offering photography and videography sessions for weddings, families, births and special occasions, Mia covers Bundaberg, Gladstone, Agnes Water and the surrounds but is also willing to travel.
For more information click here.
Mia Peronis recently moved to Agnes Water and started her own photography and videography business Eyeswide Imaging.
19. Comfort Denture Clinic.
A new denture clinic has opened in Bundaberg to cater to an ever-growing population.
Prosthetist Richard Choi opened Comfort Denture Clinic with wife Gina this week and says he's eager to get to work helping people who have lost teeth due to age, health or accidents.
Mr Choi said he differed from a dental clinic because his services specialised in dentures and mouth guards.
For more information click here.
Richard and Gina Choi have opened Comfort Denture Clinic on Walker St.
20. Busy Bee Fish Bar
Similar to The Cordalba General Store while the Busy Bee Fish Bar has been serving customers from its Bundaberg store for the last 72 years, the popular shop is under new ownership.
Days before former owner of more than five decades Kent Wong sadly passed away, he sold the business to local Sandy Li.
Along with the assistance of Bundaberg family the Nelsons Sandy and her husband will reopen the store on Saturday.
For more information click here.
L to R: Lin and Andrew Wong, new owner Sandy Li with her son and the Nelson family – Hamish, Zoe and Lucinda.
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