With a fraught Christmas behind us here in the Grampians, it’s safe to say this year hasn’t felt quite the same.

Despite our efforts to make the most of the season, the fires threatening our region have cast a heavy shadow, leaving little room for carefree celebration.

So instead, let me wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Now that it’s officially 2025, I can look back with some distance on 2024 as another whirlwind year for GGCo. & my family.

It was a year filled with tremendous highs & gut-wrenching lows.

Things began on a positive note, with a photo shoot in a gorgeous home in Toorak, setting the tone for what we hoped would be a rewarding year.

One of the standout moments was the official launch of the GGCo. Guild, our loyalty reward program—a way to give back to the many devoted customers who have supported us over the years. 

Seeing the excitement it generated & being able to thank you in such a meaningful way brought so much joy to what would soon become an otherwise challenging year.

In March, I had the incredible honour of representing GGCo. as one of a select few Victorian businesses chosen to attend a @globalvic delegation in London, Bologna & Paris.

Adding to the excitement, a beautiful feature in Home Beautiful magazine came to life.

But by May, the tide turned.

My children & I faced a heartbreaking personal tragedy, compounded by a business meltdown.

Rising costs, a struggling economy, & overwhelming uncertainty made things even harder.

With the weight of our enormous loss, significant adjustments were needed to navigate life as a single mum of three grieving children.

In November, we locked in moving our order fulfilment to a warehouse in Melbourne.

It was a decision that demanded an immense amount of last-minute adrenaline to bring to life.

It wasn’t without its challenges, especially during the hectic sale period & Christmas shopping season.

Despite our best efforts to keep things running smoothly, not every order arrived as perfectly as usual, & a few went missing completely.

There were plenty of quiet tears behind the scenes, but our customers showed incredible patience & understanding.

The fact that we’ve made it to the other side feels like a tiny miracle.

That’s entirely thanks to the love & support of our family, friends, & you—our loyal customers.

Every purchase, every kind word, & every moment of support means the world to us.

I’m often asked if all of our products are Australian-made.

Many are; some aren’t.

But what I can say with pride is this: GGCo. is an Australian-owned & operated business, run by me—a proud Australian.

My children & I live in the Grampians in regional Australia, & we survive because this business survives.

These pieces are my way of sharing a small, attainable slice of the romantic Grampians country lifestyle with you.

A lifestyle that brings me so much joy.

Knowing it resonates with you & supports my little family is the greatest gift I could ask for.

Here’s to 2025, a fresh chapter & brighter days ahead.

Thank you for being on this journey with us.

It’s very “real life,” & we live every boost & every bump.

With love & gratitude,

Amanda