Sharlene is a Murray woman who grew up in Queensland.

She lived in Adelaide, Esperance and Melbourne before moving to Donnybrook with husband Brian 12 years ago to be closer to family.

“Brian and I have been together for 18 years, we have three children, and in the time we’ve stayed in Donnybrook, we’ve just met so many friendly people and it’s what made us stay,” Sharlene said.

Sharlene and Brian were married in Donnybrook four years ago.

They bought a property together and now also have the new business.

According to Brian, it has been an unreal four years.

“There are not too many places where you can walk down the street and say g’day to someone and they’ll say g’day back,” he said.

The money they spent on the business was originally intended to finish their house.

“When we discovered the business was for sale, we decided to be our own bosses,” Sharlene said.

“It was the excitement of working for ourselves.”

Sharlene previously ran the Djinang Kwap retail Aboriginal shop in Donnybrook, where she sold her artwork and taught art classes.

She has also worked at the Forrest Nursery in Lowden.

“I’m hoping to put some of my artwork up in the shop too,” Sharlene said.

Sharlene has her own unique style of contemporary, abstract Aboriginal art.

Sharlene and Brian are planning a lot of changes to the shopfront and the opening hours in addition to some possible renovations.

“We’re hoping to extend the shop to make it bigger and better,” Sharlene said.

“This place has got so much potential.”

Sharlene and Brian’s plans for the future include setting up pool tables and pinnies for teenagers.

“There’s nothing here for the 12-plus kids to do,” Sharlene said.

“The younger kids have the fun park, so we’re hoping to get all the games and have an arcade for the older kids… that’s our dream.”

For the present, Sharlene and Brian are happy to learn their new business and hope for the locals to come in and say hello.