Whether it's a clock, a hat, a stubby cooler or a shirt you need, Thingodonta's Den has been servicing the Mount Isa region with souvenirs for a quarter of a century.
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Thingodonta's Den celebrated 25 years of business on December 9, 2020, with owner Toni Neville reflecting on her milestone as "wonderful".
"I think it has been wonderful that I have stayed in business for so long, and had the support," Ms Neville said.
"25 years of business, without a company or anything behind us is quite an achievement, especially when you see some new businesses only lasting two to five years in town.
"I have been quite lucky that the town's people and tourists have been very supportive and stopped in to see what I've got in store."
Ms Neville said she originally opened her shop at Riversleigh Fossil Centre in 1995, which is now known as Outback at Isa.
"When I was working elsewhere people would stop in and say they couldn't buy a souvenir in Mount Isa, so when Riversleigh Fossil Centre first opened I applied to have a souvenir shop there and got it," she said.
"I was stationed there for 14 years before my lease was not renewed and moved down here (West Street) in 2009. It was understood then that the owners were going to do the souvenirs themselves, but they didn't so I moved to West Street and have been here since."
Ms Neville also had pop-up shops at the Mount Isa Airport and Isa Rodeo and survived the COVID-19 lockdown, while still gaining interest in her merchandise.
"I used to sell timber clocks that were specially made for me - which were most popular, I use to have copper - until that went by the board, I still have shirts, magnets, keychains, beer coolers, hats, and all sorts of touristy things.
"It has been great not just being in business for so long but also everyone I have met. I should be retired but I love to talk to people. If I was at home, I wouldn't see a lot of my friends because they all pop into the shop and have a cuppa."
When asked where she saw herself in five years time, Ms Neville said "I won't be here."
"If I could sell that would be ideal, but I also understand banks aren't lending money to businesses in Mount Isa. I was told that by my bank a few years ago," she said.
"In a mining town it is hard to get a loan for a business and maybe that's the reason why there is a fast turnover with new start up businesses.
"I am just grateful for my time in business here in Mount Isa and the wonderful support I have received over the years."
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