Butter Boutique is the latest addition to Number 99 in Port Kembla, offering something new in the creative space. Photos: Keeli Dyson.
A new boutique with a focus on female-founded Australian brands hopes to add an extra element to one of Port Kembla’s most creative spaces, with the Wentworth Street shopfront setting the tone for the opportunities within.
Number 99 is more than just a space for artists, it’s a space for connection, creativity and expression for all.
“I started off naively with an idea and a dream,” Number 99 owner Elle McNeill said. “It was such a nice establishment of just this idea that we wanted people to be able to access art and creativity in the same way you go to the gym.
“I think people find that it’s either a very isolating thing that you do at home by yourself or it’s something a bit prohibitive if you haven’t had the chance to play and be creative before and they think they have to be good at something before they access it.”
In the two years since it opened, the venue has created chances for the community to be exposed to new crafts and skills regardless of their prior experience.
Artist pop-ups have given people a taste of everything from clay to carving and crochet, with regular craft clubs, kids workshops, sewing skills, silversmithing opportunities and many more providing an ongoing opportunity to flex creative muscles.
A popular series called Fridays and Sip is one collaboration between Elle and fellow creative Genna Maroussis, who also frequently runs workshops in the space.
The weekly events are as much about community and connection as they are about the skills themselves.
“I think we’re missing that in society a lot and that’s why this is so special,” Genna said.
“It just gives people an option to do something a little different than just going out for dinner or to a bar.”
Elle McNeill and Genna Maroussis’ collaboration on workshops led to the new project coming to life.
And through people browsing the space and other local artists’ creations during workshops, Genna saw an opportunity to create a new offering through creating Butter Boutique.
“It’s a longtime dream of mine,” Genna said.
“I feel like we’re really in such a digital space at the most that we’ve kind of lost that beauty of being able to come in and browse and touch and feel things.”
The store aims to incorporate Australian, female-founded brands, and offer something fun, bright and unexpected – just like the experience of coming to Number 99 itself.
“I just really felt that this could be a little bit of a missing piece for what the community might need – it’s a great little place just to come, to be and to shop for yourself or for gifts for others,” Genna said.
“When people are coming through to do something creative they’re walking through the space and have the time to browse, and then in the same sense, when people are in the shop they always, without a doubt, poke their head back here when things are running.
“People really love the ability to do the two things and it’s been really nice and harmonious.”
The carefully curated items aim to promote inclusivity as well as individuality.
“I definitely do try and provide styles and clothing that can be worn by lots of people but also help people to be able to step out of their comfort zone if they’re wanting to,” Genna said.
“I’ve got a lot of new mums that pop in that are trying to refine their style so to be able to give them examples and options to try that brings me a lot of joy as well.”
“There’s lots of stuff that would make you feel like your every day is fun or your night out is really special,” Elle said.
It’s hoped the new boutique and corresponding renovations to incorporate it into the space elevate the experience at Number 99 and add another offering for the rapidly growing Port Kembla community to enjoy.
‘The more doors that are open here the better and all the people who have open doors in the street are just wonderful and doing all incredible things trying to bring so much life to this space; it’s been great,” Elle said.
“I just think if we can keep going and keep offering more space for artists and space for people to come and play and enjoy, then that’ll be all I want.”
To find out more about Number 99 and workshops on offer visit the Number 99 website or Facebook or Instagram page.
The Butter Boutique online store will be live soon, with updates available on Instagram.
