Famous Boutique store in Central Qld reopens under new ownership

A passionate seamstress who sewed her first pair of togs when she was just eight years old has taken the reins of a well-loved Central Queensland business, just before it was due to close down forever.

Linda Ramsay, new owner of Emerald Fabric Boutique, outside of the shop, which is Shop 3/107 Clermont Street, Emerald.

After sewing her first pair of togs when she was just eight years old and igniting a lifelong passion, Central Queensland’s newest business owner has now snatched up her very own fabric store.

Seamstress Linda Ramsay bought Emerald Fabric Boutique from former owner Jenita Black just before it was due to close down three weeks ago, and is now in the process of transitioning to full ownership.

Mrs Ramsay had her first experience with the sewing machine was just was just eight and hasn’t stopped sewing since.

“I’ve dress-made for people forever and then we bought the cafe in Alpha in 1989,” she said.

“We left there in 1997 and I’ve been sewing for people around here ever since.

“And I’ve worked at Eagleshams (Menswear store) for 22 years doing their sewing.

“That’s my life.”

With the previous owner clearing out stock due to earlier plans of closing the store with her retirement, Mrs Ramsay said she was currently working on the huge task of restocking shelves.

“There’s almost nothing left here that’s useful,” she said.

“Well, it’s all useful but not what people are actually going to come in and buy, so we need to get all the basics back in that people buy every day,” Mrs Ramsay said.

Mrs Ramsay she already loved the experience of being a business owner and working with her customers, with people calling u p from “all over Australia” to get her products.

“They’ll still say, ‘Aw, I’m so glad this business didn’t close. Thank you for taking it on’,” she said.

“They don’t care that there’s nothing in the shop.

“They’re just glad to know that they can still come and buy their cotton when they need it.