New businesses: 60+ Toowoomba ventures which opened in 2022
To celebrate the thriving hub of businesses across the Darling Downs, we’re taking a trip down memory lane and looking back at all the ventures that opened in 2022. Check out the list here.
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The Darling Downs is filled with incredible businesses, many of which opened for the first time this year.
From restaurants with delicious offerings and coffee brewers, to beauty therapy experts and fashionistas, there’s a new business for everyone in Toowoomba.
To celebrate the thriving hub of businesses across the region, we’re taking a trip down memory lane.
Here are more than 60 of the new businesses which opened in 2022.
Settlement Day By Boxed
Buying a house is the ultimate Australian dream, but one new Toowoomba business has made the experience a gift that keeps on giving.
Amie Storey always dreamt of starting her own business and loved spoiling the special people in her life with presents, but she never imagined combining the two concepts – until now.
Launching her business Settlement Day By Boxed in February, the 20-year-old new business owner sells luxury hampers for real estate professionals to gift to clients who have purchased a home.
The unique concept all came about when Ms Storey’s boyfriend, who works as a real estate agent, first planted the seed.
Keen to make the special occasion that little bit sweeter, Ms Storey said the thought of her gift boxes bringing others joy was all part of the fun.
Read more here.
Home Soil
Buying from the bush has become a popular trend for city slickers to add character and charm to their abodes and this new venture ticks all the boxes.
Ever since she was a young child, Sally Ziesemer, 25, lived by the motto ‘I saw the opportunity, so I took it’ and the mantra has followed her well into adulthood.
Growing up on a grain farm about one hour west of Toowoomba, Ms Ziesemer was a boarding student at The Glennie School and later moved to her boyfriend’s family farm in Chinchilla.
Ms Ziesemer started her own side hustle, Home Soil, in February and sells bunches of wheat she collects from the two farms she calls home.
Within just a few months of launching, Ms Ziesemer said she received about 100 orders and several wedding requests.
Read more here.
eXpedition10
Exploring the wonders in our own backyard will now be easier than ever, with the launch of a Toowoomba-born concept for holidaygoers.
The Stronestreets Coaches and Travel team has been working together and operating group tours to destinations across the country and globe since the early 90s.
This year, the business relaunched as eXpedition10, offering people bespoke and unforgettable travel experiences.
Co-directors Rob Brown, Phil Stonestreet and Bev Mules spent 18 months creating exclusive tours of the Cape York, Queensland Gulf, cattle properties, Aboriginal art and gold fossicking.
Read more here.
Norfords Custom Suits
As the saying goes, you can take on the world in a good suit and the region’s residents have found out why.
Norfords Custom Suits director Abraham Slatter, 26, was born in Brisbane but has called Toowoomba home since he was just seven-years-old.
After previously working in conventional menswear stores, he discovered the most common issues customers faced when buying suits off the rack included limited designs, ill-fitting garments and the high costs of alterations.
Passionate about offering an alternative, he joined forced with his business partner Michael Hughes, who founded Norfords in 2016.
After years of running the successful tailor-made suit business in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the entrepreneur launched his menswear brand in the Garden City.
Read more here.
Bergen
Clayton Costigan will always remember his birthday this year – as it was also the first day he opened his new restaurant Bergen.
The well-respected chef, who made a name for himself decades ago on the Toowoomba food scene, decided now was the time to go out on his own.
When Mr Costigan saw the space which was formerly Junk and the Amalfi Cafe, was available at Walton Stores, he instantly knew it was the perfect location.
Read more here.
W Coffee and Co
For Cass and Jordan Wisnewski, their favourite part of the week is waking up on a Saturday morning, making their two children breakfast and turning on the coffee machine.
The married couple, who first met through their church’s youth group 12 years ago, cherish the weekly routine as the one moment they get to pause and connect as a family.
Now they’ve turned their passion for coffee into business W Coffee and Co, selling equipment and their ethically-sourced studio blend in a chocolate-coated hazelnut, caramel and berry flavour since opening in October.
Read more here.
The Potager
The Nolan’s Block, featuring a restaurant, patisserie and an array of speciality shops, has been credited with attracting hundreds of people from southeast Queensland to Crows Nest every week since it opened in April.
Co-owner of The Potager at Nolans Jodie Ryan, whose business with Ms Boardman sells a variety of outdoor and garden products, said it wasn’t just out-of-towners visiting the new attraction.
Read more here.
GS Discount Music
It’s been less than a year since the former cafe owner closed the doors to her business, but not even that could keep Katie Eastaugh from pursuing her passion for Toowoomba’s music scene.
The former owner of Cafe Guitar, which closed in January due to storm damage, started managing new store GS Discount Music in December to help the “untapped music talent” in Toowoomba.
Selling end of the line, entry-model and scratched instruments at a discounted price, Katie said the new store would assist artists to enter the music scene who may be struggling to afford full-priced items.
It’s a vision she is helping her husband Steve Eastaugh, the owner of fellow Russell St music store Bandland, bring to life after 10 years.
Read more here.
Secret Flower Service
Nothing can brighten up a day more than receiving a surprise bouquet of gorgeous blooms, especially when they get delivered by a top-secret agent.
Haley Potter, 40, opened her new business Secret Flower Service – a delivery operation with a special surprise – in January and just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Teaming up with her close friend and the owner of Mei’s Flowers for supply, Ms Potter’s new venture involves her dressing up as a secret agent to deliver fresh farm flowers to lucky recipients across the region, where the sender’s identity is part of the mystery and fun.
Read more here.
Gold’s Gym Toowoomba
Hearts of fitness fanatics across the region skipped a beat when the highly-anticipated gym finally opened its doors in May.
Gold’s Gym welcomed clients to its new Toowoomba fitness centre, which once served as a home to Aldi at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre.
The new gym marked a special milestone for owners Joe Sobara and Bevin Jones who also run the franchise in the ACT, as it is the first time the brand has put its mark on the Sunshine State.
And while the pair and their families are now calling the Garden City home, they have plans to expand further across southeast Queensland in the future, with a Kippa-Ring location already in the works.
The 24-hour club is equipped with squat racks, free weights and pin-loaded machines.
Offering a full class schedule with at least 35 live and digital sessions.
Encompassing more than 1400sq m in floor space, the wellness centre also features an in-house children’s play area and cafe called Raw Energy where members can grab a coffee or smoothie between workouts.
Read more here.
Top Paddock Clothing
After years of working as a high school teacher, Renee Elsden, 38, decided she needed a change and left the classroom to open up her own clothing store in the town of Pittsworth.
With a focus on quality and honouring the region and agriculture sector, Top Paddock Clothing opened its doors in February after several months of preparation.
Paying homage to her grassroots, Ms Elsden has old family photos hung up instore, of her great uncle who was a rodeo clown and her husband’s family sitting on tractors and harvesting.
Read more here.
Virtual Ko
When Covid-19 and lockdowns first started, many businesses were forced to adopt new practices and embrace technology.
In January, a new service was launched in the Darling Downs to offer clients admin support and lighten the load.
After operating a business hub and co-working space Ko Kollective for four years and Emerald Kove – a trendy and relaxed venue housing private offices, event spaces and training rooms, for just over a year, owner Natasha Krahenbring decided it was time to take it one step further.
The passionate business owner launched Virtual Ko – a virtual administration and phone line service for businesses across the Darling Downs.
Services on offer include answering calls on behalf of business clients, marketing and email and calendar management, among others.
Read more here.
Kalm Springs
She’s travelled to 52 countries and some of the most luxurious parts of the world and in November Sarah Sing brought the beachside chic style to Toowoomba.
The mum of two opened her luxe day spa Kalm Springs on Union St, offering infra-red sauna, float and LED light therapies.
Inspired by her best friend Kim Glenister, who opened a business with the same name in Casuarina, NSW, and the tropical resorts she’s visited, the fit-out included rendered walls and brass fittings.
Read more here.
Muse EA and Creative
After watching her partner work 50 hour weeks and arrive home only to start his paperwork, it inspired Teleah Brydon to help business owners reduce their workload.
For years she worked in the real estate and education industries and had also struggled to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
So when the pandemic meant many employees were required to work from home, the 25-year-old decided to resign and started her own freelance business Muse EA and Creative in August.
Offering businesses assistance with general administration duties, as well as email, diary, social media and project management, Teleah signed her first client, who just happened to be her partner Kieran.
Read more here.
Yellow Duck Creative
When Teagan Ryatt was a child, she spent every chance she got making PowerPoint presentations, drawing pictures and experimenting with technology.
As she grew older, her creative side never diminished, but her desire to make an impact by helping others grew stronger so she decided to become a paramedic.
Despite loving the role, when Teagan gave birth to her first child Evelyn two years ago, she was faced with the difficult decision of re-evaluating her priorities and the life she wanted.
Working a standard of 12 hour long shifts with late finishes, she made the decision to resign and in September she started her own brand and web design company Yellow Duck Creative.
Read more here.
Get Gorgeous
For as long as she can remember, Zoe Dwyer has been immersed in the beauty industry and now after seven years of running her own business, the mother of two returned home to the Garden City.
The skin specialist moved to Moranbah, a small mining town in Central Queensland, almost one decade ago and started her own home-based clinic Get Gorgeous.
After just two years of operating, she managed to outgrow the humble space and open a clinic in town.
Now the small business owner has returned to her hometown of Toowoomba to expand, while co-owner Courtney Faamita continues to run the Moranbah salon.
Designed as a hub for self-employed hair and beauty professionals and featuring four private rooms as well as a shared kitchen space, the owner said the 94 sqm block would offer a one-stop-shop for all beauty needs.
Read more here.
Toowoomba Yoga Shala
When Perrine Grando was 18, she left her home in France to travel the world and found herself working as an au pair in Toowoomba, but after falling in love with the Garden City and her partner Ilario Milella, she now calls the region home.
Now aged 24 and after years of travelling, Perrine has returned to the region and in October opened her own studio – the Toowoomba Yoga Shala.
Specialising in Ashtanga, which generates a lot of heat, targets all the muscles and consumes a lot of energy, Perrine said she was passionate about teaching beginners step-by-step.
Perrine, who has been teaching yoga for four years and practices it herself every day without fail, said yoga changed her life and she hoped it would help others too.
Read more here.
The Handmade and Co
Nothing compares to the strength of a country woman, and the owners of a unique Toowoomba business are living proof.
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.
The mother and daughter duo opened The Handmade and Co in Roma near the start of 2022 and as a result of its success, opened a second store at the Toowoomba Plaza in September.
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.
Read more here.
Stuff Designs
When Sydney-siders Kara Champion and her brother Peter Alcock first saw the hustle and bustle of Nolan’s Block in the small town of Crows Nest, they knew instantly it was the perfect place to open their own store.
Teaming up with Toowoomba’s Day & Night Pharmacy owner Melissa Wilson, the trio opened Stuff Designs and have been in business together since August.
Specialising in unique homewares, gifts and furniture pieces which would complement any style.
Both interior designers with different styles, Ms Champion described her brother as having a “very eclectic” taste, while her preference was coastal.
Read more here.
Kapow Beauty and Brow
Hard work and drive has paid off for one Toowoomba woman, who went from offering beauty services in her garage to opening her very own CBD salon.
After working in her home-based garage set-up for about four years, Haley Potter opened her very own salon in September – Kapow Beauty and Brow in Toowoomba’s CBD.
Ms Potter said she hopes to use her cosmetic tattooing skills to help build people’s confidence, whether it be those who have lost their eyebrows due to a medical condition, correcting scars or by tattooing areolas on trans people.
The new business owner has also turned her store into a retail space.
Read more here.
In A Dash Coffee
The owners of a new Toowoomba coffee shop Ash Lynch, 31, and Dan Knight, 31, first met when they worked together at Passiontree Velvet, but when the store unexpectedly closed, the pair missed working together and serving their customers.
In September, their four-year-long friendship blossomed into a business partnership, with the pair opening their new cafe In A Dash Coffee.
Along with the help of their family and friends, the duo performed a major renovation on the store which was formerly the home of My Ability Cafe and a banh mi shop.
The seasonal menu features items ranging from crossaints and avo on toast, to cakes and slices.
Read more here.
Chrish and Co
Bonded by blood and now business, two enthusiastic brothers teamed up to create a luxurious boutique salon in the Garden City.
When Chrish Peterson, 17, and his brother Joel Peterson, 25, first spotted an empty shop on a busy Newtown street, they envisioned opening their own hairdressing salon together.
After signing the lease and completing a hands-on renovation, the co-owners opened their boutique salon in late August.
With two years’ of experience as a hairdresser behind Chrish and Joel’s background in marketing and customer service, the duo realised their diverse skills made them the perfect pair.
Read more here.
The Range Meat Co
Pulled pork, roast lamb and chicken tacos are just some of the mouth-watering options patrons will find on the menu at a new Toowoomba hotspot.
The Range Meat Co, which opened in December, features a fully-stocked butcher shop, restaurant and dining area.
Owner Chris Donnelly said the exciting venture presented a unique dining experience for customers.
With a butchery on the eastern side of the premises, the kitchen equipped with a butcher grill and seating area is found on the opposite side.
Surrounded by the transparent glass shop front, eager diners are able to select their meat or fish products, as well as watch the preparation of their meals.
Read more here.
Lady Lou
Inspired by her parents who ran their own businesses in their hometown of Warwick, Lani Weston, 28, always dreamt of owning her own start-up venture.
After tragically losing her dad to cancer, Lani decided to shave her head for the Leukaemia Foundation in 2019 – a heartfelt gesture which only ignited her business drive further.
Launching her own jewellery line Lady Lou, it wasn’t long until Lani outgrew her modest home-based business and opened a small pop-up shop on Ruthven St in August.
As her collection of costume jewellery, handbags and headpieces continued to grow, so did her client base, forcing Lani to look for a new place with more space, to call home.
Read more here.
Noelle Christmas Shop
Most people celebrate the festive season on just one day every year, but one woman has found success by tapping into the niche market and making every day feel like Christmas.
From the moment you walk into the Noelle Christmas Shop, you will feel like you’re at the North Pole, with the scent of gingerbread and sound of Christmas carols.
After working in customer service since she was 15 and living in Scotland for years, Kath Grandison always had the dream of opening her own Christmas shop.
With no better time like the present, the now 60-year-old began operating her festive store in Highfields in May and business has been booming.
Stocking a combination of locally handmade items and limited edition products from the UK, Europe and US, Ms Grandison said she is the sole Australian supplier of many of the items in her store.
Read more here.
La Belle Creperie
One young couple has turned a sweet Sunday brunch tradition into a successful new venture.
After living in the south of France, Dean Baxendale discovered his love for crepes, so when he returned to Toowoomba and later met his partner Emily Scott, making crepes became a weekly ritual for the pair.
Together the pair decided to open their business La Belle Creperie, and after just a few months of attending markets around the region and Brisbane, they turned their side hustle into a full-time gig.
Read more here.
Le Bronz’d
They say you can achieve anything with a great spray tan, and now Toowoomba residents can achieve their sun-kissed glow at all hours of the day or night.
With more than two decades of experience in beauty therapy, Jacqui Wheatley launched her own spray tanning business – Le Bronz’d, with a unique twist.
With two automated tanning machines and four healthy glows to choose from, the service is open 24 hours a day.
Ms Wheatley said the 24-hour service, which opened in April, also catered for parents and business people who were unable to attend appointments during standard business hours.
Read more here.
Lok and Kee
It was lights, cameras, action for the performers of theatrical cocktail lounge, when the red curtains opened for the first time in March.
Toowoomba’s Lok and Kee opened its doors for its first official showcase, A New Vintage, which featured a variety of acts with three soloists and one duo of local talent.
Owner Teela Strang said the performance took audiences back in time to the Hollywood glam era.
Since its first show, the popular business has launched several unforgettable performances.
Read more here.
Humphrey and Lulu Boutique
Bringing beautiful things to the region has always been a passion for Hayley Bonomi, so when the opportunity came to open her own boutique, she was all too eager to jump at it.
The new business owner opened her Humphrey and Lulu Boutique at the renowned Nolan’s Block emporium in June.
Ms Bonomi who has been a milliner for the past decade said being part of the thriving Crows Nest block was very special.
Selling a range of stunning homewares, furniture pieces, clothing, accessories and of course her own handmade headwear pieces, Ms Bonomi said her stock catered for special occasions as well as those who just felt like treating themselves.
Read more here.
So Many Pockets
Comfortable yet stylish clothing that fits in all the right places is not easy to find, but one fashion lover has an “overall” solution.
When Emma Carland, 18, was a young child, she spent many days learning to sew with her mum and grandmother – memories she looks back on fondly.
The former Spotlight retail worker started business So Many Pockets in May, selling handmade overalls in funky patterns and flattering fits.
Selling her heavyweight cotton overalls at the Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets most Saturdays, the vintage fashion enthusiast said the most popular or unique prints included cactuses, beetroot and florals.
Read more here.
Community Access Care
Equality is something Julie McCracken has always fought hard for which is why the Community Access Care managing director opened an educational hub and car wash in Toowoomba to offer equal opportunities to those living with different abilities.
After years of caring for people living with disabilities, mental health and complex health conditions, she started her own disability support business Community Access Care in Bundaberg, in 2018.
The business expanded to Toowoomba and opened its car wash in May this year.
Read more here.
Body Catalyst
Helping others to achieve a positive body image was the catalyst behind the opening of a new wellness clinic in Toowoomba.
Body Catalyst state area manager Sarah Chillingworth said the team was excited to have opened their 39th clinic in the garden city.
The wellness clinic which opened at Grand Central Shopping Centre in May, offers a range of non-invasive and non-surgical services.
Treatments include cellulite reduction, skin tightening, fat freezing, pelvic floor strengthening and muscle defining, among others.
Read more here.
BBcino
Sitting in a cafe and enjoying a babyccino has become a lot sweeter for little ones, thanks to the brainchild of an environmentally-conscious Toowoomba mum.
Elzanne Lategan, 31, loves nothing more than grabbing a coffee for herself and a babyccino, a child-friendly alternative made on frothed milk, for her son.
The mum-of-one said she began to feel guilty about the single-use coffee cups her son’s beverage arrived in and decided to take matters into her own hands.
In July Ms Lategan launched her business BBcino, which specialises in biodegradable keep cups and silicone straws for little ones to enjoy their milk-based treats.
Read more here.
Glow Pilates Co
Competitive sport has been a part of Emily Glennie‘s life for many years, and she has been an active member of the Crossfit community too.
But it was after she attended her first pilates class that she discovered a new appreciation for wellness.
The fitness guru became a qualified pilates instructor and is now offering classes through her business Glow Pilates Co.
With a vision to provide class options for residents living in areas like Gowrie Junction, Kingsthorpe, Meringandan and Highfields, the driven 25-year-old voiced her own frustrations over the commute into town to attend a class.
Read more here.
Bin Busy Cleaning
A hard work ethic was something Anika and Kahli Cameron’s parents passed on to them from a young age and a quality they’ve continued to carry well into their adulthood.
The sisters started their own business venture Bin Busy Cleaning in April, and while the work isn’t for the faint-hearted, the pair have thrived since the very beginning.
Previously, the two sisters owned a coffee shop together out west, but had to step away from the venture when Anika became a mum.
Describing each other as best friends, the duo was determined to start another business together as the kids grew older and the time was right.
Read more here.
Fitted Beard Grooming
Most people will change careers at least once in their lifetime, but few can say they’ve traded a corporate banking job in for beards.
For Marc Tribe, starting a business was always on the cards, and the Toowoomba man launched his start-up Fitted Beard Grooming in July.
Specialising in beard grooming and styling products, Mr Tribe developed handmade oils and balms, as well as brushes and combs, with plans to later develop shampoo and butter recipes too.
Read more here.
Urban Combatives
Toowoomba’s first indoor gel blaster arena opened its doors in December.
The Urban Combatives arena is located in warehouse in Mort Street and is comprised of modular internal walls that can be altered to give regular combatants a fresh experience.
Gel blaster combat has taken off as a popular past time as it cheaper and less painful than traditional paintball.
Read more here.
Black Bird Antiques and Collectables
The Nolan’s Block, featuring a restaurant, patisserie and an array of speciality shops, has been credited with attracting hundreds of people from southeast Queensland to Crows Nest every week since it opened in April.
New Nolan’s Block tenants Charlie and Yvonne Regonesi, who own Blackbird Antiques and Collectables, said their current customers were more likely to be locals rather than tourists.
Read more here.
Pet Mince Direct
Wild boar, croc rib, and lamb tongue may not sound appealing to most humans, but these meal options at a new Toowoomba business are set to have the tails of its main customer base wagging.
Pet Mince Direct opened the doors to its Bridge Street Plaza store in June, specialising in raw food for dogs and cats, with more than 165 products in store.
It marked Pet Mince Direct’s fourth store, alongside three others at Plainland, Brassall, and Ripley.
The store also stocks dry treats and tasty toppers – a powder which can be sprinkled on pet food and comes in several flavours including eggshell, seaweed, and surf and turf.
Read more here.
The Cosmetic Tattoo Room
We’ve all been there when it comes to make-up faux pas, from uneven eye liner and overdrawn brows, to goopy mascara, but as one industry continues to boom, the idea of permanent make-up has never looked so appealing.
For mother-of-two Rebecca Westman, time became something of a rare commodity, so she began looking at alternative ways to take care of herself and recently opened her own business The Cosmetic Tattoo Room.
Offering a range of non-invasive treatments without the pain, hefty price tag or surgery, Ms Westman’s list of services include body sculpting to strengthen and tone the body and facelifts, as well as cosmetic tattooing for brows, lashes, eyeliner and lips.
Read more here.
Pow Bao
A pair of Toowoomba foodies started a new business which features the ultimate flavour fusion in March.
Copper Bench owners Tenzin Norbu and Sara Poolsirisook have always been passionate about food and went on to launch Pow Bao earlier this year.
Offering tasty burgers which pack a punch in flavour, the couple sandwich locally-sourced ingredients between two steamed bao buns, to create a tasty and unique meal.
Read more here.
The Plate Restaurant, Bar and Brewery
It was under construction since June last year and The Plate Restaurant, Bar and Brewery has proven to be highly popular since it opened in March.
Part of The Paddock Butchery and The Shed Coffee Drive Thru, the unique concept was a mix of country style and city chic.
Seating 170 people, the venue features several areas to sit back and relax or cater larger groups and functions.
Read more here.
Flipp’d
When the Spacies Cafe Arcade suddenly closed its doors late last year, reigning pinball champs were left without a place to call home, until Flipp’d opened earlier this year.
Arcade game enthusiasts were hitting high scores at Spacies since it opened in 2020 and before its sudden closure in September.
After a month of renovations, Jon Quinlivan started new venture Flipp’d, which sits in the same space as its predecessor in March.
Pinball machines are called Flippers in the arcade game’s origin country of Germany, which Mr Quinlivan said inspired the choice of name.
Read more here.
Kenti’s Escape
Imagine waking up in fresh, white linen sheets and to the sound of birds singing on the edge of a stunning rainforest.
Ravensbourne resident Caroline Cook has made this vision a reality for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a while.
Ms Cook applied the finishing touches to her new Airbnb called Kenti’s Escape before opening the guesthouse in March.
In a heartfelt gesture, the property owner also named the guesthouse after her loving dad Carolus Kenter, who has always inspired her.
Located on the edge of the subtropical Ravensbourne National Park, Kenti’s Escape is listed on the Airbnb website.
Offering guests a spacious, self-contained studio with modern and elegant features, the area covers about 50 sqm.
Read more here.
The Soul Spa
When Sarah Obrist, 29, experienced her own mental health challenges, she realised her skills as a beauty therapist could make a difference and empower women.
After she struggled to find a similar service, the mother-of-one decided to open her own business, The Soul Spa.
Ms Obrist said her new day spa provided treatments with a holistic approach and were designed for clients to treat themselves, take some time out and “feed their soul”.
Services include facials, waxing, make-up and lash and brow treatments.
Read more here.
Rattlesnake Barbershop
Sez Holborow knows the lengthy history with barbering attached to the site of her new business — and she’s determined to honour that while crafting her own path.
The talented barber and self-described hair artist opened the Rattlesnake Barbershop on West Street in Harristown, in March.
The building used to be owned by the late great Greg Gabbett before he passed away last year.
Ms Holborow met Mr Gabbett, a legend of the industry, in late 2021 about acquiring the small shop opposite the Toowoomba Hospital.
She explained to Mr Gabbett her plans to redesign the shop, which she’d designed in the life simulation game The Sims.
Along with rearranging the layout and adding a second chair and new decor, the entire site was repainted with murals by designs and work from Jamie Kirby at Monkey Business Tattoo Parlour and Andy Griffiths from White Lion Custom Tattoo.
Read more here.
Queens of All Trades
You have probably heard of Marie Kondo and Mary Poppins, but what happens when the two combine their skills?
The answer is Queens of All Trades – the brainchild of Christelle Odendaal and her mum Hannelie Greyling.
It all started during the height of Covid-19 when Ms Odendaal, who had a career in recruitment at the time, found herself out of work, while her mum – a former teacher’s aide, was keen for a change.
Launching Queens of All Trades in May, the mother and daughter team offers just about every service you imagine for the home.
From house organisation and child minding, to dog walking, event management and administrative tasks.
As part of the services, the pair also offers assistance for elderly people who may require help with technology and daily tasks such as grocery shopping.
Read more here.
Sow and Nurtured
Proud of her Indigenous heritage, one mum and professional educator is offering a unique and holistic education model which focuses on outdoor play and her Indigenous heritage.
Tiffany Gesler, 35, has been working with children since she was just 17-years-old.
In February, the qualified midwife and early education specialist went out on her own two feet.
The proud Gunggari woman started her new business Sow and Nurtured – a venture to support families with natural resources and outdoor learning.
The Toowoomba mother-of-two offers a variety of workshops with an holistic learning approach to assist families and children who may be experiencing anxiety or behavioural issues.
Ms Gesler said the workshops would also suit parents who homeschool or want to introduce outdoor education but don’t know where to start.
Read more here.
Aspen Candles
She comes from a long line of creatives and entrepreneurs, and now one young go-getter has gone out on her own.
After helping her parents start their own small business Little Desert Farms, specialising in eco-friendly and handmade products, Drew Wessling, 21, decided to start her own venture.
Launching her business Aspen Candles in July Ms Wessling said her products were handmade from all natural ingredients and were soy-based.
Six fragrances are currently available with salted caramel, mint mojito and passionfruit and paw paw already proving to be in high demand.
Read more here.
Moir Organics
After she witnessed the impact a chronic skin condition had on her son, Samantha Moir decided to look for alternative ways to relieve his symptoms.
Severe Eczema left her young child scarred, in pain and hospitalised multiple times – a sight which would break the heart of any parent.
In a bid to help relieve his symptoms, the mother-of-two began to research natural and chemical-free creams.
After witnessing the positive results of the handmade product, Ms Moir replaced all the chemical-based items in her home with alternatives made from organic oils and herbs.
In May, she started her new business Moir Organics and launched her first consciously-made product – a multipurpose remedy hair oil.
Read more here.
The Collectif
Drawn to the historic South Toowoomba building, which is at least 70 years old, Taryn Hunter purchased the shop five years ago and instantly saw its potential.
The building which previously housed a butcher shop and three different hair salons, transformed into Ms Hunter’s vision of The Collectif this year.
The renovation, which took about 10 months to complete has brightened the place up and preserved the post war building’s history.
Read more here.
Not New … Your Op Shop Experience
Former Rosalie Gallery volunteers were confident of the community’s backing with the official opening of a new op shop in June.
The Goombungee Arts and Cultural Enterprise saw a desire to establish another ‘art face’ in the township, though knew they would need a revenue base to provide affordable events.
Mrs Holland said the group was able to officially open the Not New … Your Op Shop Experience store through the help of the Goombungee Community Christian Church.
Read more here.
OverProof
Revellers have had a new place to party since Proof BBQ and Booze expanded its operation with a rooftop whiskey and cocktail bar in October.
The aptly named OverProof is inspired by the iconic Brisbane cocktail bar The Gresham which owner Ryan Lane worked at for seven years before he opened his first restaurant.
While Proof is all about low and slow barbecue, bourbon and country music, OverProof will hit a slightly different note, leaning into whiskey, cocktails flavoured with Australian ingredients and classic rock.
The renovation adds an extra 200 sqm to the venue which will expand again with plans for a 50 sqm deck.
Read more here.
Googs Cafe
Michelle Birchley dreamt of opening her own eatery called Googs Cafe for more than 40 years — it was a vision her wife Clare wanted to turn into a reality.
The happy couple officially launched the French-style cafe on Neil Street in August.
Built out of a former gym less than 30m from the famous Empire Theatre, Googs and its owners hope to crack Toowoomba’s competitive cafe market by offering a different style of food and atmosphere.
English-born Michelle, who has loved cooking since she was a child, came up with the name at 15 and was later trained in French cuisine by a former head chef of world-famous Parisian restaurant Maxim’s.
Read more here.
Charlie and Mia’s Barkery
With an ever-expanding fanbase, a popular Toowoomba business has cemented itself with an official store.
Rita Faulks created Charlie and Mia’s Barkery seven years ago when she wanted to give her furbabies high quality, preservatives and additive free food.
Charlie and Mia’s Barkery has its own store front at the former Red Rooster site on Ruthven Street.
Read more here.
Rashays
Toowoomba’s CBD has welcomed a new restaurant that serves up slow cooked ribs, pasta and the classic chicken schnitty.
Rashays group general manager Sam Krayem said they planned to open their first regional store in Toowoomba but due to delays, their Bundaberg restaurant managed to sneak in first and opened in August.
The pair also own the Rashays franchise in Redbank, in Brisbane.
Describing the fit-out, which took six months to complete, as modern, fun and vibrant, the general manager said the spacious 300 sqm site was perfect for large group bookings with a capacity to welcome 250 diners at a time.
Read more here.
Mosaic Hues
Hoping to capitalise on the silly season spending and raise much-needed funding for its education projects, Mosaic Hues has opened a pop-up gift store in the Toowoomba CBD.
The store is located on the bottom floor of the Rowes complex in Keefe Street.
Owner Rachael Carter said every item for sale fits within the social enterprise’s mission to do good and help people in need.
The store’s range includes Karma Collective candles that are local made, vegan friendly and donate half of it profits to help animals, handbags and homewares from local First Nations Artisan JLW Leather and heat bags from Inspirational Heat Bags which supports domestic violence victims in Australia and educates children in Africa plus much more.
Read more here.
Ginger’s Mobile Barber Services
Some of the men that barber Rachel Glover meets with haven’t had a haircut in years.
Combating male loneliness and isolation was partially behind Ms Glover’s decision to quit aged care and launch her own mobile barbering service just a few months ago.
Having worked with the elderly and people living with disabilities for more than a decade, she became aware of how many men were unable to leave the house to get their hair cut – either for physical or social reasons.
That idea turned into Ginger’s Mobile Barber Services, which Ms Glover has now grown to a five day a week operation.
Along with the actual cut, Ms Glover said she wanted to reach out to people who didn’t have the means to leave their home.
Read more here.
Alisha Weston Holistic Services
Helping others has always been a passion of Alisha Weston’s and in September the clinical psychologist opened a new business specialising in spiritual healing and holistic therapy.
When Alisha, who has worked in the psychology field for more than a decade, first discovered the power of holistic health, she realised she could help more people by offering both services.
The mum-of-three said due to restrictions, she was unable to combine her new services with her psychology work, so she decided to create a separate business for her new-found passion.
It didn’t take the business owner long to find her perfect and tranquil space, after her sister-in-law Lani Weston opened her Lady Lou boutique in East Toowoomba in July.
Read more here.
The Horse Den
While many Toowoomba businesses struggle to stay afloat, one mum of five has taken a leap of faith after finding a prominent gap in the market.
For most of Amy Thomas’ life, horses have been close to her heart, and after a workplace hiatus to raise a family she officially unveiled The Horse Den in September.
Mrs Thomas said her dream came to life after stepping back into the work environment and seeing a lack of availability for equestrian lovers.
Mrs Thomas pushed for clients to have access to high quality, ‘luxury’ items from Europe, with customers previously forced to take a chance with online ordering.
Read more here.
Toowoomba 24hr Towing
With a dream of running his own business while finding a perfect work/family-life balance, a Westbrook man has taken a risk many wouldn’t dare.
Shane Petersen, with the support of wife Linda, ticked the boxes, signed on the dotted line, and made a commitment to the region with his new Toowoomba 24-hour towing company.
Mrs Petersen said the new business would enable greater flexibility for the family of six, but that wouldn’t stop the nerves.
With more than 15 years experience under his belt, Mr Petersen said he was still shocked to see the benefit of connections.
Read more here.
Start Fresh Co
Minnie Radburn and Lachie Oliver launched Start Fresh Co with visions of serving fresh juice and smoothies while enjoying life on the road.
The pair’s plans have changed though with demand for their juices and smoothies from Toowoomba locals all but ensuring they’re staying local for now with the couple going “full-time” in March.
Read more here.
Notorious Barbers
Notorious by name and stylish by nature – a new barber shop has been cutting, styling and colouring Toowoomba residents, since it opened in April.
Right in the heart of the CBD, Notorious Barbers is the brain child of Robert Verwey and his business partner.
Mr Verwey, who also owns RMV Hair and was named The Chronicle’s Best Hairdresser last year, has been in the industry for more than 10 years.
Savannah Scheiwe has made the move from Dalby and acts as the shop’s primary barber.
For the fashion conscious the shop also stocks an exclusive Melbourne clothing brand.
Read more here.
Red Sand Sisters
The Rossington family’s incredible First Nations creations are steeped in their connection to country and their people — and now they are sharing it with the rest of the city.
Red Sand Sisters has opened its first permanent store in the Toowoomba CBD in April, showcasing a huge assortment of jewellery, accessories, clothing and even native bush foods.
The project was spearheaded by sisters and proud Kamilaroi Kooma women Lisa-May and Natasha Rossington, while their mother Morya is the “face of the shop” and also makes a selection of petrified wood jewellery.
Read more here.
Toowoomba Shish Kebabs
Dalshad Zghla and his delicious authentic Iraqi kebabs are the latest additions to the CBD’s growing foodie district, but he’s also the newest member of a growing number of special Toowoomba entrepreneurs.
The Iraqi refugee’s new Toowoomba Shish Kebabs restaurant is one of about half a dozen new stores opened by Yazidi families on Margaret Street over the past two years.
Not only are the shops filling previously-empty ground-floor vacancies in the CBD, but it’s also adding to the revitalisation of the city centre that has been maligned for many years.
New businesses include traditional eateries, grocery stores and tobacconists, with some community members suggesting there could be more than dozen across the whole city.
Mr Zghla, who worked in kebab shops back in Iraq but has never owned one before, said the number of new Yazidi-owned businesses was “exciting”.
His shop’s next-door neighbour is K4 Kebab and Fast Food, owned by fellow Yazidi man Shukri Alawsi.
Read more here.
Myrtilleand My Little Blueberry
The Nolan’s Block, featuring a restaurant, patisserie and an array of speciality shops, has been credited with attracting hundreds of people from southeast Queensland to Crows Nest every week since it opened in April.
Award-winning restaurateur and chef Amanda Hinds admits she’s a risk-taker, but the decision to turn a heritage-listed property in Crows Nest into a spectacular multi-shop emporium took her ambition to another level.
The joint-venture project by Ms Hinds, her husband Larry as well as couples Andrew and Sandra Jenner and Daryl and Sally Boardman took a year to complete.
But Ms Hinds, who has brought the creative flair and loyalty to local produce of her previous eatery to new outlets Myrtille and My Little Blueberry, said the results spoke for themselves.
Read more here.
Wieambilla widow’s heartbreak as footage of husband’s last moments released
The wife of Good Samaritan Alan Dare who was killed at the hands of religious extremists in the Wieambilla massacre is expected to give evidence. FOLLOW DAY 3 LIVE
Watch: Cop flees crazed gunmen moments after colleagues executed
Never-before-seen body-worn camera footage has captured the moment a cop flees for his life amid gunfire as his colleagues are executed by the Train family.
Horror fatal killing dad of 11 under review as driver fronts court
The Queensland friend of a father of 11 killed in a horror crash near Wollongong earlier this month has faced court for the first time since being bailed.
Forensics show girl’s skull hit with force of car
The forensic examination of a two-year-old girl’s remains, who was allegedly tortured and killed by her parents in Regional Queensland, has cast doubt on her stepdad’s claim that “she fell”.
Gallery: First Nations culture and traditions on show at Cobb and Co
School students of the region participated in a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in a unique program of activities at Cobb and Co. See details and photos here.
’All sorts of problems’: Debate erupts on lining more streets with trees
Calls to line more of Toowoomba’s suburban streets with trees in the next few years. HAVE YOUR SAY