October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the New England and North Coast. See all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing practical solutions and personal service to the region: a country boutique making shopping and special occasions easier, a family-run automotive and towing group keeping motorists moving, and an architect creating considered spaces tailored to the people who use them.
Jacopo Baldini Architect
Thoughtful architecture, designed around you
Banora Point, NSW
Good architecture is about more than how a building looks. It’s about how people use a space, how it fits its surroundings, and how well it serves its purpose over time.
That philosophy guides Jacopo Baldini Architect, an independently run practice led by Jacopo Baldini, an Italian-trained architect registered in New South Wales.
Working across residential, commercial and industrial projects, Jacopo combines contemporary design with careful consideration of materials, site conditions and detail. Each project is developed around the client’s vision, lifestyle, practical requirements and budget, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
One of the practice’s defining features is Jacopo’s personal involvement throughout the process, from early concepts through to the finer design details. Working closely with clients allows ideas to be explored collaboratively and tailored solutions to take shape.
The result is architecture that aims to bring together aesthetics, functionality and a strong sense of identity — creating spaces that feel considered, work well for the people who use them, and respond to their surroundings.
For clients planning a new project, Jacopo offers a direct, personalised approach to turning ideas into thoughtful architectural design.
Motortorque Pty Ltd
Keeping the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast moving
South Grafton, NSW
Whether it’s a car that needs a service, a vehicle that’s broken down, or machinery that needs transporting, Motortorque Pty Ltd brings a range of automotive and towing services together under one locally owned, family-run business.
Owned by Geff and Lisa Rose, the business supports motorists, residents and other businesses across the Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast and surrounding areas.
The group operates several local businesses: Motortorque Automotive in South Grafton, See Breeze Motors in Yamba, TNT Towing in Grafton, Grafton Help Towing in South Grafton, and DJ’s Towing in Coffs Harbour.
Its services cover everything from general mechanical servicing and repairs to tyre fitting, wheel alignments, and pink and blue slip inspections. The team also handles light and heavy vehicle towing, accident and breakdown recovery, machinery and equipment transport, and roadside assistance, including battery services.
For Geff and Lisa, being a local family business means understanding how important dependable service is to the community. With workshops and towing operations across the region, the team aims to give customers a reliable place to turn, whether they need routine vehicle maintenance or help when something goes wrong.
From everyday repairs to unexpected roadside troubles, Motortorque is working to keep the region’s people and businesses moving.
Twisted Thistle Fashion & Gift Boutique
A little country boutique with plenty to offer
Bingara, NSW
From finding a new outfit to organising flowers for a special occasion, Twisted Thistle Fashion & Gift Boutique is helping Bingara locals find more of what they need close to home.
Owner Emma Wilkins took over the business formerly known as Dewberry Lane, rebranding it as Twisted Thistle and gradually expanding its range to better serve the community.
Today, the boutique brings together women’s and men’s clothing, gifts, homewares, fresh flowers, balloon arrangements and personalised cake toppers. Whether customers are looking for a thoughtful present, a last-minute birthday surprise or something to make a celebration extra special, there’s a variety of options under one roof.
For Emma, a local mum of four, running the boutique means being involved in just about every part of the business — from sourcing products and helping customers to creating arrangements, managing stock and marketing the store.
That hands-on approach also means listening to what people want. New products and services have been introduced in response to gaps in local shopping options, with the aim of making everyday purchases and special occasions easier without a trip to a larger centre.
Like many small businesses in rural towns, Twisted Thistle is built on relationships as much as retail. Emma values the familiar faces, new customers and community connections that come with having a local shop.
Her goal is to keep the boutique welcoming and affordable, while continuing to evolve alongside the town it serves.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
Want to highlight your business? Just fill in this form – places are limited.
Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.