Words by Nick Crockford
When Janine Gierus moved to Samford last year she had a dream to open her own shop.
That dream came true on Saturday (May 1), the first day of Queensland's Small Business Month, with the official launch of Roar & Foam.
The boho (bohemian) clothing and accessories store started online in 2016 when Janine was at home after the birth of one of her three daughters.
The range moved into Fleabags & Co in Marian, near Mackay, last year when Janine, husband Mark, who is a pastor, and their family lived, just west of the city.
White cottage
“Fleabags & Co has gone really well so once we moved to Samford, I started dreaming of my own store here,” said Janine.
“I felt there was a need for an affordable clothing boutique here and after sitting in the coffee shop at Lifestyle Centre dreaming about having a shop in the little white 1920s cottage, it became available.
“The owners agreed there was a need and it would be a great addition to the centre.
“I really want to show other ladies if you have a dream and you are prepared to work hard, to sacrifice and to push through you can do it.”
Connecting
Roar & Foam, just three minutes’ drive from Samford Village, only sells Australian-designed clothing and everything is under $130.
Janine said the online store became a “place of connection” last year during the COVID lockdown and she still holds weekly Facebook Live sessions.
“We really have a fabulous community online of women from all over Australia,” says Janine, a classical crossover signer who has released two albums.
“I am so passionate about reaching out to the community and try and use both the store and my music to raise money to help others.
Donating to refuge
“Recently we donated boxes of clothing to the local women’s and children’s domestic violence refuge.
“We also raised and donated over $1500 to the refuge through a Christmas Concert and pop-up stalls.”
Janine hopes the Lifestyle Centre will become a “real destination place, a day trip to the Samford Valley”.
“See the beautiful clothing, have a coffee or lunch in the cafe, shop in the gift shop and garden centre and the kids can come pat and look at the animals in the farm walk,” she says.
Roar and Foam is at 225 Mt Glorious Road, Samford. Visit roarandfoam.com
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