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Meeting while working together in a government department, Frankie Holden and her partner Lorette bonded over a shared small business dream, fell in love, and the rest is history.
The idea behind Mostyn & Frankie Curated Giftboxes came about when Frankie needed to buy a gift for her mother-in-law and couldn’t find anything that fit the bill. That led to a thought – what if there was a one stop shop where you could find a gift suitable for anyone and everyone?
Today, Mostyn & Frankie offers curated giftboxes filled with handmade and bespoke items that showcase the craftsmanship of Australian artisans.
The team works closely with other small business owners, featuring local products in their range of giftboxes and corporate gifting options. With a focus on natural products and sustainable practices, the giftboxes are designed to be the gifts that keep on giving.
Located in North Yunderup, a suburb of Mandurah, the couple’s studio space offers customers the chance to browse their selection of artisan goodies. The shop also houses a café that serves up fresh coffee and locally made treats for their community to enjoy.
The SBDC has the answers
Frankie first heard about the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) from one of their pottery suppliers who recommended the SBDC’s small business services. Since then, the team behind Mostyn & Frankie has turned to the SBDC countless times.
“I was in a situation where I had broken my leg, so I did a lot of SBDC workshops online, I probably did three every week, and I learnt everything I needed to know about establishing a small business,” Frankie explained.
“All of the information and resources that I gained from the SBDC were just invaluable.”
After attending a bunch of workshops, Frankie connected with SBDC Regional business advisers to further support her in her small business journey.
“In all honesty, if we ever have a question, we can contact them, we get the answers straight away and the information they provide is just priceless.”
“And no question is too silly to ask,” Frankie laughed.
Regional offering
Starting a small business in a regional area is no small feat, and gaining the support of the local community can be the key to success. Even though the community in Peel is smaller, it’s not always easy to get the word out about your business.
“One of the hardest things about running a small business in a regional area is getting people to take us seriously,” Frankie explained.
Through a lot of hard work and networking, Mostyn & Frankie have won over their community and feel the support and motivation each day. Highlighting the work of other small business owners through their giftboxes feels like a way of giving back.
“Once people actually visit us, they realise what we have to offer and how much we work with the local community to offer and display the local artisans of their region.”
“We're incredibly grateful for the support from the Peel region, from the Peel community, and we are just blessed to live and work in such a beautiful area,” Frankie said.
Running a small business is a gift
Mostyn & Frankie started small with a simple online store and Frankie and Lorette working out of a home studio. After six months, they outgrew that space and opened their retail outlet in July 2025. Frankie says their success is all down to their community.
“We've just grown and grown through local support, local community and working with boutique businesses.”
The best part of being a small business owner? Getting to have a business partner and life partner rolled into one.
“It can be hard to switch off and sometimes we find ourselves discussing work when we’re not working, but we balance it really well,” Frankie said.
“Our skills complement each other - Lorette is more creative, so she does the purchasing and making the giftboxes, and I go out and meet and network with people.”
Looking ahead, Frankie and Lorette are excited to keep growing their business and providing people with special gifts, with the support of their wonderful community.
More information
- Read about how to choose suppliers for your small business
- Access business advisory services in your region
- Learn how to maintain good working relationships with family
- Read more WA small business stories
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