In this episode of For Founder Sake, we sit down with Gabby Good, co-owner of a boutique interior furniture and homewares store with locations in Batemans Bay and Milton. Gabby’s journey is a powerful mix of creativity, resilience, and real-world business decisions - the kind that don’t always come with an easy answer.
We talk about the day-to-day juggle of motherhood, running two retail stores, sourcing stock, and still finding space for yourself outside of business. Gabby gives an honest look at what it’s like managing the moving parts of retail - from product selection and trade fairs to budgets, cash flow, and the pressure of getting it right season after season.
We also rewind the clock to a pivotal moment in Gabby’s career - when an opportunity came up eight years ago to buy into an existing business rather than start something from scratch. We unpack that decision, the risks and advantages of buying into an established brand, and how Gabby and her business partner have grown and evolved the business since then - making it their own while respecting what was already built.
This episode also dives into the harder side of business. Gabby opens up about making the tough decision not to continue the lease on the Batemans Bay store - a choice rooted in growth, sustainability, and long-term vision, even when it comes with emotional weight. We explore how founders navigate these moments, and why closing a door doesn’t mean failure.
We also reflect on the uniquely challenging years faced by South Coast businesses. From the devastating bushfires to COVID lockdowns, Gabby shares what it was like opening the Batemans Bay store just before the world shut down - and how local and online community support played a huge role in getting through those uncertain times.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Buying into an existing business vs starting from scratch.
How the business has evolved and grown over the past eight years.
The reality of juggling motherhood, business ownership, and personal interests.
Running two boutique retail stores in regional towns.
Making tough business decisions, including closing a physical location.
Opening a store just before COVID and navigating lockdowns.
The impact of bushfires and the role of community support.
How Gabby sources stock for a boutique homewares store.
Attending trade fairs, planning ranges, and staying disciplined with stock budgets.
This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and incredibly relatable for anyone in retail or small business - especially those who’ve had to rebuild, adapt, or rethink their path over the last few years. Gabby’s story is a reminder that business isn’t just about growth for growth’s sake, but about alignment, sustainability, and knowing when to pivot.
🎧 Listen now for an insightful chat about creativity, community, and the courage it takes to make hard decisions - even when your heart is deeply tied to the outcome.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, make sure to follow For Founder Sake wherever you listen, leave a rating, and share this episode with another founder who’ll appreciate the honesty behind running a retail business.
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Guest: Gabby Good – Co-Owner, Boutique Interior Furniture & Homewares
📍 Batemans Bay & Milton, NSW
🛋️ Curated interiors, furniture & homewares
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @spaces2538
🎙️ Follow the podcast: @for.founders.sake