Love Local Business: This October we're celebrating small business

October is Small Business Month - a time to recognise and celebrate the incredible small businesses that power our region. From boutique store owners to mobile service providers, creatives to consultants, small business owners bring energy, heart and innovation to our local economy every single day.

In the Mid-Western Region, shopping local means more than just a transaction - it means supporting your neighbours, keeping jobs in our towns, and helping local families build something meaningful.

Not every small business has a shopfront, but each plays an important role in shaping our community and contributing to its unique character.
At Mid-Western Living, we’re proud to shine a light on all kinds of small businesses - whether they operate from home, online, on the road or in a bricks-and-mortar space. We see the dedication, the long hours and the love that goes into building something of your own.

Throughout this edition, we’ll introduce you to some of the passionate people driving local business forward. They’re makers, doers, problem-solvers and creators - and every time you choose to support them, you’re investing in the future of our region.

Because when we support small, we support something far bigger: connection, resilience and the spirit of community.

Hair by Sarah-Jane

Tucked away in a peaceful, private setting, Hair by Sarah Jane offers a one-on-one salon experience that’s all about you - your hair, your lifestyle, and your goals. Owned and operated by Sarah Jane, the boutique studio specialises in custom colour, foils, balayage, cuts, luxury blowdries, elegant upstyles for special events, and nourishing treatments that leave you glowing.

With a focus on calm, professional service and attention to detail, each appointment is tailored to ensure you feel looked after from start to finish. Sarah uses and stocks O&M and Juuce haircare - clean, Australian-made products that are gentle on your hair, your scalp, and the planet.

Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, updating your colour, or simply in need of a moment to unwind and refresh, Hair by Sarah Jane delivers beautiful results in a warm, relaxed space designed with you in mind.
Discover the difference when calm meets luxury - and every detail is about making you feel your best.
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@hairbysarahjane_
Shop 9B/13 Oporto Road, Mudgee

Hey Butler

Founded in September 2024 by local entrepreneur Kathleen Butler, Hey Butler is a boutique cleaning business servicing Mudgee, Gulgong and surrounds.

With a focus on taking the stress out of everyday life, Kat and her team offer everything from regular home cleans and one-off refreshes to end-of-build cleans and commercial work.

“We believe your home should bring peace, not pressure,” says Kat. And that philosophy is clear in every detail - with a tailored, caring approach that helps busy households reclaim time and calm.

As the business grows, Hey Butler is also bringing something new to the region: EcoDev, a line of non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for families, pets and the planet.

Tried and tested in real homes, these products will be available for local delivery via their soon-to-launch website.
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0430 207 307
@heybutlerau

Ever After Events

Based in Gulgong and travelling across the Central West, Ever After Events is redefining what it means to host a beautiful, heartfelt wedding in the countryside. Founded by husband-and-wife team Reece and Amanda, this boutique hire company was born from a simple goal: to make elegant marquee celebrations more accessible and affordable for local couples.

Their thoughtfully curated Marquee Collection - The Maple, The Cedar and The Birch - offers couples the choice of sophisticated, Hampton-style tents, each with its own unique character and charm. Paired with luxury bathrooms, curated furniture and personal service, Ever After Events creates the kind of atmosphere that feels both effortless and unforgettable.

With a deep love for what they do and a genuine connection to the region, Reece and Amanda deliver weddings that are stylish, seamless and full of heart. As they say, they’re “based local, travel far, and love what we do.”

If you’re dreaming of a marquee celebration with soul - they’re the ones to bring it to life.
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@everafterevents.hire
everafterevents.com.au

Nikki Baxter Makeup

Known for her refined, elegant style and flawless technique, Nikki Baxter has become a go-to makeup artist in the Mudgee region, specialising in bridal and event makeup that’s polished, timeless and tailored to each client.

With 18 years of experience, Nikki’s expertise spans blending, skin tone matching, and enhancing natural beauty for all ages and occasions.

After completing an intensive Cert IV in Makeup Artistry in Sydney, Nikki freelanced across weddings, photo shoots and events before joining M•A•C Sydney City - a dream role that further honed her skills. Eventually, she returned to her first love: weddings.

Since relocating to Mudgee nearly four years ago, Nikki has created looks for hundreds of brides and clients, earning recognition as Mudgee’s #1 Makeup Artist by both the Australian Wedding Industry Awards and Quality Business Awards. “Makeup isn’t just what I do - it’s who I am,” she says.

Offering makeup for weddings, events, photo shoots and group bookings, Nikki brings creativity, care and experience to every appointment - ensuring her clients not only look incredible, but feel confident and relaxed too.
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@nikkibaxtermakeup
nikkibaxtermakeup.com.au

Melissa Robertson Fine Art

As a landscape artist, Melissa Robertson captures more than just scenery - she captures feeling. Her artworks, inspired by the natural beauty of regional New South Wales, are a gentle invitation to slow down, take a breath, and reconnect with the peace found in nature.

Through soft palettes, layered textures and a deep appreciation for the land, Melissa’s pieces bring a sense of calm to any space - whether it’s a home, office or retreat. “I paint to bring peace into my own life, and into the lives and homes of others,” she says.

Her work celebrates the quiet beauty of country life - the golden light, the open skies, the stillness - and transforms it into timeless, inspired pieces that speak softly but leave a lasting impression.

If you’re looking to bring a little more serenity into your space, Melissa’s landscapes offer the perfect starting point.
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@melissarobertson_art
melissarobertsonfineart.com

The Gulgong Gallery

Celebrating 9 years in business this year, The Gallery Gulgong is a vibrant art space nestled in the heart of historic Gulgong, owned and managed by local watercolour artist Sue Nichols.

Since opening its doors in November 2016, the gallery has become a creative hub, showcasing a wide range of locally made treasures including fine art, photography, pottery, dolls, fairies and elves, jewellery, soy candles, hand-dyed scarves, felt work, homemade jams and relishes, soaps, cards and more.
The Gallery operates much like a cooperative, with contributing artists helping to shape its success and community connection. Sue believes strongly in the importance of having a space for artistic expression in small country towns, and the gallery offers just that - a place where creative minds can flourish, share ideas and find a supportive platform for their work.

You’ll find The Gallery Gulgong at 85 Herbert Street (just opposite Bowerbird Cottage antiques), open Thursday to Monday from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
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0418 620 659
thegallerygulgong.com.au

All Natural Beauty Gulgong

With over 40 years of experience as a beauty therapist, Lydia Hermo has seen the industry evolve - and today, her focus is all about getting back to basics. At All Natural Beauty, the emphasis is on simple, nourishing treatments that prioritise your wellbeing and leave you feeling truly cared for.

Lydia offers a range of services including facials, waxing and tinting, using only Australian-made organic skincare products that are gentle, effective, and kind to your skin. Her calm, down-to-earth approach ensures every appointment is tailored to the individual, creating a space where clients can relax, reset, and feel completely at ease.

In addition to her beauty treatments, Lydia also stocks a curated collection of artisan gifts - perfect for those seeking a thoughtful, locally made treat for themselves or someone special.
At All Natural Beauty, it’s not about trends - it’s about honest, quality care delivered with decades of experience and genuine warmth.
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@allnaturalbeautygulgong
133 Mayne Street, Gulgong

If there’s one thing I truly love about creating this magazine, it’s shining a light on the incredible small businesses that make our region so varied and special.

This feature is a celebration of that spirit - a collaboration piece that brings together just a few of the many talented people who call the Mid-Western Region home.

These locals are doing extraordinary things, and I’m proud to share their stories with you.

— Rebecca