We have been so busy lately (like everyone at this time of year) and our visits into the ‘real’ world ie: leaving the house to physically explore Geelong and surrounds have been few and far between (unfortunately) . So, Oh! Hello Geelong has inevitably stumbled across some adorable local online stores in recent months and we think the online homewares and interiors boutique Neon Indian is definitely up there with the best of them. What Oh! Hello Geelong loves about Neon Indian is that its owner, Jessica Bubb, has created and styled a simple online shopping space that is contemporary and visually appealing with a neat collection of thoughtfully selected wares making this little online shop a pleasure to visit. Beyond the shopping component Jess has started a lookbook which brings to life new looks, styles, ideas and products, which we look forward to seeing more of in the future! Jess has been kind enough to take a few minutes out of her busy action-packed facebook, tumblr, bloglovin, online shop schedule to tell us a little bit about herself and her little piece of neon. Thanks Jess xx
Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what led you to creating this online shopping destination.
I have always had an interest in fashion and styling and for many years I dreamt of opening a clothing boutique. As the years went by however my vision shifted from clothing to homewares and accessories; and then from a physical space to an online boutique. I was attracted to online shopping because people can visit the store no matter the time or their location. Neon Indian originally started as a blog and tumblr, which I updated regularly, and which I used as my visual online mood and inspiration board. My background is in
the fashion industry; I have been a production assistant and a buyer for ladieswear clothing for
a few of Australia’s biggest retailers, so with the experience that I gained, my passion for homewares, interior styling and my obsession for online shopping, Neon Indian was a natural progression. After many years “thinking but not acting” on opening my own business, I resigned from my fulltime job to a few months ago to launch Neon Indian.
What is the story behind the name?
I have always had an obsession with neon lights and somehow I have always dressed up as an Indian for any fancy dress functions that I have attended. I know it sounds simple but I really liked the sound of the two words put together…Neon Indian.
What can people expect to find when perusing your lovely online store? What are some of the products Neon Indian?
I wanted the product assortment to be something different from what you would expect to see in an online boutique and aren’t so readily available. Neon Indian is focused on hand made items with a story and something that you wouldn’t see in a department store. I like to mix well-known brands such as Blacklist Studio Prints, Pony Rider and The Market Co, with handmade vintage items such as Turkish cushions and tassel clutches which are made in Thailand. Everything that we sell on Neon Indian is something that I would love to have in my own house or wear myself.
What are your favourite products at Neon Indian?
Pretty much everything but I’ll try and list just a few! I love to have a candle burning at all times at home so naturally I have selected a great range of candles for the Neon Indian collection including Salus Body, Palm Beach Collection Candles and Maison Balzac. Neon Indian is one of the only online stockists of Maison Balzac and we are the only stockist in Geelong. I also use my French market basket almost everyday, it’s perfect for shopping, work, catching up with friends, the beach…and the list goes on! I also highly recommend using the Rosebud Salve, it’s a classic lip balm and comes in a really cute tin.
What does the future hold for Neon Indian? Will there ever be a physical retail space?
In the short term, my goal is for the online site to continue growing and for people to be inspired when they visit on the site. To open my own shop was always my dream and honestly it still is but at the moment my focus is the online boutique. What I can tell you is that I am hoping to open a pop up store in the new year – watch this space!
In general, what are your biggest inspirations? Favourite artists, people, music, books?
I am not inspired by one particular person or artist, my creative inspiration comes from the many fashion, style and interior blogs that I read everyday. Actually I’m a bit obsessed about these blogs, I could be on the internet for hours. I also love magazines such as Russh and Inside Out. When it comes to my business inspiration I get a lot of energy from one of my good friends Rebeccah Vivian who owns Blondie Hair & Cosmetica in East Geelong (Oh! Hello Geelong loves Blondie too).
How long have you lived in the Geelong region?
I was born in Geelong and have lived here most of my life, this is where all my friends, family and partner live. I have travelled overseas a lot over the years and loved every minute of it but I am happy to call Geelong home.
What is the region’s best kept secret?
I am not sure of any secrets but I do love to walk and run around the Geelong Botanical Gardens, it’s really beautiful out there. I also love visiting the Mill Markets in North Geelong and Newcomb. Oh, and there is a café on Ryrie street in town called Adelphi; they make the most amazing Moroccan chicken salad sandwiches – you have to try one!
Do you have a quote or saying you live by?
“What’s meant to be; will be”. I really believe in this quote, I think that everything happens for a reason and if it’s right it will happen. I also have a tattoo on my side which reads “breathe” because every once in a while you need to stop what you are doing, compose yourself, reflect and breathE
*All photos courtesy of Neon Indian
WE LOVE GIVEAWAYS!!
Jess has ALSO very generously offered a $60 gift voucher to one lucky Oh! Hello Geelong reader! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling us what you would spend your 60 Neon Indian dollars on! We know we’d probably snap up a “Kiss My Neon” print - sooo good!
Good Luck!!
** COMPETITION TERMS + CONDITIONS + INFO**
1. Leave a comment on this blog post telling us : what you would spend your 60 Neon Indian dollars on!
3. Competition closes at 5pm FRIDAY 18th JANUARY – We’ll notify the winners via email and facebook. Winners must make contact within 48 hours or their prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected.
4. To enter you must like our Facebook Page
Thanks Jess!
Love Penny + Laura
