We spoke to owner Corinne Russell to talk slow living, loving what you do and how motherhood has influenced her business…
Hi Corinne, when and why did you decide to open Heartfill?
I opened Heartfill in November 2018. After my second daughter was born in 2017, I took 18 months maternity leave to soak up motherhood. The more I immersed myself in the practice of mindfulness and slow living, the more I dreamed of creating a space like Heartfill.
What had you done before? Did any of these skills help?
Prior to opening Heartfill I was a high school drama and English teacher at an all-boys school. I worked at the same school for 12 years and was ready for a change.
I’ve always been a creative person but have never run a business or worked in retail. I guess it is true what they say, if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
That’s so lovely! So, how did you decide on the name?
The name was inspired by our desire to live and consume more mindfully. We wanted a space where creativity was celebrated, and sustainability was encouraged. We came up with the motto “fill your heart” as an antidote to landfill.
It is our belief that if we surround ourselves with pieces that we will love and cherish for a long time we can combat the mindlessness of mass consumerism.
How would you describe the interior style of the store?
Our store is an eclectic array of colours and textures. Our colour palette is quite earthy with huge influences from the 70’s. I am a sucker for mustard and florals which you’ll see woven throughout the store.
You’re passionate about sustainability and simple living – why is this so important to you?
As a mum of two young girls I want to pass on a world that will allow my daughters to thrive. I want them to understand that happiness can’t be bought and that each day is a blessing.
That’s such a wonderful message! How do you source your wares/ stockists?
We pride ourselves on showcasing local artisans, so most of our items are locally made or designed. We have a wonderful community who are making great things, so we never have to look too far!
Do you create anything in-house?
Yes, we have our own range of handcrafted wooden and ceramic rainbows which have been one of our most popular items since day one. We also create beautiful bespoke dried flower arrangements in store. And most recently we have been creating SunPots as part of our exclusive SunLounge collection.
Which item is your bestseller?
Funnily enough no two weeks are the same in store, but most recently we have been selling lots of art.
What item is your personal can’t-live-without?
Organic lip balm.. All day every day!
What do you enjoy most about running Hearfill?
The community is so great. We feel truly supported… I’ve made some wonderful friends here.
Speaking of community, what’s the neighbourhood like?
Our neighbourhood is amazing. It’s filled with lots of great café’s, artsy folk, a brewery and gin distillery. We are in an emerging precinct that used to be predominately industrial but has certainly changed over the past few years to include lots of entrepreneurs and cutting edge businesses.
Do you have any advice for those thinking of starting their own store?
Don’t be scared off by the stuff you don’t know… seek advice around the financials but don’t labour over the dollars. If you work to your strengths, you’ll eventually be rewarded. Don’t copy or mimic others, find your reason “why” and stick to it.
Before you go, do you have any top tips for those starting their own simple living journey?
Buy quality over quantity. Support local. Plant a garden. Grow your own herbs and add them to everything. Drink out of the fancy wine glasses every day… don’t wait for a special occasion. Celebrate the small wins. Take a bath or a swim in the ocean once a week. Play music, sing loudly and keep reading.
Find Hearfill at 1/29 Lemana Ln, Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia.
And online at: heartfill.com.au and @heartfill_
