Meet Dory
1. For those that don’t know you, introduce yourself….
I'm Dory, owner and curator at Banksia, an eco-conscious boutique in Ballina. I live in a 70s-inspired beach shack with my partner and our pooch, Otto. I'm a vintage junkie and a margarita enthusiast.
2. Tell us about how you got to the stage of opening our own Boutique?
I've worked in retail since I was 14, it's something I've always been very passionate about. When I moved overseas in my early 20s, I started buying and selling second-hand and vintage clothing. I brought a love of that back with me to Australia. When Covid hit, I lost my job and Sunday Best – my other biz – became my full-time gig.
"I loved the creativity I could pour into it,"
choosing collections, styling and refining an eye for what my customers wanted – and I loved doing things on my own terms. I knew almost immediately that I wanted to have my own bricks and mortar store. After relocating to the sunniest corner of NSW, the stars aligned and the opportunity to open Banksia came up. I grabbed it with both hands and haven't looked back.
3. Banksia Boutique has the perfect mix of everything. What do you look for and what helps you with the process of selecting label’s, brands & products in store?
We are always on the hunt for up-and-coming Aussie brands. We have a huge focus on supporting the Northern Rivers specifically – what better place to look than your own backyard? – but we are open to anything Australian owned. We currently stock 18 Northern Rivers labels, and that list just keeps growing. We are surrounded by such talented, small, independent businesses and it is just such a privilege to be able to support them and share their exceptional products with everyone. The two main questions I ask myself when scouting out labels are: would I buy this for myself? And, do I believe in this product? Simple but effective
4. What does a day in the life of Dory look like?
I'm an early bird – up and out of the house around 6am. Most mornings Otto and I go for a stroll and a swim, followed by a quick yoga flow. Then we head to the store, where I spend my day tending to all things Banksia. On my days off I'm usually in my garden or at the beach – swim and sun, on repeat.
5. Your favourite piece from Dune The Label and how you wear it?
Hands down the Avalon dress in sage. I love its versatility – you can reverse it, style it up a bit or wear it bare foot with a bucket hat to the beach (my go-to). A true summer staple.
6. Your beach, Summer holiday essentials?
You won't catch me on a summer vacay without my newly released Salty Swimwear X Banksia bikini, a bucket hat and a frozen margarita firmly in-hand. Then, another margarita, and another margarita... then one more – I'm on holiday!
7. Who and what inspires you?
My friends. They are just the best. I have a wide circle of pals, and I'm forever inspired by everything they do. I wouldn't be where I am today without their constant support
"– they fill my cup up and are always pushing me to dream big."
I also have a close-knit group of boutique-owning babes who have guided me through my first year as a business owner. Their help has been nothing short of life-changing.
8. Who is your style muse?
I don't really have a specific muse... I'd say I'm more drawn to specific eras. Anything 70s or 90s, sign me up! Tassles, double denim, layering, vintage leather pieces... I'm obsessed with it all. Those decades are core to basically everything I do – from what I wear and how I style my home to the music I bop around to.
9. Anything new or exciting coming for the store in 2022?
We just released our first swimwear capsule – a collaboration with one of my dearest friends, Bek from Salty Swimwear. It has been an absolute dream come true. Like, pinch me! We also have a few new labels launching over the next couple of weeks, which I'm super excited about. And, I have some very big (but very top secret) things coming... I love a surprise! Keep those eyes peeled!
@banksia.boutique.ballina
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