For Sue Gaylard, love is the force that drives her. It was a love of antiques and the stories behind them that saw her build a successful 20-year career in the industry. It was the love for the Sunshine Coast that saw her return after spending 15 years in Brisbane. And it was love that drove her to take a leap of faith and open a business selling both stylish modern clothing and stunning antique and fine jewellery in April last year.

Having spent 15 years as the manager of a well-known antique store in the Brisbane Arcade, Sue has built a reputation for her extensive knowledge and exquisite selection of antique jewellery and it is for this reason that her return to the industry with Avenue J, located in the Zanzibar Resort complex on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, is a milestone truly worth celebrating.

1 FLYING THE NEST, 1985

The first milestone in my life was when at 18, I left home from country Victoria to work as a governess on a cattle station in the outback – north of Alice Springs – leaving my family, mum, dad, sister and brothers. My job was to look after and educate the owners’ son on School of the Air, cook for the family and work in the general store. This was a big move for a country girl.

I love the pieces and the stories they tell, but more so I love the interaction they create with people.”

2 MOVING TO QUEENSLAND, 1990

I moved to the Sunshine Coast more than 25 years ago following the beautiful warm weather. After working for a few years on the Coast, I then moved to Brisbane as I had an opportunity to work in jewellery retail, which then led me into the Brisbane Arcade specialising in both antique and modern jewellery.

3 DISCOVERING MY PASSION, 1999

Having spent many happy school holidays at my grandparents’ farm, which had been in the family for 200 years, I was surrounded by antiques and had the love and appreciation instilled in me by my mother and grandmother. When I commenced working at Kellies Antiques in Brisbane Arcade I realised my passion for antique jewellery. I love the pieces and the stories they tell, but more so I love the interaction they create with people.

4 OPENING AVENUE J, 2015

Avenue J was launched in April 2015. I really wanted to do something special in Mooloolaba. With my love and expertise for antique jewellery and desire to provide a large range of quality fashion, I decided to combine both passions to make Avenue J one of the most interesting combinations on the Coast. Giving the total experience of fabulous local and international fashion, perfectly complemented with beautiful unique antique and modern jewellery.

5 THE PLEASURE OF BUYING, NOW

It’s hard to explain how much fun I have sourcing exquisite pieces of jewellery and clothing from all over the world and the delight it is in telling the stories and the history associated with every unique piece of antique jewellery that finds its place in Avenue J.