Our Story
Hi it's Karena here, thanks for popping by and wanting to learn a little bit more about my business!
I opened The Linen Cupboard back in November 2011, with the aim of providing a shopping outlet to those in the bush.
From growing up in the New South Wales coastal town of Yamba, with my part-time job selling surf wear at Yamba Surf & Country Style, I then moved on to Brisbane to chase the city lights. Here I found a new love for all things fashion and also the love of my life. After 5 years in Brisbane, I made the huge move to pack up and relocate to Dirranbandi, my partners hometown, to live on his family sheep station - a far cry from city living.
I'll never forget the first time I drove down the main street, it was a quiet Sunday and there was no one to be seen, a harsh comparison to the hustle and bustle of the Queen St Mall, a tear ran down my face as the uncertainty of my decision really sunk in. Despite this uncertainty, I reassured myself it was the right move, I saw several vacant shops and thought it was time to set a goal, a dream to pursue. Lets see if one day I could transform one of these tenancies and establish my own business. I got out of the car, took several photos of the vacant buildings and sent them to my parents as the first move towards this dream.
A year passed and although I was happy in my job at the local Doctors surgery, I still had that little niggle constantly popping into my mind wondering if a retail store could possibly work in Dirranbandi as it had many years ago when the town was booming from the sheep industry. I still really wanted to help bring more convenience into the lives of those living in Dirranbandi. No one wants to drive a 2 hour + return trip to the next largest town to buy a small present, a new set of sheets, a work shirt to replace the one that was torn on the fence the day prior and the list goes on.
So I took the leap and set up my business, opening on a 40+ sweltering day in November, with no air conditioning and a tiny sectioned off floor space in a very large tenancy, I was gobsmacked at the support! The uncomfortable hot conditions, didn't stop any of the locals driving down to show their support.
So here I am, 11 years later with a store 5 times the original opening floor space, I'm still standing thanks to the continued support of the local community! We really do have the most amazing town.
I am constantly thankful for my returning customers and I welcome any new customers to come and support a small country business. If you do get a chance and are ever passing by, please call in and say hi to myself and my two little shop assistants Sienna and Charlie, we would love to meet you!
Thank you for your time and interest in my business.
Karena x