Much to the sadness of its loyal customers, a popular women’s clothing store in Sandgate is closing its doors for good.
After 18 years in business, owners Rhodora and Bill have made the tough decision to shut down the Brighton Road store now that their son, Liam, has left home.
“Liam finished uni three years ago and I was supposed to leave Sandgate after that but I kept stalling because I love Sandgate so much,” Rhodora said. “It’s time, we have to do the closing down sale.
“I know a lot of people wanted Elegant Mode to keep open. So many clients have said, ‘Rhodora, what are we going to do without you?’”
A Business Born from Passion
The business began with Rhodora’s love for shoes and her struggle to find shoes in her size in Australia. Together with Bill, they imported shoes from overseas for their Noosa store, before expanding to Sandgate when Liam enrolled at Padua College.
“Because of Liam, I stayed in Sandgate,” Rhodora said. “I ended up renting in Sandgate with a friend and go back to Noosa every Saturday and come back on Monday.”
The business expanded to include bags, accessories and dresses, becoming a go-to spot for formal dresses. Rhodora was actively involved in local high school formals by donating a percentage of sales back to the schools and ensuring students didn’t turn up in the same dress.
“I really give it my all,” she said. “My shop is like my second baby. You put all your effort into it.
“The best is just all the good people in Sandgate, trusting me and asking, ‘What am I going to wear? What goes with this?’ And you give them a suggestion and you give them an outfit and they walk out so happy and come back and say, ‘Rhodora, everybody loved my outfit.’”
As she looks forward to returning to Noosa with Bill, Rhodora plans to spend more time in her garden with her orchids.
She said her time at Elegant Mode had been full of happy memories.
“I’ve made a lot of friends,” she said. “I’ve become part of Sandgate and I’m going to miss Sandgate.”
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- Women’s Football Team Prowling Towards Success
- Silver Swans Prove You’re Never Too Old to Plie
- The Scoop on Poop
- “Stayin’ Alive” in the Days Before Triple Zero
- Farewell Dagwood
- A Spectacular Showcase of Culture at Brisbane Festival
- Upgrades to Rainbow Street Bikeway
Photo courtesy of John Pires Photography
