Our Story — The Jak + Jill Journey
It all started with champagne… as all good ideas do!
Back in March 2014, six friends got together for what was supposed to be a casual afternoon of champagne, laughter and good company.
A few bubbles in, someone had a brilliant idea… why not turn our shared love of fashion, clothing and accessories into our very own business?
Now, we're not entirely sure whether it was the champagne talking, but one thing led to another and Jak + Jill was born!
What started as a conversation between friends quickly became a dream, and before we knew it, we were opening the doors to our very own fashion store.
On 30 September 2014, Jak + Jill officially welcomed its first customers, and what a ride it's been ever since!
The faces behind the fashion
Our original dream team consisted of three local couples: Jamin and Jaime Hall, Stephen and Trish Hines, and Greg and Tracey Ewings.
After many wonderful years together, Greg and Tracey decided it was time to hand over their share of Jak + Jill and head off on some new adventures. We're so grateful for the part they played in bringing our little dream to life and wish them nothing but happiness in their next chapter.
Today, Jak + Jill is proudly owned by Jamin and Jaime Hall, Stephen and Trish Hines, and David and Renae Buttriss.
Alongside us is a wonderful team who put their hearts into our little business and treat it as though it's their own. We couldn't do it without them.
A few bumps along the way… and we're still standing!
Now, we'd love to tell you it's all been fashion, champagne and fabulous outfits, but we've certainly had our fair share of challenges!
In January 2018, our beautiful store was flooded, leaving us absolutely gutted. We were forced to close our doors for three months while we rebuilt.
But if there's one thing we've learnt, it's that sometimes you've just got to roll up your sleeves, dust yourself off and keep going.
We used the opportunity to give our store a beautiful makeover, regroup and come back stronger than ever.
Then along came 2020… and we all know how that went!
Like so many other businesses, we found ourselves closing our doors again during the pandemic.
But rather than sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, we decided it was time to take Jak + Jill online!
And so began another exciting chapter, giving our customers the opportunity to shop their favourite pieces from the comfort of home. Preferably with a glass of wine in hand!
More than just a clothing store
Over the years, Jak + Jill has become so much more than a place to buy clothes.
It's a place for a chat, a laugh, a little styling advice and, on occasion, a champagne or three!
We love nothing more than helping our customers find an outfit that makes them feel fantastic, whether it's something casual for the weekend, a special occasion or just because they deserve a little wardrobe refresh.
And if you've ever been to one of our in-store events, you'll know we don't mind a good party!
We believe shopping should be fun, fashion shouldn't be intimidating and everyone deserves to walk out feeling a million dollars.
The best part of our journey? YOU!
Through floods, lockdowns, fashion trends and plenty of laughs, one thing has never changed — the incredible support of our customers.
Some of you have been with us since day one, while others are only just discovering Jak + Jill. Either way, we're so grateful you're part of our story.
We're incredibly proud of the little business that started over a few glasses of champagne all those years ago.
And while we might be a little older (and hopefully a little wiser!), our love of fashion, fun and bringing people together is stronger than ever.
So whether you're an old friend or a new face, come on in, say hello and let us help you find something fabulous.
Great fashion. Real people. Plenty of laughs.
That's Jak + Jill.
And we wouldn't have it any other way.
Love, the Jak + Jill Team