Tracey Berends opens Gin Gin clothing store Country Girls
Former beauty therapist Tracey Berends has faced down the issues of the pandemic to embark on an exciting new enterprise with a twist and a big future.
Bundaberg
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After years of struggles from droughts to Covid, a former beauty therapist wants to give back as she opens her first western clothing and jewellery store in Gin Gin.
The small businesswoman has a heartfelt attitude to sales, with 10 per cent of profits donated to rural women's mental health charities.
Working as a beauty therapist two years ago Tracey Berends noticed how many rural women were struggling with their mental health.
“We were in the middle of a drought and just seeing the hardships that my clients went through, I asked myself ‘what can I do to help?’,” she said.
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The idea for Country Girls came to life; it’s an online western wear shop which offers tooled leather, cowhide and turquoise jewellery with a classic country flair.
“I decided to create a brand that was centred on women, and country girls of all ages,” Ms Berends said.
After struggling with her own mental health and seeing loved ones struggle as well, she realised there was an opportunity to bring regional and rural women together.
“I love the people here, and I want to support my community and women going through tough times.”
Ms Berends said the shop front was the culmination of two years hard work, impacted by supply issues due to Covid.
“It was difficult to find products without being able to go and see them,” she said.
Ms Berends thanked locals and friends for their support.
“We started out little, and it’s been growing from there, the community has been an amazing support,” she said.
Ms Berends said she had big goals for the future of the brand and the shop, including expansions, fundraising gala balls and wellness retreats.
“I want to make a space where people can come from off their properties, get together and meet people going through the same thing,” she said.
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