A new retail and wellness space celebrating the beauty, creativity and community of East Gippsland is opening its doors in Lakes Entrance this week.
All are invited to the Harmony Lane launch beginning Friday. Doors open at 10am and later they’ll be music by Bonnie Edwards with drinks and nibbles from 3-7pm.
Harmony Lane is located at Shop 2/239 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance and has been created by massage therapist Margie Barrett-Poole and artist and creator Atina Baker.
Margie said the inspiration for Harmony Lane came from her love of the natural environment and creating connections through a passion for wellness and creativity.
“I’m inspired by the beautiful coastal area of East Gippsland – the lightly trodden beaches, the wash of the lakes and the wildness of the bush,” she said.
“Connection to the environment informs my passion and exploration of health and what it means to healing.”
Having recently moved permanently to Toorloo Arm from Traralgon, Margie said she wanted to create a space that reflected everything she loves about the region.
“I love the beautiful creations of the many artists in this region who are inspired by their surrounds, and the friendships and connections I have made with local people,” Margie said.
Margie and Atina met while working at dress shop Isle of Wild, which will be stocked at Harmony Lane.
“We want Harmony Lane to become a space where all these loves of ours meet.”
The collective retail space features a curated selection of clothing, jewellery, homewares, accessories and artwork designed and made by local creators.
Alongside the retail space, Harmony Lane offers a wellness area with two treatment rooms.
Margie brings 20 years’ experience as a massage therapist and will provide remedial massage alongside Hot Stone massage, Bowen Therapy and acupressure techniques.
“With infrared sauna as an addition to treatments, I hope to create a holistic experience that supports relaxation, healing and calming the nervous system,” she said.
The treatment rooms will also be available for hire by other therapists offering complementary services.
Harmony Lane will also become a space for creativity, learning and connection, with plans for workshops and gatherings exploring beading, sewing, weaving and painting, as well as wellbeing activities such as meditation, yoga and sound healing.
Intuitive Business and holistic life mentor Kasia Bourke is now offering meditation at Harmony Lane on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
The store is located at Shop 2/239 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance, next to Morrison’s Accounting.
In addition to Isle of Wild, Harmony Lane will stock Marlene Rees’ Floating Threads, a local artist creating bespoke linen clothing and unique lamps using vintage and handprinted fabrics; and Victoria Nine Stitching Witch, who creates sustainable women’s and children’s clothing from recycled and repurposed materials.
Also featured is Atina Designs, known for colourful clothing and jewellery full of creativity and joy, and NOA Australia, which creates handcrafted jewellery and artwork inspired by East Gippsland’s beaches, bushland and native flora.
Harmony Lane will also feature Asili Africa ethically handwoven baskets, Himalaya Bliss handcrafted Ayurvedic goodness, Hippie Mumma artisan soaps, Mojani handcrafted artisan gifts and Nature Muse earrings created from plant fibre.
For more information about workshops, therapies and retail opportunities, contact the team at Harmony Lane.
