A group of Geelong artists will get “a little shop of their own” thanks to a concept by Armstrong Creek’s Laura Van Noordenburg.
Laura’s new shop leases individual spaces for local artists to display their wares.
“I’m so passionate about locally made products and business,” she said.
“I just want to get them out there.”
Laura has barely slept between setting up the store and raising her two children, including an eight-month-old boy.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking but it’s very exciting seeing all the products in here,” she said on Thursday.
The ‘mumpreneur’ conceived the shop two years ago when she met fellow artists at the Little Creatures market.
At the time she was making dream catchers and pottery for her business, North of the Hill.
She started posting local artists’ products on Instagram and by December 2015 she had created an online hub which grew to more than 110 members.
“People were loving it so I decided I might as well make something out of it,” she said.
Following its success she leased a space in an existing Newtown store to set up a “pop up” shop about six months ago.
Just recently Laura acquired a stop in Geelong CBD and said on Thursday it was about half full.
“I want everyone to feel like the space they’re leasing is their own little shop,” she said.
She will hold an invite only opening night on Friday 19 August and will open the store the next day.
Emma Rayson was in the store on Thursday arranging her space. She and her sister make prints, candles and home decor.
“It’s amazing for Geelong that we can have a shop for so many different creative people from the community,” she said.
“You can feel really good about supporting locals.”
