Mount Isa's Wizzamakidz Toy Shop will close its doors this month but owner Cathy Bimrose is undertaking a new business venture.
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Wizzamakidz Toy Shop will close on January 25, after nearly 10 years in business in the North West.
Ms Bimrose said there were a number of factors behind closing the business, but mostly it was been a financial decision.
"The instability of being self-employed and the challenges that come with it, will see me close the shop," she said.
"Not to mention the endless dedication to the business and number of hours that are invested in it for what I get back. I have loved almost every minute of it. I really do love what I do and that's what has kept me going this long."
Wizzamakidz would have celebrated its 10th birthday on April 27 and Ms Bimrose called it the end of an era.
"I am proud of what I have achieved in this time but at the same time I feel disheartened that it has to end," she said.
"My regular customers have been pretty devastated. The first few days after my announcement I had upset customers but at the same time they are very understanding and supportive that this is something I need to do for me and my family."
Even though Ms Bimrose plans to get a job "out in the real world", she is not letting her passion dwindle.
"I am planning to open another part time business, hoping then that I can have the best of both worlds with a stable income while living out my passion," she said.
"The new business will be much smaller and will have an emphasis on games, puzzles and Lego; with a few other things thrown in there.
"Breaking that down the primary focus is games, including Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering, while also supplying normal board games as well."
Ms Bimrose said there was a demand for this type of gaming in Mount Isa.
"People can come in, grab a game off the shelf and take a seat at one of our tables," she said.
"With these types of games, I also plan to host different events."
Ms Bimrose said she is finalising a location for the new business and it should be open in February.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
