Page 16 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

Although FNQ was uncharted territory for them, the couple found
“In the face of modern transformations,
Alison and her team remain committed to a
somewhat traditional approach in managing
the store—a philosophy they intend to
preserve for as long as they can”
themselves captivated by the charm of Port Douglas and Palm Cove
during those two enchanting weeks. Upon reaching Brisbane and
encountering colder weather than expected, they promptly adjusted their
plans. Scrapping the remainder of the trip, they flew back to Cairns the
next day. The decision to cut the journey short proved serendipitous.
Returning to Launceston, they swiftly made a life-changing decision
- verbally selling the shop the very next day. Remarkably, after facing
two years of roadblocks, this decision to transition their lives unfolded
seamlessly. It was a process that, in retrospect, felt destined to be; a
smooth and fortuitous turn of events.
If you ever wondered how the name ‘With Sugar’ came about, the
answer lies in the shop’s surroundings. Against the backdrop of sugarcane
country, the name With Sugar emerged as the perfect choice, forming an
harmonious connection with the local landscape. The cafe next door at
that time, Little Larder, complemented the ethos - capturing the essence
of the shop’s sweet delights.
When asked about the importance of the obviously tight-knit team at
With Sugar, Alison said: “I think I’ve cheated a bit. I work with my
closest friends and thankfully we are all ‘retail nerds’. They really are an
amazing bunch. Jules and Kate have been with us for seven years now.
They’re pure gold and like our family.”
“They’ve also learned to laugh at my Dad jokes, so that helps,” she said
with a smile.
They pull together during challenging times, creating a supportive and
fun work environment.
Regarding her husband Matt’s role in the shop: “It’s a bit of a joke among
us that it’s ‘all me’ and it probably looks like that from the outside, which
is far from the truth! In reality, he handles all the administrative and
accounting tasks, allowing me to focus on managing the shopfront,
handling orders, creating rosters, and other operational aspects,” she said.
Previously working as a coach driver with Quicksilver, Matt has since
retired, aligning perfectly with both of their roles in the business.
Anything that Alison might find less appealing or doesn’t want to bother
with goes ‘straight through to Finance’, in good humour, of course.
The recent expansion and rejuvenation of With Sugar was incredibly
thrilling for the entire team. Having discussed their aspirations for years,
they are still revelling in the accomplishment. Looking ahead, Alison
emphasises that consistency is the key for them. In a world that can be
quite unpredictable, they feel incredibly fortunate to open their store on
Macrossan Street every morning. “If we can do another 10 years we will
be happy little retailers,” she said.
OLD SCHOOL CHARM
Reflecting on the past decade, Alison acknowledges the evolving retail
landscape, expressing a tinge of sadness witnessing smaller retailers being
edged out. This sentiment extends beyond their business, encompassing
corner stores, hardware shops, and similar enterprises. In the face of this
trend, there’s a palpable yearning among consumers for personal service
and an enjoyable shopping experience.
The impact of Covid has underscored the crucial role of small businesses,
and Alison hopes this realisation endures. However, she recognises that
the changing landscape may lead to a reduction in choice for consumers,
a prospect that saddens her. In the face of modern transformations, Alison
and her team remain committed to a somewhat traditional approach in
managing the store—a philosophy they intend to preserve for as long as
they can. Alison frequently articulates a sense of being born 20 years too
late, expressing a nostalgia for an era that aligns more with her ideals.
A pivotal lesson learned from her earlier ventures is the importance
of knowing one’s own path. When With Sugar was launched, they
encountered a few negative comments, as was the case with every
business. Interestingly, these perceived negatives often turned out to be
strengths, emphasising the need to keep your head down and persevere.
According to Alison, there’s never a time when you know everything, and