We have Exciting News - Monday 9th June 2025
It all starts with the back story . If you know me, then you will know that i love a great story, so here goes........
In 2020, with five kids at home—including one in Year 12—and my husband suddenly unwell, we were deep in the heart of the COVID pandemic. Like many others, I was home, reflecting on what truly mattered. I loved being with my family, and I also wanted to create something truly special and step outside my comfort zone. I quit my job and started shopping online. I learnt to sew with my new online purchase (yep a sewing machine), and baked ... and enjoyed the odd glass of wine ...
It started to wear a little thin, and after walking home one day (in my 5km radious) I saw a small store for lease in our beautiful North Balwyn Village. I turned to my family and asked whether they thought it could work, “Am I crazy, Should I open a Boutique?"
But they believed in me—and I began to believe in myself. I used the savings from my previous job, developed a business plan at my kitchen table, and decided to take a leap.
What did I have to lose? ........
Nothing !, except a little bit of pride if it all fell to ruin (and my hard earned savings) ! Surely this pandemic was going to come to an end ?
So I opened a little shop with a big heart in October 2020 - designed for women who, like me, were searching for purpose, creativity, and connection. I wanted my
daughters to see that they could do anything they put their minds to. I wanted other women to feel empowered too.
The business grew through Covid, we created friendships and connectivity in our Local community. We opened, we closed, we got sick, we drank, we shopped online and then we opened again. It was hard, but by gosh it was fun. I met neighbours that I didn't know existed and I watched a community thrive during lockdown after Lockdown. After people telling me I was mad , how could I possibly open a store in 2020????
Our second store was born!. The beautiful store on the corner became vacant - and so we grew.
We loved the location of our original store so much, that we decided to take on a second lease just up the road to keep our little retail hub thriving. We added some beautiful products, and created a new story. And here we are now.....2025.
Stanley & Stone has outgrown our beautiful spaces, and we have decided that it is time to merge our shops into one. When an opportunity arises its impossible to say no - so here we are about to embark on a new adventure as one beautiful team in the heart of Camberwell.
WE ARE BEYOND EXCITED !!!!
So what have I learned over the last few years of Chaos?
- Trust your Gut
- Learn to take a few risks
- Believe in yourself
- and always remember who helped you along the way.
We have lots to share over the coming weeks and hope you will join us on our next adventure.
Heres a clue, details will follow. Follow our socials to see where we will end up.
Love Ainsley & our beautiful Stanley & Stone Team xxxx