IN A BLAZER GLORY
Feisty, forthright and fiercely focused — this local entrepreneur is ready to take on the fashion world
Kate Duncan has a simple motto that influences every decision she makes in business: Do it small, but do it well.
The owner of the Fox & Willow Boutique has applied this mantra to everything she tackles in life and, with each new success, she knows her passion and dedication are keeping her on the right path.
In a short eight months, she has seen her fashion store in the Australia Arcade not just prosper, but explode to the point where she’s been forced to move location to Grand Central Shopping Centre (her new store opened June 25 on the lower level next to Dotti).
“We were bursting at the seams,” Kate smiles. “So, it was time to make a move. “It’s been great in the Arcade, but it’s now time to take the next step and to create a strong foundation for the future growth of the business.”
Knowing she is the first independent boutique to move into Grand Central is a feather in the cap she’s immensely proud to wear.
My focus at the moment is to make my new store a fashion destination. I want to set the tone of fashion in Toowoomba, not follow it.” KATE DUNCAN
“I’m very much a ‘go big or go home’ type of person,” Kate declares.
“I’m never going to be content, I’m never going to rest on my laurels — I’ll always be looking to do better in everything that I do.”
While a country girl at heart, Kate also has a sharp eye for fashion and soon identified an exciting niche in the Toowoomba market.
“One thing Toowoomba does do well is hold events — and that gives local women the chance to find a new outfit,” she says.
“Most importantly, many want a unique outfit that won’t be replicated by the major chains.
“Fashion wise, I feel we can sometimes be a little conservative in Toowoomba, so it’s an exciting challenge to introduce a new look and a fresh style to the area.
But, Kate admits she only had a small window to capture the imagination of Toowoomba women.
“When it came to my fashion choices, the mood changed from ‘is this outfit Toowoomba?’ to ‘wow, what else have you got?’.
“I’ve received so much positive feedback which has allowed me to adjust course as I go and I’m excited to bring many exclusive brands that customers may not get the opportunity to see.
“I strongly support Australian designers, and I want people to know that Fox & Willow is THE place to go for fashion.”
From anyone else, it might sound like wishful thinking.
From Kate, it comes with a steely look of determination and an indomitable spirit that echoes her steadfast will to succeed.