Remembering Inspired Tribe - Part 1

March 16, 2022
Posted by Sally Clarke

Remember Inspired Tribe?

Twenty-six years of bricks and mortar shops, three years of markets and festivals, lots of memories and even more photos! Here's a brief summary of where and how it all began.....

Having been a devoted backpacker for several years, I miraculously managed to gain permanent residency in Australia in the late 1980's. I decided a few more months in India on the way was called for - after all, who knew when I'd be able to get back to the country I'd become addicted to. Having no idea how I was going to make a living once I reached Australia, I decided while in India to buy a few interesting pieces with the thought of doing some markets until I got on my feet...

A few markets turned into 3 years touring the country, doing almost every market and festival possible, with many trips back to India to restock.

Creeping ever closer to my mid-thirties, the next move was a permanent shop, with a door and a key. No more camping and living out of station wagons and backpacks; it was time to start adulting!

Having never been to Wollongong but being told the surf was pretty good, there was a lot less traffic than Sydney and heaps of excellent bushwalking, off we set. The Illawarra has been home ever since and I still can't believe I got this lucky...

I did a bit of shop surfing for the first two or three years. With a lick of paint, a wall hanging to cover the meter box, Afghani rugs to hide boring carpet tiles and an interesting selection of display cases (sourced at op-shops and brick-a-brack markets), I could turn any space into an Aladdin's cave.

But then came my very first full five year lease, expensive fit-out (and a huge bank loan to go with it)...

Then came Inspired Tribe Miranda.....

Inspired Tribe Bondi Junction...

The Inspired Tribe Furniture Warehouse...

Trade Fairs...

Festivals...

A second Bondi store...

A Second Miranda store....

A second Wollongong store (anyone sensing a theme?)...

And finally... have you ever wondered what's going on behind those big shop hoardings?

All of that mess somehow magically turns into...

Finally COVID-19 arrived and the whole world turned upside down.

Sadly I had to say goodbye to a 30 year journey in 'bricks and mortar' store ownership, and join the brave new world of eCommerce - which is where you're reading this right now.

This trip down memory lane unearthed SO many photos, including of our furniture warehouse and of the incredible treasures that have passed through the shops over the years, that this is only part one of this blog. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 coming soon.

All the best, Sally Clarke

Posted in