Kerry Robson’s little shop Try & Guess in Doveton Street South is a burst of colour among the other converted homes that signal the gradual shift of business out of the CBD proper and into the suburbs. Opened just a year ago, the focus of her sales is local artists and craftspeople and goods sourced from sustainable and ethical trade.
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“It's amazing all the little businesses that run up Doveton Street. My main reason behind the store is that many years ago I was a jeweller starting out, and a lot of places didn’t want to take my product because I wasn’t a brand. I vowed that if one day I opened a shop, I’d love to be a starting place for people.
“So we support a lot of local product; more and more are hearing about us and are bringing their stuff in. I love Australian products, I’m all about trying to keep little businesses up and running to keep Australia going.”
Some of the local people Kerry’s shop supports include Thomas Hoy, a young local artist whose work also appears at the Art Gallery of Ballarat shop; Kiara Robson, who is Kerry’s daughter and whose work appeared in the Photo Biennale last year.
“We’ve got people who upcycle furniture… a lot of these people have everyday jobs, but these are their hobbies and passions and they really want to turn it into something more. That’s what it’s all about.”
But there’s more to the story of Try and Guess than just the support for local artists and Australian products. The history of the former home in recent times is a sad one.
There are so many clever people: just to give them an opportunity when they start out is great.
- Kerry Robson
”When I found out about this history of this house that I had bought, I had to do something good; something good had to come out of it.”
Kerry’s shop is located at 211 Doveton Street South, the former home of Ballarat woman Sharon Siermans, who was murdered there in April 2013 by Jason Dinsley.
“I decided that from day one, when these doors opened, that part of the proceeds from everybody’s sales will go back into the community. The more we grow, the more we can give people.
“We support Eureka Mums for example; we donate cash to help them pay their rent. 3BA Winter Appeal – we support that because it’s a once-a-year big project. The Winter Appeal I love because the funds stay here in Ballarat. And of course the Aron Siermans Foundation. That says it all. His mum tried very hard to give young Aron a good life. We want to donate back.”
Finally, it has to be asked: why the name “Try & Guess”?
“Ah,” says Kerry, “you’ll have to try and guess.”
Try & Guess, 211 Doveton Street South, Ballarat.