Meet Christine Margaret O’Neill, the owner of “Eclectopia Gifts” a small business in Oberon, NSW.
Christine started her business in 2011 by selling her unique handmade products at artisan markets and now runs a small store of her own. In her store, she sells a mix of handmade and special items like Salus body products, jewellery from Turkey, ceramics from Queensland along with homewares, books, and gifts.
“My Many Rivers business coach, Belinda breaks down my fears and anxieties into smaller steps for me to feel not so overwhelmed” – Christine O’Neill
Read more about Christine’s business journey so far:
Christine’s Business
My business is called Eclectopia Gifts. I started it in 2011 by selling at artisan markets, which I did for five years. In 2016, I opened my first shop in Taralga, right next to a popular café. The shop ran until 2020. During that time, I enjoyed offering handmade and unique products that I personally selected from small makers.
Things became difficult in 2019 due to Covid, bushfires, floods, and regional road closures. Sadly, the café next to my shop burned down. My store wasn’t badly damaged, but smoke ruined about $4,000 worth of stock. Dealing with the insurance claim was a nightmare.
When my lease ended on 30 June 2020, I moved everything such as my stock, furniture, and props into a shared boutique space in Crookwell called Ensemble & Co. I rented a small space there each month, which helped keep my business going through the pandemic.
For the past two years, I’ve had my own shop again in Oberon, New South Wales. In my store, I sell a mix of handmade and special items like Salus body products, jewellery from Turkey, ceramics from Queensland, homewares, books, and gifts. I carefully choose every product and love supporting small makers whose work means something to me.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
I am not comfortable sharing this.
Working with Many Rivers
How did you find out about Many Rivers?
I saw a Facebook ad.
Why did you want to go into business?
I started my business because I wanted to follow my creative passion. I’ve always loved handmade and Australian-made products, and I enjoy finding unique items that tell a story. In my shop, I sell a mix of beautiful things like jewellery, books, cushions, homewares, ceramics, garden gifts, and more. Each item is carefully chosen, and I love sharing them with others.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
I have received a loan and monthly business coaching support from my Many Rivers coach, Belinda.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
My coach, Belinda breaks down my fears and anxieties into smaller steps for me to feel not so overwhelmed. We have discussed a way forward to stock other products which are not easily available in the market.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
Yes I did. The loan was very helpful as it allowed me to buy stock for my business.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
No, its just me running my business.
Biggest Challenge
The economy. Because of high interest rates, people are spending less on gifts. The current economy is a struggle for gift shops.
Biggest Success
The fact that I love what I do gives me so much inner satisfaction. The local community embracing my unique offerings. Learning to collaborate with other businesses. Finding over the years that my strengths are my discerning taste and natural ability to choose the right stock. Over time, I have learned I am good at choosing what to sell. My products almost sell themselves.
Biggest Change
I now run the business on my own. At first, my best friend helped me a lot, but they have moved on. Being independent has been a good change.
Future Goals
I want to have better implemented systems and growth for my business and then open a retail store.
Thank you Christine for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Christine’s small business, follow “Eclectopia Gifts” through the following links:
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