Former TV presenter Debra Lawson opens Nambour’s Gatherer

From plant-based food to shoes made from recycled materials, a former TV presenter’s new venture will combine a kindness motto with the convenience of a “mini department store”.

A former TV presenter has realised her lifelong dream of opening a cruelty free shop in the heart of a quirky Sunshine Coast town.

Debra Lawson known for her work as the presenter for Channel 31’s national show On The Couch has opened the doors to her passion project, Gatherer on Howard St in Nambour.

Mrs Lawson who worked in fashion and retail before starting her career in the TV industry, gained inspiration from Melbourne’s popular mixed variety businesses to open her shop with the motto “living kindly”.

“Being kind to people and animals is what Gatherer is all about,” she said.

“I learnt very young that it doesn't cost anything to be kind or to be nice and I’m not into selling something I’m not passionate about or I don't know about.”

Gatherer will offer cruelty free plant-based groceries including meal kits and treats, fair trade fashion and footwear made from sustainable materials, accessories, beauty products and jewellery.

“It’s just about looking after animals and people where we can,” she said.

“It’s not a forceful message.”

Debra Lawson has open a new cruelty free business in Nambour, Gatherer. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mrs Lawson said she had done extensive research to ensure Gatherer could provide fair trade fashion at an affordable rate and was excited to stock many products made from recycled materials including plastic bottles, cork, rubber and vegan leather.

“Cruelty free is very mainstream these days, people want to known about there food or their fashion and they want to have an understanding of the industry,” she said.

“I’ve been learning so much about the process and how we can use waste and turn it into something beautiful.”

The mother, who worked for a record label and presented a music show before developing On The Couch, looked back fondly on her media career.

“It was amazing I would have to say it was the best job of my life, I loved it,” she said.

Debra Lawson pictured in her new cruelty free store. Picture: Patrick Woods.

But Mrs Lawson said it was her childhood dream to open her “little shop” and had grand plans to extend, hire employees and one day create her own fashion label.

“I came out of a corporate job last year and thought to myself … I really want to be creative and having my own shop to maybe do my own label helps me be creative and spread the living kindly message,” she said.

Gatherer will stock vegan meats, cheeses, dips and pantry goods including curry sauces, soups and meal kits for customers to take home for a quick dinner. Picture: Patrick Woods.

After moving to the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne four years ago the mother fell in love with Nambour’s countless cafes and quirky businesses.

She said she started looking for the perfect location for her new business before settling next to the popular cafe Arden Dawn.

Ms Lawson said she felt it was the perfect time to open her “mini department store”.

Gatherer’s website will launch next week.

For more information click here.