OVER the past year this column has showcased some of the best tourism ventures in the district.
In a small change this month we are looking at a retailer whose shop has also become a must visit for many.
Michelle Roper-Dennis is the driving force behind My Country Escape, a shop that for many has become a regular place to visit when they are searching for a special treat or a gift.
Located in the small shopping village at Canungra, Michelle opened her high-end fashion and homewares shop around 10 years ago.
Michelle had relocated from New Plymouth in New Zealand, first settling at Karratha in Western Australia before making Mount Tamborine the permanent home for her family and their three children.
“When I arrived on the mountain I started looking around for a small business and it took me three years to finally find one.
“It was a small outlet operating for just a few years as My Country Escape,” Michelle said.
“I hadn’t been able to find a business that I felt was just right until I walked into that shop in Canungra.
“I liked the feel of the business immediately and I could see its potential so I signed on the dotted line and I have never regretted it since,” she said.
Walking into My Country Escape now is far different from the shop that existed when she first took over.
Michelle has expanded the business 10 fold with the major change a decision to double the size of the shop in 2020.
“We didn’t do anything by half measures and we committed to closing for three months while the $200,000 refit was in progress,” she said.
“We tried to maintain the feel of the original shop with the expansion and I do believe we succeeded.”
“I now have more than 200 suppliers providing merchandise and I am continually getting calls from others wanting me to put their products in,” she said.
It hasn’t just been quality and innovative products that have lifted My Country Escape to a must visit retailer according to Michelle.
“There are 11 other women who work at the shop with me and they are committed to making our business a happy and professional place to visit.
“Even after more than a decade I look forward to going to work everyday and my workmates play a big part in this.”
The next project for My Country Escape is already underway with a large shed at the back of the shop making way for an office and storage facilities.
Michelle is hoping it will be completed by the end of the year.
