‘Dust yourself off’: Strong country women putting makers in spotlight

The past few years haven’t been the easiest for this mother and daughter duo, but nothing can keep country women down. Read about how their new business is helping rural women here.

Nothing compares to the strength of a country woman, and the owners of a unique Toowoomba business are living proof.

When Ashlea Jones was just a teenager, her dad became very sick, has battled health issues ever since and has now been placed in full-time care.

Mother and daughter Rae-Lea Cochrane and Ashlea Jones own The Handmade and Co in Toowoomba Plaza. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Challenging is an understated way to describe the past few years for Ashlea and her mum Rae-Lea Cochrane, but things are starting to look up for the pair who just opened their second store in the region.

“It’s been really hard, but we’re from the bush and when you live in the country, you might go down, but then you pick yourself up, you dust yourself off and you keep going,” Ms Cochrane said.

“So many people struggle in Roma, especially since the pandemic, and there are a lot of women who can’t work or don’t have the support to run a small business, so that’s why we’re passionate about the bush, and it’s unbelievable how talented these women are.”

Mother and daughter Rae-Lea Cochrane and Ashlea Jones own The Handmade and Co in Toowoomba Plaza. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The mother and daughter duo opened The Handmade and Co in Roma eight months ago and as a result of its success, just opened a second store at the Toowoomba Plaza.

Selling a variety of handmade products made by talented rural women, the business owners are passionate about supporting start-ups from the bush.

Items include artworks, candles, lamp shades, pot plants, jewellery, fashion and preserved goods, among others.

Mother and daughter Rae-Lea Cochrane and Ashlea Jones own The Handmade and Co in Toowoomba Plaza. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“I own two other businesses – dried florals and a fashion label with my friend, and we first started out, there was nowhere to sell our products,” Ms Jones said.

“Like most mothers and daughter relationships, we do fight, but it doesn’t take long for us to make up.

“With everything that’s happened with dad, we really share a special bond and we only have each other.”

Mother and daughter Rae-Lea Cochrane and Ashlea Jones own The Handmade and Co in Toowoomba Plaza. Monday, September 26, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Describing each other as more like “best friends” rather than mother and daughter, the pair said going into business together had been the best decision they had ever made.

No stranger to hard work, Rae-Lea previously served patrons as a publican alongside her husband.

The Handmade & Co is open weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.