New businesses to explore in Douglas

Go check it out

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Indiana Paull and Bethan Ricketts noticed a gap in the local fitness industry. Picture: supplied

With the Shire being booming again more and more new businesses are starting to pop-up. Newsport spoke with the owners of some new businesses that are worth checking out.

The Basement Pilates

The Basement Pilates on Warner Street opened the studio doors for the first class on the 20th of May this year.

Owners Indianna Paull and Bethan Ricketts decided to open a reformer pilates studio as they noticed a gap in the local fitness industry.

“There are great options for people who want to lift weights and do HIIT training but there is only one other group reformer Pilates studio in town,” Indianna Paull said.

“Our goals and visions go beyond the four walls of the studio. We strongly believe that fitness is so much more than sweating and burning calories, it's about a journey, your very own journey.

“Opening a Studio in Port Douglas felt special, not just because of its beautiful surroundings, however adding something unique to a small town.

“The last six months have been immensely rewarding, introducing Pilates to so many people for the first time and giving them the power to unlock their greatest selves.”

Corina Gerecke loves seeing people walk out feeling more relaxed and confident. Picture: supplied

Salty Glow & Co

Salty Glow & Co is the new kid on the block. The doors of the new hair salon and indulgence lounge opened on the 1st of September 2022.

Owner Corina Gerecke relocated to Port Douglas five years ago together with her husband. “It’s been the best decision, Port Douglas is our forever home,” she said.

Ms Gerecke has over 20 years of experience as a hairstylist. “After travelling the world and experiencing different types of salons, I wanted to create a place where all of my favourite luxury salon experiences came together in one space,” she said.

“Salty Glow & Co is a luxury pamper lounge, it is the perfect place for some guilt free me time. I love seeing people walk out feeling not only more relaxed but also more confident. Hair and beauty can transform people mentally and physically.”

 

Simon Bezzina decided to re-activate his fabrication and handyman business. Picture: supplied

 

The Mobs Contractor

Ms Gerecke’s husband, Simon Bezzina also started his own business this year in Craiglie.

“After my wife and I sold our previous business in Melbourne I decided to re-activate my fabrication and handyman business,” he said.“I have been a metal fabricator, fitter and turner for over 20 years. Besides fabrication, pump reconditioning and repairs, I'm pretty much a jack of all trades.

“Port Douglas is growing at a rapid rate. There is plenty of work for all trades here. I like to think all the trades in Port Douglas are supportive of each other, for the better of the township.”

The Industry Estate Agents

With an office already in Cairns, this real estate agency decided it was time to expand to Port Douglas.

Director Megs Walker said they saw an opportunity where they believed there was a gap in premium marketing and client experience.

“After running a successful model in Cairns the next obvious progression for the company was Port Douglas,” she said.

“On the 4th October 2022 is the official opening of the Port Douglas office, however we are already working with clients in Port Douglas and surrounding areas through our Cairns Head office.

“We hope to bring a level of premium service and marketing to the Port Douglas community they have not experienced before.”

The team at The Industry Estate Agents. Picture: supplied

Wharf Street Social

Previously Wharfside Kitchen, the restaurant has been completely rebranded and recently opened up with a whole new concept and menu.

Craig MacLennan said there were a number of reasons they chose to rebrand.

“At the core it came down to lack of staff and having to adapt to the current climate in town. The new concept is a far more casual and social approach to food, taken from our joint experience in North America that guided our menu choices.

“We've got wings multiple ways and with a dozen different sauces, ribs, wing and rib combos, chicken. On top of that we have waffles, loaded fries and lots in between.

“We wanted to provide something down to earth that reflects who we are and provides an accessible dining option for anyone local or visitor alike in a casual and friendly environment.”

Cobra Queen

Offering specialty beauty services like brow lifts and teeth whitening, Susie Hurford opened her salon in Port Douglas in December last year.

“Cobra Queen was born in November 2020 as a passion project operating out of my studio apartment. Over the space of a year I built up my client base and outgrew my home studio.

“With the support I’ve received from my amazing clients I have been able to provide a space for others to learn and be creative too.

“I have hosted work experience for high school students, commissioned local indigenous artists to make pieces for the salon, and have a secondary treatment room from which other creatives in the industry can work and grow their skills.

“The joy I get from seeing someone walking out of the salon with a big smile on their face is humbling.”

Susie Hurford offers specialty beauty services at Cobra Queen. Picture: supplied

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