Luv Sky founder Sky Austin opens Pakington St store

The daughter of a billionaire fashion retailer has turned the business she launched as a 15-year-old with just $200 into a fully-fledged store on Geelong’s trendiest strip.

Luv Sky founder Sky Austin has opened her Pakington St store. Picture: Alison Wynd.

The daughter of retail royalty has launched her first bricks and mortar venture on the site of what used to be a laneway at the trendy southern end of Pakington St.

Sky Austin opened her Luv Sky store in Newtown last week after founding the jewellery business at just 15 years of age.

The now 22-year-old called the opening a “full circle moment” having grown up in Geelong and operating the business online and at pop-up kiosks within major shopping centres until now.

The Pakington St store operates as a retail outlet during the day, with customers able to create personalised necklaces at the store’s “charm bar”.

After hours, the area can be booked for private events where groups can do their thing around the bar while being treated to drinks and nibbles.

Ms Austin said the concept had already proved popular and was booked out for the remainder of August.

A private Pakington St laneway has been transformed into the Luv Sky jewellery store.

“I started Luv Sky in 2018 with just $200, selling jewellery online, at markets, and even out of my school locker,” she said.

“Every piece in our range is sustainably made, with prices starting from $12 up to $100 … our jewellery is designed to be accessible, versatile, and something for everyone from five year olds to 80 year olds.”

Ms Austin embodies the same entrepreneurial spirit as her parents, Cotton On founder Nigel Austin and Decjuba founder Tania Austin.

Mr Austin, who started out selling denim jackets as a teenager at markets in Geelong, is estimated to be worth $2.8bn, according to The Australian’s latest Richest 250 list.

“I’m lucky to have grown up around someone who’s so passionate about retail – my dad’s always been a great sounding board when I need advice,” Ms Austin said.

“But Luv Sky has been my own project from day one and I’m hands-on with every decision, from design to the in-store experience.”

Luv Sky opened at the southern end of Pakington St last week. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Mr Austin purchased 324-326 Pakington St for $3.5m in 2023 as part of wider property play in the area.

The 580sq metre site encompasses the empty Village Store building and Luv Sky, which is located on what was for a long time a vacant laneway that some had assumed was public land.

The Village Store closed in January last year.

Originally published as Luv Sky founder Sky Austin opens Pakington St store