Market works for local
When Gordonton Country Market was still a gleam in the organisers’ eye, one of its stated aims was to help locals gain some income. For Debbie Hawkins, it’s been a great way to do just that – while looking after her young ones at home.
She was at the very first market, selling her handmade girls’ clothing, as well as an assortment of hair accessories and other treats. “We’d always said Gordonton needed a market, and it was great to hear it was going to happen.”
Debbie is a member of the Kestle clan; her mother was brought up in Gordonton, and her grandparents are Keith and Bernice Kestle.
“They’ve lived here all their lives, my uncle owned Top Nut and I used to come out to the orchard when I was young. My husband and I moved back about seven years ago, living on Piako Rd.”
When the market started, she had been selling her clothes (for newborns to five years’ old) on FaceBook.
“I wanted to do something from home, so I could be a mum and look after my two young daughters. I set my own hours, can go on school trips and sew when I want to.”
Now Debbie has started Little Hoot Parties, an on-line party supply business which has been running since April.
“We sell all things needed for birthday parties, everything and anything you can imagine. From balloons to cups and table runners, from littlies to adults. I’m slowly getting in things for hen parties and 30th parties and the like.”
Many of these are themed, Frozen is particularly popular at the moment, she says.
“We’re just getting started, getting the name out there but have sold to Auckland and Tauranga, as well as other places.”
She will still sell her sewing, DelishDesignz, at the market where the highlight is always chatting with customers.
Which can be a family event – grandmother Bernice is keen to lend a hand with the stall – “she knows everyone in Gordonton and loves to catch up!”
Debbie can be contacted on 027 515 1443, visit her website here and Delish Facebook page here.
