New Toowoomba business The Costume Parlour started by Tamara Michelle’i, Tanya Grant | costume hire | parties | events

It’s been a bumpy road for two Toowoomba women who first connected under devastating circumstances. Now the pair have started their own joint venture involving costume hire and parties.

A former travel agent and accountant who bonded through grief have teamed up to open their own mobile business with a unique twist.

Tanya Grant and Tamara Michelle’i first met when their mutual friend sadly passed away and formed an instant connection, but never imagined in less than two years they would be starting a costume shop together.

“It hasn’t been a long friendship but we’ve shared tears, we’ve shared laughs and we’ve been there to support each other through the hard times,” Ms Grant said.

“Through our grief we were motivated to bring happiness, sunshine and fun into the world.”

Tamara Michelle'i (left) and Tanya Grant of The Costume Parlour. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Costume Parlour operates out of a renovated food trailer which took three long months of renovations to complete.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this … and not just the handyman’s,” Ms Michelle’i said.

“It’s a unique venture but we’re pretty unique people.

“We do tend to stand out in a crowd – and that’s without the costumes – but it’s so much fun dressing up and pretending you’re someone else for a day.”

From Alice in Wonderland, Halloween, burlesque and pirates, to superheroes, steam punk and all the eras, there are thousands of costumes available for hire.

Tamara Michelle'i (left) and Tanya Grant of The Costume Parlour, Thursday, June 15, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sourced from the Toowoomba Fancy Dress Shop on Ruthven St, which closed in late 2022, the pair collected the custom made costumes less than 48 hours before Christmas.

Keen to take a break from the corporate world and express their creativity, Ms Grant who was a travel agent before the pandemic and Ms Michelle’i who is an accountant, said they hoped to turn the side hustle into a full-time gig.

In addition to costume hire, the pair also offer event and function packages for all types of events.

The Costume Parlour opened in May. For more information phone [phone].