Torquay Merchant: Suzzanne Roberts and Kara Faganel

Shopping

Nov 26

“The connection that is built with the people be them local, holiday makers or passing through. The Surf Coast environment enables everyone to take a deep breath and be more at ease with time. The people that return to shop or browse become friends and the sharing of conversation grows. We have watched families grow, heard of dreams of homes, of achievements and challenges, to be able to blend living local and working local has been very rewarding.”

— Suzzanne Roberts, Co-Founder Torquay Merchant

Torquay Merchant is a curated, lifestyle emporium by mother and daughter team Suzzanne Roberts and Kara Faganel, who are passionate about mindfully selecting and sourcing ethically distinctive wares. “People often refer to it as the hidden gem full of all things fashion, home, furniture, lifestyle and wellness” says Kara.

In 2017 the opportunity arose for Kara and Suzzanne to purchase a small business, located in a warehouse, trading as Torquay Merchant. Kara had relocated with her husband from Melbourne and had finished work as a Social Worker. Suzzanne had been an Educator and relished at the opportunity to commence a business with her daughter. Purchasing Torquay Merchant was the catalyst for her move from the Macedon Ranges. Kara welcomed a baby boy into the world just prior to taking over the business, and it truly became a family affair, with a resident baby to greet customers.

Over the past 3 years they have sort out brands that have at their core, ethical values and sustainable practices. “We are delighted with the array of labels, makers and artisans we house under our roof all acknowledging and actively respecting our environment,” shares Suzzanne.

The store is popular with women’s fashion, stocking highly regarded boutique clothing brands. “The hand-picked selections have a synergy with the coastal lifestyle; relaxed and comfortable and a touch of bohemian nostalgia,” says Kara.

The business recently moved into a larger two story premise, a few doors down from the original store. “We welcome visitors to meander through our destination space, order a coffee from Torquay Merchant Coffee Bar and then proceed to discover the beautiful wares, both large and small, that will delight the heart and senses and add that something special to their home, body and soul,” says Kara. “Surf Coast people have been an amazing support to us during this time of COVID. Their active mantra of ‘Shop Local’ has been greatly appreciated by all local businesses, we thank you. One of our greatest rewards is to hear people say ‘this is my go to one stop shop’.”

Tell me one thing that might surprise people about your business.

“As part of our Torquay Merchant team we have Meg and Mollie who work alongside us. Both these young women have developed their own businesses. Meg’s dream of having a smoothie bar caravan, as well as making her raw treats has, over time, come to fruition. You can enjoy and buy these treats in the Torquay Merchant Coffee Bar. COVID put a hold on Meg attending markets but Torquay Merchant has welcomed Maw Smoothie Bar to our courtyard for the coming Summer months. Pop in and enjoy an incredible smoothie or acai bowl.”

“Mollie is HelloMollie florist. Mollie creates for Torquay Merchant our beautiful Everlasting Flower Wall where one can select a beautiful bouquet or choose small ones of individual dried or hand painted florals. Mollie will happily create a beautiful arrangement to your specifications upon request.”

Name another business you connect and collaborate with?

“We love being able to showcase and partner with the many creatives and artisans that are here on the Surf Coast and surrounds. There is certainly something very special in being able to say this piece of Art is by a local artist or those are designed by a local creative. It is amazing to witness so many women successfully ‘juggling’ daily life commitments to include taking their passion product or idea through to a business commitment. We also partner with Interior Stylists Bec Leyer of Leyer Design Studio and Erin Hughes of Hygge:liv and enjoy putting together selections of wares for interior styling and photo shoots. We love and value the reciprocity of supporting and being supported by other small business owners.”