ACCORDING to Kirsten Robinson, there is no place like home and being around family and friends.

On Monday, the young businesswoman opened Poppy Laine in the former Biggenden Newsagency building at 25 Edward St.

Ms Robinson said she had been away from the area for 12 years

“I’ve come home to be closer to family,” she said.

Family is so important to her that she named her new business in honour of her parents.

“Dad was always called Poppy, while when we drive to Mum’s place in the country we have to drive down the lane,” she said.

Ms Robinson said she had always wanted a shop just like her nana’s gift shop in Victoria St many years ago.

“I am going to have a bit of nostalgia around me as I have Nana’s paper roll holder to use in the store, while out the back I have my grandad Robinson’s fridge,” she said.

The launch party of Poppy Laine was held on Sunday, featuring nibblies and wine, and was an outstanding success.

It was followed by the shop’s official opening on Monday, celebrated with a cake made by Biggenden Bakery.

Ms Robinson said she had already had to restock some of her products, particularly the range of soaps which had proven popular.

She said the stock would be constantly changing.

Poppy Laine sells a range of giftware, jewellery, art, cowhide wallets and plant holders and also sells stock online through Facebook and Instagram.

“It’s a real mixture,” Ms Robinson said.

“There’s a bit of country and a bit of floral.

“I bet no other shop’s got a bed in it.”

Ms Robinson said earrings were her biggest seller.

“I deal with mainly Australian, small companies,” she said.

“My main supplier is a young mum of two boys from Ingham.”

Ms Robinson said her mum, Glenda, “who is my rock will look after the business as I will still be travelling away with my other businesses”.

“I do own a house in town so it has made sense to come home,” she said.

“It is great to live in a small community.

“I just wish Dad was here.”