Newcomers have exciting new ideas for the Valley's newest shop
1 Dec 10
Diana and Wayne Hollis have taken the lease on the premises at 165 Moss Vale Road that up till their occupancy had previously hosted a succession of café/restaurants starting with two Café Kangaroos, Bounce and last in the line the Blind Toucan.
All of the fittings and accroutrements of such endeavours have been removed and in their place is the interesting décor and content of the Hollis “Tree change” dream.
Their youngest daughter Emerald is nine years old and the shop has been named after their daughter and as a tribute to their Irish heritage to which they both hold a connection.
They have six other children who are all young adults of whom they are extremely proud and who are their parents’ joy with grandchildren galore.
The Hollis couple are professional people who work in a most extreme environment so for them this venture is a lovely tree change and presents an exciting opportunity for Diana to explore her passion for patchwork quilting. They will both wcontinue to work in their current jobs and operate the shop between ourselves.
At this stage their hopes are simple, just to keep the shop open and indulge in a lifelong dream, enjoy their exciting experience and push out of the humdrum comfort zone in which they admit they sometimes find themselves.
Emerald Patch will be open as often as possible whilst they grow and establish themselves within the Kangaroo Valley community.
“Already we have had feedback for kids classes which we hope to have running by the school holidays or at least some holiday projects, also requests for fabrics which we will endeavour to fulfil,” said Wayne.
“We will aim to provide the Valley with a store that offers a unique range of hand crafted quilts, one offs in originality and quality as well as some interesting craftware of varying genre and to the passing customer a pleasant range of products that may entice them to stop browse and spend some time in Kangaroo Valley.”
Diana and Wayne are more than happy to take orders, requests and any suggestions and look forward to meeting the locals and whoever else may come to the Emerald Patch.