From Around Here: Mandy Entwistle
“The beautiful ocean and natural environment and the easy going, relaxed lifestyle. Everyone seems happy and it shows on their faces. The amazing creativity of the people who reside here definitely inspires our business. There is such a relatively untapped network of the most amazing producers out there. One of the joys of this businesses is being able to share the story of these incredible producers.”
From Around Here is a curation of lifestyle gifts, fashion, plants, homewares, food, wine and spirits for the mindful consumer who wants to truly buy locally made goods from within the region we live. It’s home to a collection of local creatives, artisans and designers of fine locally made wares.
Mandy is a Geelong Local that has slowly moved further down the coast and has tried her hand at many things.
“I have turned my hand to many different opportunities over time, always going with my heart and being able to transform or use what I have learnt over the years to not be afraid to try something new. Photographer – Hospitality - Radio Sales - Television Media Sales & Production - Yoga Teacher – retail business owner. “
She opened her first store in Aireys Inlet on 30 October 2020 and a second store in February 2021.
What was it like to open a store during the Covid lockdown?
The Covid lockdown was the inspiration to do this. We had an empty retail premises in Aireys Inlet that at the time we thought would be hard to lease, I had time on my hands, at home in lockdown. It gave me the opportunity to research and disappear down ‘rabbits holes’ looking for and finding amazing makers in our region.
Covid lockdown gave us the opportunity to work out that we had enough makers in our region, Geelong, Surfcoast, Bellarine, Otway’s and the Golden Plains to create a store exclusively stocked by makers in this region. Interestingly we’ve found that we are only scratching the surface! The second store in Torquay has been opened by my best friend Nicole Linguey we’ve known each other since high school and it is a wonderful opportunity to work together and support each other.
I have always had a passion and a vision to create a space where you can get a taste and a feel for a region all in one place. I have found people are longing for meaningful, sustainable and ethically produced goods. As each piece is carefully and thoughtfully selected by us from amazingly talented local producers each item has a story to tell. From Around Here has given us the opportunity to introduce unique wares that excite and inspire and we’re able to share the stories behind these creations.
We would love to connect with all makers large and small, new & old. We absolutely love finding or meeting with our makers and discovering someone’s work and their story.
What are the advantages of doing business on the Surf Coast?
The strong sense of community and supporting those in your community. The easy and free attitude of people who live and come here to holiday. The relaxed way of doing business with the most incredible ocean and Otway’s backdrop to work next to.
Tell me one thing that might surprise people about your business
Many moons ago in another stage of life we pitched a TV pilot about local producers and supporting local makers in the region, it was maybe before its time and never got off the ground and now here we are full circle.
What is your most popular product?
It’s funny, but there is a very even mix amongst the different product groups we sell. We thought Food might jump above the others but in the short time we’ve been open popularity has been very even amongst Food, Wine Spirits, Plants, Pots, Clothes, jewelry, ceramics and reusable products.
Shop From Around Here
It's a must visit destination for those seeking a unique retail experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Shop
1, 28-30 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet on the Great Ocean Road.
32 Gilbert Street, Torquay in Victoria.
Online
www.fromaroundhere.com.au with new products being added daily.
Looking for something different?: Many love making pick-and-pack gift boxes for people who come into the store or contact her via socials, email or phone. Create a personalised themed gift box, food wine spirits or skincare clothes jewelry or combo of both those things. Contact: Mandy@shortattention.com.au about anything
