‘Affordable and unique’: Country Funk and La Vache open on Gill St

Two friends with a passion for bargains have opened a new two-for-one shop on Gill St, selling everything cowhide, country, and helping people dress head-to-toe in R.M. Williams for better prices.

Jane Dyson and Sherelle Patten have combined their passions for 'country funk' and cowhide, opening up a unique shop on Gill St.

Two friends with a passion for bargains have opened a new two-for-one shop on Gill St, selling everything cowhide, country, and helping people dress head-to-toe in R.M. Williams for better prices.

Coach driver Jane Dyson and registered nurse Sherelle Patten have taken the plunge into the retail world, going halves on the lease of a long-abandoned store right next to Koffee and Cones in Charters Towers.

Their mutual love of a good bargain is what brought these friends together - when Mrs Dyson pulled some corrugated iron roofing off her chicken shed and placed it on Facebook marketplace, Mrs Patten showed up to buy it.

Their friendship quickly grew from that first bargain.

Mrs Dyson’s shop ‘La Vache’ stocks all things quality leather and cowhide, with a range of handbags she imports from western wear designer Myra.

Hand bags sold at La Vache

“The aim is to be affordable and unique,” Mrs Dyson said.

“High quality cowhide and leather is just beautiful, it’s so soft and no hide is the same.”

Savvy shoppers may recognise Mrs Dyson from when she attended the local markets.

Boots that make a statement

Mrs Dyson said she decided to go halves on a shop space with Mrs Patten because the markets were hard to attend around her full-time job.

Jane Dyson and Sherelle Patten have combined their passions for bargins, 'country funk' and cowhide, opening up a unique shop on Gill St.

While ‘La Vache’ sits in the back half of the shop, Mrs Patten’s shop ‘Country Funk’ is rapidly filling up the front half with second-hand clothes, hand-made creations and a display of flashy hats.

Mrs Patten says she’s always been a crafty person, making a lot of hats and country bling for herself when on the road taking her American Paint horses to shows.

Hats on display at Cowboy Funk, where Mrs Patten is also offering a custom made hat service

“I’ve got a lounge room full of flowers, beads, lavender, and I make everything from it,” Mrs Patten said.

“I’ve got a big focus on good quality second hand clothes, people can even bring their clothes in and if they sell I’ll give them a commission. It’s an alternative to Facebook Marketplace which is becoming a bit too much trouble for some people.”

Inside the unique double-store on Gill St, which recently opened next to Koffee and Cones.

In addition, Mrs Patten is also creating custom hats for people in-store.

Country Funk officially opened its doors on December 17, and has already seen a good amount of happy customers.

A range of clothing is available across both stores

“I had three boys come in who were straight off the plane from Sweden and had lost their luggage,” Mrs Patten said.

“I got one boy in R.M. Williams jeans and an R.M. Williams shirt for just $65. He was very impressed and has been strutting around Gill St since.”

Country Funk and La Vache can be found at 106A Gill Street, next to Koffee and Cones.

Originally published as ‘Affordable and unique’: Country Funk and La Vache open on Gill St