Nestled away in Westbury, Little Marneys Gifts for Town and Country has become a local favourite. “We wanted to create this beautiful gift store with a little bit of a country feel,” says Olivia Reader, the founder of the business. Since opening almost four years ago, Little Marneys has blossomed into a destination for unique gifts, sculptures, and more.
Olivia fondly recalls the origins of her shop. “My husband asked, ‘What on earth are you doing?’” she laughs. But despite initial doubts, the transformation from an old stable to a fully functioning gift shop happened in just six weeks. “Looking back at photos now, we’re like, how on earth did we do it? It was crazy.”
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The store offers a wide range of items that cater to everyone, from small gifts like candles and soaps to impressive garden sculptures. “We wanted to be different,” Olivia explains. “I have anything from a candle or a little bar of soap to beautiful sculptures. Something for everyone.”
Family plays a crucial role in Little Marneys’ success. Olivia credits her parents, who own the land, and her husband and brother-in-law, both boilermakers, for their ongoing support. “If I didn’t have my family backing me and supporting me, we wouldn’t be here today,” she says.
But the heart of the business lies in collaboration with local artisans. “There’s over 20 artisans across Tasmania that do our artwork,” Olivia shares. Whether it’s concrete flowers, poppies, or custom steelwork, the team at Little Marneys is dedicated to making their customers’ visions come to life. “We come up with some crazy ideas, and I usually say to the customer, ‘Of course we can.’”
Over the years, Little Marneys’ products have travelled far beyond Westbury. “Initially it was just locally,” Olivia says, “but now it’s even as far as Hobart, North West Coast… We’ve delivered to some amazing locations.” From sprawling gardens to brand new builds, Olivia and her team bring creativity and a personal touch to every project. They even work with councils on public installations, including a sensory garden on the North West Coast.
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While the business continues to grow, Olivia acknowledges that the journey hasn’t always been smooth. “We opened in COVID. People thought I was crazy for doing that,” she recalls. But with determination and the support of loyal customers, Little Marneys has weathered the challenges. “It’s business, sometimes it’s tough, but I love it. I just love what I do.”
Looking ahead, Olivia has big plans for the future. “We have just taken over the paddock next door,” she reveals, hinting at possible expansions. However, she’s cautious about growing too big too quickly. “We like this small space and the personal customer service, but… we’ll probably go bigger.”
Despite the ups and downs, Olivia’s love for her hometown is clear.
“Westbury is my hometown. We love it here. The community is amazing,”
“We’re here for the long haul, I’m not going anywhere.”
Little Marneys might be tucked away on Marriott Street, but with its unique offerings and strong community ties, it’s no surprise that people are discovering this hidden gem.
