Toowoomba born: Unique local businesses excelling across region

The Toowoomba region is bustling with brand new businesses. Here are the locals giving it a go after launching their start-ups.

Here are just some unique Toowoomba start-up businesses that have excelled since launching.

Start-up businesses are booming in Toowoomba, with plenty of unique, handmade and quirky concepts.

Here are just some of the region’s locals giving it a go after opening up a new business.

1. Whisky Time Tattoo

He gave his dad a tattoo when he was just six-years-old and now a popular artist has started his own business.

Tattoos have been a part of Ben Smith’s life for as long as he can remember.

Inspired by his dad who was a tattooist himself, Mr Smith knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age.

So at 16-years-old he started his tattooing apprenticeship.

Now after working in the industry for more than 20 years, 17 of which he has spent in Toowoomba, Mr Smith has opened his very own store – Whisky Time Tattoo.

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Scott Hornery (left) and Ben Smith have opened Whisky Time Tattoo in Ruthven St. Picture: Nev Madsen.

2. Boutiqo

Diamonds are nice but the owner of a new Toowoomba business thinks pearls are the girl’s real best friend.

Toowoomba’s Jess Hayes has always loved pearl jewellery but after years of struggling to find affordable and high quality pieces, the mother-of-two decided to start making her own.

And now Ms Hayes is set to release the first collection and launch her new business Boutiqo next month.

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Boutiquo owner Jess Hayes is set to launch the pearl jewellery business, Monday, July 19, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

3. Sprouts Reading Clinic

When Toowoomba resident Amy Deane became a qualified teacher, she hoped to use her skills to help educate all children.

But when the mother-of-three’s oldest child Luke began struggling in prep, she realised there was so much more to learn.

The former teacher went back to the books and began studying an extensive course in Multisensory Structured Language (MSL).

And now she’s opening her own business Sprouts Reading Clinic – a private practice that will offer tailor-made and structured programs for children with Dyslexia who require assistance with spelling, writing and reading.

Using a holistic approach, the owner of the new reading clinic said she hopes to incorporate mental health strategies to assist with anxiety and low self-esteem too.

Ms Deane said the 45-minute sessions will be interactive, fun and engaging to create a positive learning environment for participants.

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Amy Deane with her son Luke. Sprouts Reading Clinic is Amy's new business offering Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) education for reading and writing. Picture: Nev Madsen.

4. Bodega

Toowoomba will soon have a new hotspot to watch musicians perform live, grab a refreshing cold beer and kick back.

Bodega at Walton Stores is well underway with the new CBD venue set to open this month.

Offering patrons boutique beers and Latin-inspired liquor, bands will perform at the new hot spots several nights a week.

JUNK Toowoomba owner Todd Farr who is behind the new venue said the style is inspired by New York-style bodegas.

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Todd Farr is getting ready to launch his new live music bar Bodega at Walton Stores, with the artwork outside the venue now completed by sign-writer Rick Wayward.

5. Flamingle Cafe

It’s a dream of Anne Kerr’s that has been brewing for some time and now her brand new cafe is coming to fruition.

The owner of a charity and disability support business has found a base for her two existing organisations as well as her new venture – The Flamingle Cafe, which will be managed by her daughter Taylor Kerr.

The flamingo-themed cafe features pastel shades of pinks and greens and the mother and daughter duo aren’t afraid of a pun or two, with footprints that read ‘please stand 1.5 flocking metres a part.’

In addition to the menu, pre-made cakes and pastries will also be available and the new business will be serving Bear and Beard coffee.

With plenty of menu items to choose from, the new eatery offers ‘flamboyant’ breakfast items, ‘flamazing’ burgers and frozen ‘flocks’.

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Taylor Kerr (left) and her mother Anne Kerr are about to open Flamingle Cafe in Russell St Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

6. The Linen Label

Inspired by family, one Toowoomba woman, who comes from a long thread of talented sewers, has started her own business.

Hannah Thomas, 24, has always been family-orientated and now after years spent behind her sewing machine, she has launched new venture The Linen Label.

Specialising in handmade products for mums, bubs and the home, the mum-of-one said her passion for making one of a kind items was recently reignited as a way to connect with her loved ones who live in North Queensland.

The new collection which launched last weekend, includes kitchen, baby and make-up wipes, aprons and microwavable heat packs in a variety of colours and patterns.

Ms Thomas said while she is drawn to tropical styles, Australian native animals also feature throughout the collection and she is keen to explore more designs and styles in future ranges.

The Linen Label owner Hannah Thomas and son Malachi model her handmade pieces for mum, bub and home, Thursday, July 29, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

7. Milton and King Wallpaper and Fabric Co

While this business is far from new, the brothers behind Milton and King Wallpaper and Fabric Co have turned their Toowoomba base into a showroom.

After Bryce and Richard Capp’s business has grown a substantial global market in America and the United Kingdom, the popular wallpaper manufacturers are now tapping into their local market.

The business has now turned its Toowoomba workshop into a showroom and is inviting the general public to go and see its designs by appointment.

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Brodie Henry (left) and Benjamin Oberhardt from Milton and King wallpaper. Picture: Nev Madsen.