Booming businesses: Toowoomba ventures which opened in 2023
From candy shops and topless waitstaff, to humble start-ups and major expansions, here is every Toowoomba business which opened in 2023.
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Running your own business is far from easy, with long hours, sacrifices and financial decisions all part of the deal.
Not even these speed bumps could deter nearly 40hardworking Toowoomba locals, who took the jump this year, to go out on their own and open their own venture.
From candy shops and topless waitstaff, to humble start-ups and major expansions, here is every Toowoomba business which opened in 2023.
Carol Barnwell Artist
After four decades of performing Caesareans on lionesses, pregnancy diagnoses on rhinos in Africa and treating pets at her Toowoomba-based vet practice, Carol Barnwell decided it was time for a change.
Originally from Zimbabwe, the 64-year-old retired from the profession and sold her Rangeville clinic and equine practice in Hodgson Vale, to pursue art full-time this year.
Bringing her love for animals into her new-found career, the retired vet said her paintings primarily feature pets, wildlife and landscapes.
Full story here.
PopBox
Toowoomba became the home of a revolutionised snack after Scarecrow Foods released its innovative product PopBox.
After three years of product research and the construction of a local manufacturing centre, the product hit the market in early 2023.
A twist on the traditional concept of popcorn in a bag, the innovative product is microwavable popcorn served in a foldable, recyclable box, complete with a ventilation system.
PopBox comes in five flavours including butter, mega butter, lite butter, sea salt and sweet and salty and is currently available at more than 50 retailers in the Darling Downs, as well as other parts of the country.
Full story here.
The Barmen
Cocktail lovers were rejoicing after new business The Barmen opened with its owners serving everything from spicy margaritas and cosmopolitans to espresso martinis.
Best mates turned business partners Jack Lee and Dylan Edwards offer a mobile bar, bartending services and will even whip up cocktails while topless, on request.
The two expert mixologists have years of industry experience with Dylan hailing from a pub in Gatton and The Cube Hotel, while former George Banks venue manager Jack perfected the craft of bartending at the Sofitel Resort in Noosa.
Available for corporate events, birthdays, hen’s nights and weddings, the duo will offer customised packages to suit all and every occasion.
Full story here.
UJam Fitness
Dance and fitness have always been Casey Wruck’s two biggest passions, and now the Toowoomba instructor wants to share them with the world through UJam Fitness.
Combining disco lights and beats from the 90s to now, the inclusive classes cater to everyone and offer a fun way to stay fit, tone muscles and help the soul.
Full story here.
Pony Parties Toowoomba
Horse lover Lauren Sykes combined her qualifications in horse management and equine assisted therapy with her experience of working in the social services, disability and mental health sector to open Pony Parties Toowoomba.
Providing healing and assistance programs for children and aged care facilities, the Highfields woman said horses were great therapy animals due to their intuitiveness and ability to sense human emotions.
In addition to offering sessions to assist children who experience trauma, anxiety or other challenges, the mother of three also helps with pony-themed parties, rides and educational experiences.
Full story here.
Dead Ringer Records
For her entire life Taylor Chalmers has been heavily involved in the creative arts thanks to the influence of her music teacher dad and artist mum.
But it was when she hit her teenage years and finally discovered English band The Cure when 80s punk rock and alternative music became her biggest passion.
The music enthusiast opened her own store Dead Ringer Records selling vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and merchandise, at the Australia Arcade in April.
Full story here.
Brood Coffee
Every morning Lachlan Jurgs starts the day with an espresso, followed by a Gibraltar which he likens to a small latte.
The 34-year-old barista, who previously worked as an avionics technician for the Royal Australian Air Force for more than a decade, spent years travelling the world and discovering different cafes and cultures.
In March this year, the Toowoomba man opened his own shop – Brood Coffee on Brook St, at the former site of 4 Brothers Brewing.
Coffee enthusiasts may recognise Mr Jurgs from when he stepped in as a guest barista at Grinds Espresso last year, in between leaving the defence force and opening his own cafe.
Full story here.
Cait and Co Pet Minding
Working as an emergency veterinary nurse, Caitlyn Hamilton has seen just about everything over her seven years in the industry.
Covering overnight shifts at the REDVets Emergency Department, the animal lover has helped save the lives of hundreds of animals as a result of snake bites, dogfights, paralysis ticks or other life threatening injuries.
The senior vet nurse started her own business Cait and Co Pet Minding this year, bringing her skills and knowledge of animals with her.
Designed to give owners a peace of mind when on holiday, Ms Hamilton said the pet minding business is available to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles.
The pet sitter’s list of services includes house visits, feeding and water changes, general hygiene and dog walking.
Full story here.
Beauty in the Woods
When Josie Weller was a child she spent many days giving her cousins facials in a room of her grandmother’s house with pink walls.
Little did she know this pastime would lead her to create her own beauty empire.
Growing up in the small North Burnett town of Mundubbera, Ms Weller said she was always inspired by the hard work ethic of country folk including her own parents.
At the young age of 19, Ms Weller opened her own business Beauty in the Woods in her hometown, before moving the store to Rockhampton four years later.
After eight years of running the successful beauty business, she relocated to Toowoomba and opened her second store in the Garden City.
Offering a traditional and expansive service list of beauty treatments, the business specialises in facials, peels, lashes, brows, nails, make-up, tanning and waxing.
Full story here.
So Flossy
After years of working in the corporate world, Tahlia Scott decided it was time to ditch the briefcase and change direction – and her new “office” may just be the happiest place on earth.
Eager to create a party favour for the kids who usually miss out, Ms Scott began selling allergen and gluten free fairy floss online in late 2019, along with custom made party decor.
Despite many businesses in the field struggling to keep afloat during the pandemic, the mum of three said her sweet start-up flourished with clients trying to live as “normal” as possible.
Whether she was receiving orders for driveway and Zoom parties or gender reveal gift boxes for isolated families, Ms Scott said 2020 was one of her busiest years so far.
This year and four years since she started the successful online store, Ms Scott and her family relocated from Sydney to Highfields and expanded her business.
In just nine days, she managed to renovate a humble space and transform it into the lolly shop of her dreams – So Flossy.
In addition to her seven unique flavours of Fairy Floss, the business owner also sells a wide variety of lollies and chocolate, as well as candy-themed homewares and gifts.
The 72 sqm site which was formerly a hairdressing salon, gift shop and pop-up shop for various purposes, can also be hired for parties with several packages available.
Full story here.
Groovy Kind of Love Celebrant
When Jill Keen played an integral part in the organisation process of her two children’s weddings, she discovered a new passion she wanted to pursue.
After years of working as a quality manager for a training organisation, the Toowoomba woman registered as a marriage celebrant with the intention to tap into her creative side.
Covering the Darling Downs, Tweed Coast and everywhere in between, Ms Keen has also started her own business Groovy Kind of Love Celebrant – a name inspired by her love for music.
Full story here.
Glam Cartel
Nothing is more deflating than walking into a store, trying on clothes, finding nothing to wear and leaving feeling a little less confident than before.
Mother of five Kristy Carroll knows the feeling, and it inspired her to help empower other mums by opening her own small women’s clothing business Glam Cartel.
It was a longtime dream for Ms Carroll who worked in fashion retail as a teen and always hoped to run her own business one day.
Fearful of adding it to her already packed schedule, she decided to take the leap in mid-2023 and began selling her clothing range at local markets.
The Toowoomba woman also sells her own handmade earrings.
Hitting a few bumps along the way including the juggling act of being a mother, running a business and working a second part-time job, Ms Carroll said she hoped to inspire other mums to follow their passions.
Full story here.
Sensational Sewing
A woman who grew up watching her mother and grandmother sew has turned the hobby into her bread and butter.
Sally Scarlett has come a long way since the age of four when she began sewing clothes for her dolls with nothing but a needle, thread and a pair of old socks.
Now aged in her 50s, she opened her own studio Sensational Sewing on Station St, offering classes for adults and children from the age of eight as well as Sip and Sew events.
Ms Scarlett started the sewing school from home in 2013, along with alteration services, and after a decade expanded her humble business into a new professional studio in April.
The qualified sewing teacher said her programs catered for beginners and people with intermediate skills.
Full story here.
W Coffee and Co
What started out as a bag of coffee beans has grown into a realm of possibilities for Jordan and Cass Wisnewski, who in less than nine months opened their own cafe.
In fact, their blend drew in such a large crowd that Mr Wisnewski took the gig on full-time – a scary yet exciting prospect for the husband and wife team.
The small family business currently employs two full-time baristas and serves a selection of the couple’s own house and specialty blends.
W Coffee and Co is at the Australia Arcade off Ruthven St and is open weekdays from 6am to 2pm and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm.
Full story here.
Your Physio Toowoomba
Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Thomas always knew she wanted to one day start her own business.
Following in the footsteps of her parents who operate a cattle farm, the 26-year-old opened home-based business Your Physio Toowoomba this year.
Ms Thomas who has been riding horses since the age of four and competes at a national level in dressage, decided physiotherapy was her dream career after she sustained several injuries herself.
A qualified doctor in physiotherapy, the former Warwick woman has already secured 30 patients per week.
Specialising in women’s health and sports and post surgical rehab, the new business owner said she wanted to create a comfortable, tranquil and private space where she could connect with clients and offer a more personalised experience.
With dreams to one day expand her practice, Ms Thomas hopes to one day offer her services to rural areas but said she was currently content working from home.
Full story here.
Top End Tours
A Toowoomba chef went from flipping burgers to offering private tours in some of Australia’s most remote and cherished locations.
Richard May-Steers has been touring the Australian outback since the early 2000s and this year the qualified tour guide started his own venture Top End Tours.
Designed for small groups, the adventure tour takes guests on a 10-seat 4WD bus to some of the most remote parts of Australia and without the stress inexperienced travellers may face.
Some options include 14-day Kimberley, 10-day Toowoomba to Kununurra and 22-day West to East tours among others.
Mr May-Steers said he also hoped to bring a piece of tourism back to the Darling Downs with plans to offer trips from Blackbutt to Withcott and up to the Bunya Mountains.
The former co-owner of popular CBD eatery Phat Burgers has been searching for a new location with his business partner Al Wynn since the business closed late last year.
Full story here.
The Costume Parlour
A former travel agent and accountant who bonded through grief, 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.
The Costume Parlour operates out of a renovated food trailer which took three long months of renovations to complete.
From Alice in Wonderland, Halloween, burlesque and pirates, to superheroes, steam punk and all the eras, there are thousands of costumes available for hire.
Full story here.
Sculpt and Soul
After giving birth to her third child and struggling to find the time to look after herself, Jessica Darr began an inspiring fitness journey and lost more than 40kg which led her to open her dream business.
Feelings of intimidation and low self-esteem initially stopped Ms Darr from going to the gym, so she began doing pilates and muscle strengthening exercises from home instead.
Pilates and lifestyle changes gave Ms Darr the confidence to step into the gym where she began incorporating weights and resulted in a 40kg weight loss.
Now aged in her 30s, the mother-of-three decided to qualify as a pilates instructor – a big career move for Ms Darr who previously managed a haulage business.
Working as an instructor at several gyms, she then purchased a few reformer machines and began offering pilates classes from home.
As demand increased, Ms Darr decided to find a larger space and opened her own studio Sculpt and Soul at the former site of The Cave Gym on Keefe St.
Full story here.
Bowel Diagnostics Therapy Centre
When a close family member of nurse Sharyn MacLachlan was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, she discovered a new-found passion for bowel diseases and began specialising in the field.
Alongside practice manager Kayla Ferguson, the pair is running the newly established Bowel Diagnostics Therapy Centre in East Toowoomba.
The nurse-led clinic offers adult patients bulk-billed consultations and assessments for a range of conditions including IBS, bowel movement-related issues and early detection for bowel cancer.
Toowoomba marks the brand’s third clinic to open its doors after the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Ms MacLachlan said while the health topic was once stigmatised by the public, she had noticed young people were not only more open to discussing the issue but also more vigilant about having regular check-ups.
Full story here.
Lander Support
Inclusion has always been at the forefront of Donna and Jesse Lander’s mind so when an opportunity arose to open their own disability support organisation, the mother and son made the jump.
The owners of Lander Support celebrated the grand opening of their new office and community hub on Ruthven Street in July.
Ancestors of the Wailwan People from Central Western NSW, the pair are passionate about celebrating Aboriginal culture with 70 per cent of their participants being Indigenous.
As part of the site renovations, the Lander family created a feature wall mural to demonstrate their connection with the land.
Offering a large schedule of activities and events for participants and the wider community, the mother and son team said they wanted to provide an inclusive space for people to feel safe and be themselves.
Full story here.
Elite Supps Toowoomba
While some teenagers are still figuring out the career path they want to follow, Christian Sutton knew his future would be in the health and fitness industry by the time he was 15.
Five years after gaining his qualifications and building experience in the industry, Mr Sutton opened his gym Conquer Fitness in Kingaroy.
After purchasing an Elite Supps franchise early last year, he secured his second location for the health and fitness supplement business in Toowoomba, in July.
Stocking vitamins, minerals, protein powder, pre-workout drinks and snacks, the franchise is situated in the former space of Australian souvenir shop Skinny’s in Grand Central Shopping Centre’s Market Room.
Full story here.
Valicha
Toowoomba man Phill Routledge was driving heavy earth machinery in the coal mines, while his partner Melissa Valencia was a housekeeper, but this year the driven couple left their former careers to fully commit to their dream of running a Peruvian-style food truck.
When the pair first started dating almost four years ago, Ms Valencia served her homemade Pollo la Brasa charcoal chicken at a family gathering and it was an instant hit.
Starting out in two 3m gazebos at various Toowoomba markets, Ms Valencia decided it was time to go all in and asked her partner to leave his job in the coal mines just two days before he was due to fly out to a new project in Moranbah.
The pair then purchased a 6m food trailer and have been serving the masses at markets and events including the Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets every Saturday.
Before moving to Australia in 2010, Ms Valencia grew up in Peru and said food was an integral part of her culture.
Cooking with traditional Peruvian ingredients including lime, chilli, potato and corn, the menu features Papa Rellena – Peruvian potato croquettes and the famous charcoal chicken, among other options.
Full story here.
Proud Poppy Clothing Toowoomba
When Tara McKeon was on maternity leave after giving birth to her first child, she was a nurse who covered night shifts in the emergency ward and was facing with issues many women can relate to – identity struggles, body changes and low self-esteem.
As time went on, Ms McKeon found herself unable to find clothes that catered to different body shapes and sizes and began thinking about other women who faced similar challenges.
Passionate about empowering others, Ms McKeon launched her own business Proud Poppy in mid 2019 – a popular fashion brand which has expanded into a multimillion-dollar venture in just four years.
Catering to women of all shapes and sizes, the business currently stocks from size 6 and up to size 30, with plans to extend this to a size 32.
Working exclusively with artist Kasey Rainbow, who’s family live in Toowoomba, the brand is also recognised for its bright, colourful and unique clothing designs.
Ms McKeon expanded her brand and opened a new store at Grand Central Shopping Centre in September.
Full story here.
Envy on Russell
Two unique venues in one space opened in late November, with the owner’s vision to bring new life to the eastern end of Russell St.
After years of being a stay at home mum to her four sons, Bel Harman decided it was time to focus on her career and began working as the general manager of Toowoomba’s adult entertainment club The Vault.
Working in the role for 18 months, the 44-year-old opened her own venue Envy on Russell – a destination near The Vault, which she believes may create a new night-life strip in that area of the CBD.
The site at 12 Russell St welcomes patrons to two separate venues called Envy and Lust.
Complete with green walls and gold interiors, black leather couches and a vinyl street art feature wall, Envy offers a nightclub location with a spacious dance floor, bar and DJ booth.
Meanwhile, Lust is catered to patrons seeking a “more relaxed” vibe, with plenty of seating and topless waitresses serving drinks every Saturday.
Full story here.
Bootylicious Reformer Studio Toowoomba
Toowoomba welcomed the arrival of a new 24/7 reformer pilates studio in July.
The Margaret St business called Bootylicious Reformer Studio Toowoomba was designed to make fitness more accessible, convenient and comfortable for everyone.
Owner Roxy Richards said clients could access the studio by using the self-service kiosks, with instructional videos available for first-timers.
Reformer pilates combines the traditional principles and movements of mat pilates with a reformer machine consisting of a foot bar, carriage, pulleys, and springs of varying tension that can be adjusted to suit differing fitness levels.
Each exercise is performed as a slow, controlled movement, using your whole body to improve muscle tone, strength and posture.
Full story here.
Divine Beauty
A mum determined to show her young daughter that anything is possible if you are passionate enough opened her first business in February.
Divine Beauty, located at 2/108 Russell Street, was unveiled as a safe space for clients to relax, unwind, and feel their best selves.
Owner Katie Kay said her one-year-old daughter Milani was her biggest motivator as she struggled to find the perfect balance between work and mum life.
Divine Beauty offers beauty services including eyelash extensions, massages, brows and makeup.
Full story here.
Flaming Knights Barbecue Cafe
A popular catering business officially put down roots on the outskirts of Toowoomba, filling a gap much desired by the community, in February.
Owners Mark Aboud and Nick Myatt were not prepared for the amount of support they would receive in their first week operating out of their Flaming Knights Barbecue Cafe, at the former Arches Cafe Drayton site.
The long-time friends decided to go into business together after living in the USA and getting a taste of proper smoked meats.
After officially starting the catering side of the business in August 2021, Mr Myatt said the pair were busy straight away and were contracted caterers, before eventually working out of a food truck and as of this year, their own venue.
Full story here.
Bushwhacker Art
The diagnosis of a brain tumour and abnormal bone condition at the base of his skull led a long-time Jondaryan resident to discover a hidden talent.
Michael Kentwell knew he had minor airbrush skills, but 18 months ago he discovered a new canvas to take a brush to in the form of metal.
In about two to three hours, Mr Kentwell can transform a bare sheet of scrap metal into a piece of art worth hundreds of dollars.
The 55-year-old said the abnormalities in his head, which included the diagnosis of the benign tumour and Fibrous Dysplasia, contributed to his new-found talent.
The Jondaryan artist has begun selling his pieces of art and taking special requests from buyers.
Full story here.
Tabatinga
Toowoomba’s newest kids play and activity centre features go-karting, jungle gyms, a disco room and parent’s cafe.
The City Golf Club is well advanced in transforming its old functions and events space into Tabatinga Toowoomba, the latest location for the fast-growing collection of “fun and social centres” across Australia under the same name and branding.
The new space, which opened in March, includes play areas for kids of all ages, rooms to host birthday parties, a mini sports arena and even a go-kart track for children and parents.
Kids can either go for a “stay and play” or be booked in for a “drop and dine”, which allows parents to enjoy a night to themselves.
Club president Ed Britnell said the new venture offers another play centre option in Toowoomba, which has been currently dominated by Chipmunks.
Full story here.
Centro Italian Ristorante
One of the fastest-growing foodie districts in the CBD has gotten even larger, with a new Italian restaurant launching inside the Toowoomba Central Plaza for the first time in three years.
The Centro Italian Ristorante on Ruthven St opened with a bang in May, hosting more than 140 people including Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury for a Great Gatsby-themed party.
Featuring an extensive menu, the venue is open for breakfast (not with Italian food), lunch and dinner.
It’s the first time the space has been used as a restaurant since the pandemic hit in early 2020.
Centro, which will also be the dining space for hotel guests and provide room service, has been spearheaded by veteran chef and restaurateur Greg O’Leary.
Mr O’Leary, who has worked in some of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney and the Gold Coast, believed there was clear demand for the cuisine in Toowoomba.
Centro sits between hotels Oaks Toowoomba and the Burke and Wills, which both sport popular restaurants.
Full story here.
Bone Idol Bar
Alister Ferguson’s latest project has been a “labour of love” by his own admission — but the hard work has been worth it to see people of all ages walking through the door.
Mr Ferguson and his team from The Plate opened the new CBD “dive bar”, created in place of the old Bar Wunder, in November.
The Ruthven St venue is a multistorey site featuring live music, American-inspired share platters, a fully-tapped beer garden and seven sports screens.
Along with classic games like darts and pool, Bone Idol’s point of difference is the inclusion of four 18ft shuffleboards from Texas, essentially introducing the sport to Toowoomba.
Mr Ferguson said he and brewer Tim Anderssen drew inspiration from the pubs and bars they grew up in when creating the venue.
Full story here.
The Axe N Dagger
For those with an axe to grind, Toowoomba now has the ideal spot to vent your frustrations.
The Axe N Dagger, set up in the former dairy factory building on Brook Street, is the city’s first and only axe and knife throwing venue.
Sort of like a game of darts only with an axe and/or knife, players enter a specially constructed safety cage and throw the tomahawk style axe at a board.
Players get five points for a bullseye, three points within the surrounding red circle and one point to land inside the outer blue circle.
The venue which opened early 2023, also has a canteen with snacks and soft drinks to keep the players hydrated.
Full story here.
Mosta Hair
While Joel’s Barbershop is one of Toowoomba’s longest-running barbershops, the business relocated, expanded and opened a new hairdressing salon in April.
Leaving its location on Margaret Street in the Toowoomba CBD after 15 years, Joel’s Barbershop is now located at the Eastville Village precinct in East Toowoomba.
Husband and wife, as well as business co-owners Joel Watson and Susan Zammit said the shop features a central entrance point, which then splits into a men’s barbershop and women’s salon called Mosta Hair.
Full story here.
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