Written by Celine Louie
At the start of the Urangan Pier, you’ll find a special little shop that holds a dear place not just in my heart, but in the hearts of many in our community. Originally built 80 years ago as a butcher shop, it has withstood the test of time, now an icon of the bay despite its small size.
Though it has received numerous coats of paint over the years, the exterior remains largely unchanged.
Inside, the shop has housed many small businesses. Countless people have stepped through its doors, and today, those 80-year-old doors still open to welcome locals and visitors alike. If only those doors could talk!
My personal connection to this special shop began the day I arrived in Hervey Bay nearly 20 years ago. Arriving in our sleepy seaside town, I followed my instincts and guided my GPS-less Kombi toward the beach, exploring our breathtaking Esplanade until I could go no further. Reaching the pier car park, I pulled in to get my bearings and found myself parked across from a small shop, at the time known as the Juice Shack. Funky music echoed from its doors, and it was at that moment I knew I had found a place to call home. A few months later, I found myself behind the counter, making sandwiches and juices for the construction workers busily building what is now known as the Oaks Resort. Since then, the shop I first knew as the Juice Shack has changed hands and faces a few more times.
Six years ago, Nathalie Albouze recognised the potential of this little shop and took over the reins. Now called HATCH- Design and Creative Store, this charming shop may seem small from the outside, but inside it holds a surprisingly large collection of unique treasures, all crafted by local talents. It also serves as a much-needed spot for coffee lovers to get their caffeine fix.
These days, you’ll often find Nat behind the coffee machine, likely chatting with whoever walks into the store. Originally from Dubbo, she brings extensive hospitality experience and a flair for style—it seems only natural that her path led her to open a shop like Hatch. “My parents always had businesses in hospitality—restaurants, motels, cafes, that kind of thing. Everyone I know seems to have a small business,” she explains.
A mother of two teenagers, Nat moved to Hervey Bay eight years ago to be closer to her extended family. Like many of us, she was seeking a quiet sea change, with a focus on achieving a better work-life balance. She saw the chance to create that balance with Hatch—a business that would allow her to work for herself while still having the flexibility to be there for her kids.
“When I worked as a graphic designer for a printing company, I had very limited flexibility. With my kids being active in sports, music, and dance, I wasn’t able to drive them around. When I opened Hatch, I was still working remotely for a team in Adelaide, but eventually, I decided to let go of the safety net and jump in fully. I got a loan and began asking if anyone wanted to rent space. Dimattina sponsored me with a coffee machine, so the initial cost wasn’t too high.”
Nat’s skills as a graphic designer have served her well at Hatch. Her trained eye for detail and colour is just one of the many talents that have helped her little shop grow and thrive. She admits that, before Hatch, she had never worked in retail, but her natural creative flair for merchandising ensures that the shop pops with colour and draws in anyone passing by to explore its exciting displays of unique merchandise.
Nat explains, “It’s more of a destination for people. Obviously, the locals love their coffee, but many visitors see the gallery and say, ‘Oh, let’s grab a coffee and meander around.’”
Her dream of creating a hub for local creatives to sell their wares has flourished. The shelves are packed full with all sorts of interesting handmade and original goodies—from baby clothes and locally made perfume to stunning resin chopping boards, beautiful leather goods, paintings and photography—every available space is filled with a bounty to explore.
As anyone who has stepped through its doors will tell you, it may be a small shop, but to see it all, you’ll need time to peruse the shelves at least three times—or just one coffee. “Over time, I’ve had up to 140 different creators. At any given moment, there are about 30 artists on display,” Nat says.
As a small business owner, Nat understands the importance of supporting our local community, which has now become her mantra. Everything she sells is created locally, with sustainability at the forefront of her mind—right down to the bottled water.
“I really wanted to eliminate all the plastic water bottles, so I looked into an Australian company called Calm and Stormy. Their bottles are aluminium, which means you can reuse and recycle them till the cows come home. They also offer fresh low-sugar juice and mineral water.” You’ll find the drinks in a cabinet alongside delicious handmade food for those feeling peckish.
At Hatch, creators can rent shelves or sell on consignment, and Nat ensures that all agreements are mutually beneficial. Hatch feels like one big creative family, offering budding artists a chance to start out and gain confidence in showcasing their work.
“When creatives come in, they often have a limited amount of stock. I tell them we’re not Myers. We have foot traffic, but not to that extreme, so they’ll have time to create and sell simultaneously. I have people who live up the road and down the road. Some send everything to me by post. There’s a lot of communication; I make sure they feel taken care of,” Nat explains.
By giving new creators access to a small space to display their items, Nat provides them with a chance to start out without needing a large amount of stock. Her presence in the shop ensures that she can give direct feedback to the artists, which they might not typically receive elsewhere. She fosters a supportive environment that allows for growth and diversity.
As is often the case with businesses created from the heart, the law of attraction runs strong in this little store. “Most of the time, the artists find me. It’s a funny thing about this space—when gaps appear on the shelves or an artist moves on, I’ll start looking around, but then someone usually walks in the door,” Nat explains.
Nat shares a heart-warming story about a woman whose husband suddenly left her. Struggling with the grief of the separation, the woman turned to crafting as a means to improve her mental health.
Upon hearing her story, Nat offered to sell the creations, helping her regain a sense of purpose during those difficult times. It’s evident that Nat has a strong connection with everyone who supports her dream—from the creatives to the customers—and in return, they support her as well.
“This shop is like your living room; you’re chatting with people all the time. The community has been incredibly supportive over the years, helping out with painting doors, electrical work, and plumbing. It feels like a family, and it shows that you don’t need a huge budget for a business to thrive.”
So, wherever you find yourself in the days to come, be sure to make time to venture down to the Urangan Pier and visit this special little store. With the silly season approaching, we once again have the opportunity to vote with our wallets. Will you choose to support our local community this Christmas? The Hatch family certainly hopes so!
