The Roxby Collective
From Competition to Collaboration: How Two Roxby Downs Businesswomen Built a Thriving Retail Space Together
In a small town like Roxby Downs, competition between similar businesses often feels inevitable. But for Lauren Wilson and Ellen Smith, something remarkable happened: competition turned into collaboration.
Lauren, the owner of Oak and Willow, and Ellen, the founder of Salty Bloom, are now the proud co-owners of The Roxby Collective — a beautiful, locally-owned retail store located on Richardson Place.
It all began when Lauren attended a small business networking event hosted by the Innovation Hub and supported by Regional Development Australia Far North (RDAFN). She was looking for advice on opening a storefront in the Roxby Downs Shopping Centre. But her idea was met with scepticism.
"None of the other businesses who attended the meeting were really on board with the idea,” Lauren recalled. “They didn’t think opening a shop would work.”
Feeling deflated but determined, Lauren refused to take no for an answer. Among those at the event were Greg from RDAFN and Terressa from the Innovation Hub. While others were hesitant, Greg and Terressa saw potential in Lauren’s vision.
"It was clear Lauren had a great idea," Terressa said. "She just needed the right people around her to make it happen."
With support from the Innovation Hub and RDAFN, Lauren began developing the idea further. During planning discussions, the concept of teaming up with another local business emerged.
Terressa suggested Ellen, whose business Salty Bloom sold similar items and brands.
After speaking with Lauren, Terressa reached out to Ellen and explained Lauren’s idea of turning her online business into a physical store. Ellen was immediately intrigued.
“I thought, absolutely — that’s what we’re missing in town. We’re missing a shop,” Ellen said.
Despite their shared excitement, it took six months for Lauren and Ellen to finally sit down and talk.
“Because we lived in the same small town and had similar brands and products, we saw each other as competitors,” Lauren said.
Both admitted to feeling anxious around one another. But once they met, things changed quickly.
“We’re just both very anxious, and we’ve learned along the way that we’re pretty much the same person,” Ellen laughed.
The Roxby Collective
Located on Richardson Place, Roxby Downs SA.
Opening hours are displayed on their Facebook page.
If you would like to check out the Roxby Collective Facebook page, follow this link: (3) Facebook