Q&A with Dennise Simshauser from Lisa Dee’s Boutique

How did you feel about winning the Retail award?

“I was shocked, amazed and delighted. I won it a long time ago, but I was not expecting this at all.”

What does ‘best retail’ mean to you after more than 30 years in business?

“It’s the satisfaction of doing my job well, and a thank you for doing my job well.

“I love coming to work. I’ve got some very loyal customers and have made beautiful friendships over these years of being in business.

“Narrabri has been very fortunate recently, there are lots of visitors coming to town and buying here in the last couple of months.”

Why do you think your customers nominated you?

“Because I go above and beyond to try and help people and I love a challenge. If someone is hard to fit it’s a challenge for me to try and find something, and I like them to walk out feeling happy.”

What is the aesthetic of Lisa Dee’s?

“My motto has been ‘individuality’ for many years. I think we are all individual, and that’s how we should dress; to please ourselves, not others.”

Do you have any advice for women and their individual styles?

“I like to see a person to see what they want and how they want to dress. You need to have a look at them to get a feel for their size, shape, feel, and colouring.

“If you don’t like something don’t buy it, when in doubt leave it out.

“Don’t stick to the same old style, some of us get in a rut and we start to wear the same things over again, even as we get older, so we must start being a bit more adventurous in ourselves. Sometimes we stick to our plains, checks, and spots, but give florals a go, it’s time for a change.”

And what about your style?

“Oh, I’m a basic, country classic – but learning. I love natural fibres; cotton, and wool, and I’m known for selling a lot of natural fibres too.”

Has business changed over the years?

“It has changed, there’s more online shopping now to compete with, but I’m a very ‘see-touch’ person.”

“I like to see what I’m buying, and I like to touch to see the quality, and especially with sizes that aren’t consistent like they used to be.”

What do you think draws ladies to Lisa Dee’s?

“Service and knowledge about what you’re selling: how do you wash it, how do you care for it, where’s it made?

“Very little is made in Australia anymore. When I first started, I used to have 90 per cent of my stock made in Australia but now I have virtually nothing.”