Page 106 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

JANETTE

WALKER &

NIKKI GILES

It’s peak season in Port Douglas, and any fashion-loving
visitor and local knows that this is arguably the most fun
season for shopping in this tropical paradise.

The savvy of the most go straight to Jungle Road, a boutique that stands out for its
thoughtfully curated selection of unique clothing made up of natural flowing fibres,
and the charm of dynamic duo Janette Walker and Nikki Giles who always bring the
sunshine to brighten up even the sunniest days.
Janette and Nikki have known each other for 25 years. They met when working for
the same tour company. Both had roles on the sales side, building a trusting and
personal rapport that complemented each other. Naturally, it was a no-brainer when
Janette bought Jungle Road in 2002 that Nikki would be a vital piece of the puzzle.
The two of them working together are a special business superpower! Working with
someone you know inside and out really makes things a whole lot easier. It brings a
level of trust that is hard to find in any other relationship. They know each other’s
strengths and weaknesses and have a deep understanding of what the other needs,
wants, and wishes for.
The joy Janette and Nikki possess for both fashion and life is infectious, and when
you walk through the door it exudes an irresistible appeal that draws shoppers. There
is no shortage of laughs and giggles with their customers that blend seamlessly with
a bit of retail therapy to create an unforgettable experience. It’s the tell-tale sign that
shows how much this dynamic duo care and enjoy working with their customers to
help them choose styles and colours that suit them, ensuring every customer walks
away feeling confident and fabulous.
There’s a lot of personality in Jungle Road fashion,
but Janette and Nikki know it’s not only looking A year later, in July 1986, she, and hubby Norm, made the permanent
gorgeous but feeling even better. Warm weather and
holidays ooze playfulness, a bit of freedom to live a “The joy Janette and move and opened the Mango Tree Apartments, raising two children and
little brighter and happier, and let every colour of the Nikki possess for now enjoying two grandchildren. It’s the people they have met that make
it truly special, leaving family down South and making friends here that
crayon box pop. Doing this with pieces that these two both fashion and have become their family.
have chosen that will keep you as cool as possible,
pieces you will feel comfortable wearing in the tropics. life is infectious, Days not in the shop are full of fun playing with her grandees as well as
Janette, especially, has a passion for the natural fibres and when you walk quality time with friends, a nice glass of chardonnay, and a good meal.
they offer. Think light and breezy, cottons, hemp, through the door it Itchy feet for adventure in 1985 was the lure for New Zealand-born
bamboo, linen, all the cool and comfortable fabrics exudes an irresistible Nikki. Her husband David had family living up here and knew the
that breath and let the airflow. She had been a regular coastal beauty was the ideal spot to explore and discover. Like so many
customer of Jungle Road before she bought it, and appeal that draws Port got her hooks into them and there was no turning back, as it became
since then with Nikki’s amazing contribution in all shoppers.” home. The community was a warm and welcoming spot to raise their
aspects and dedication, the business has grown. daughter Lauren.
The build-up of regular customers who keep returning This year this dynamic duo will celebrate 25 successful years of working
is the proof of this growth. Even in the eye of COVID together in business. It is with both excitement and a tinge of regret that
adversity, they rolled with the punches shifting focus to their ‘add to cart’ online sales Janette has decided that it is time to pass her beloved Jungle Road on to
that continue to be the go-to for many Australian and International shoppers visiting the next retail guru. It is time to ease into retirement and spend quality
their website and which Janette believes offers huge growth potential. However, they time with family embracing those precious years.
are most chuffed that they have built a locally respected and trusted business in the Whilst it is a bittersweet decision to put a business up for sale, half of
Douglas Shire community to support the people who make this place so special. this successful duo, Nikki, would be happy to remain working in the
The beauty of the region is jaw dropping, and it was this allure that drew Janette and business she knows inside and out to support the new owner day to day.
Nikki to Port Douglas. As the business owner, Janette is happy to pass on any of her knowledge
or support the new owner, offering only well wishes. Both are simply
For Janette, it was a visit in 1985 when Port was just about to ‘take off’, which was excited to see what’s next for Port Douglas’s beloved Jungle Road.
her ‘we need to live here’ moment especially when leaving in July wearing only shorts
and T-shirts returning to a typical wet and windy Melbourne winter. She had a taste jungleroad.com.au
for the tropics.

108 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner