Belle Collective & CO – Q&A
Katrina Grace from Belle Collective & Co, Mooloolaba and Montville.
How and when was Belle Collective born and which shop came first?
Belle was born as Belle Beauty and Fragrance in July 2015 in Montville. After being made redundant as a Branch Manager for one of the major banks after 19 years, I decided to venture out.
As a qualified beauty therapist I decided to offer retail and beauty and makeup services in Montville.
In February 2020 I relocated Belle to another space and changed the name to Belle Collective & Co. and decided to open the retail space up further to include ladies fashion and accessories.
In October 2020 Belle Collective & Co opened its doors at Mooloolaba offering the same concept, however different labels of clothing, making it unique to Mooloolaba.
How do you describe your shop style?
The Montville store has a romantic country feel, while Mooloolaba has a more upbeat Luxe Coastal feel.
Both stores offer unique giftware, ladies fashion and accessories and we source artwork, homewares, fashion and furnishings that you don’t see everywhere.
I want it to be an experience for the customer both visually and to the senses when they walk into each store, making it unique and memorable.
How would you describe the Belle Collective customer?
With both stores being in tourist destinations the majority are travellers of all ages and styles.
However we also have a large following of locals that return regularly.
What inspires your seasonal style?
When I’m buying, I think ‘what customer would wear this, is it the right fabric, the right price, is it going to be popular?’
I try not to put my personal input into it too much.
With giftware, that’s a different story: if it’s girly, pretty and not the norm I run with it.
What do you love most about working on the Sunshine Coast?
I live in Noosa, so I think I have the best of everything: tranquil Montville, hip Mooloolaba and beautiful Noosa.
What advice can you share with fashion start-ups and retailers?
“Stack them high and watch them fly” has always been my motto! Also don’t be afraid to try new things, if something doesn’t sell, try another. There are so many small businesses offering beautiful products out there, if only I could have all my favourites.
What can we expect to see in the next season of fashion and giftware?
As both stores have numerous labels, I’m finding that it’s all about comfort, beautiful linens and colours.
For autumn and winter, I’m finding mustards, rust and burgundy are going to feature; and for spring and summer it’ll be gorgeous mint, lilac and my favourite pale pink. In giftware and homewares, it’s all about the natural look – macrame, raffia, caneware.
What fashion item can you NOT live without?
I love love love my short and long jumpsuits. My favourite go to. Of course you have to have the earrings to match!
FAVE FIVE
Fave Hobby: Boxing
Fave Drink: French martini
Fave Food: Thai
Fave Colour: Pink, of course!
Fave Saying: “She believed she could so she did”
Judy
Hello Katrina ,
Enjoyed our shopping experience with you at your store in Mooloolaba,I purchased a beautiful soft pink lambs wool rug , I love and enjoy it hoping you get another one in so I can purchase that also ,
Thank you so much for your kindness and lovely service, !we will be back next visit,
Meanwhile after another lambswool for wheelchair,
Many thanks for all your beautiful kindness and help during our lovely stay ,
Take care,
Cheers Judy, Xxx
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