With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business started, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.
This time, we caught up with Sally Dunn, general manager and owner of Annabel Trends – a proudly Australian, family-founded lifestyle brand bringing colour, personality and joy to everyday living through gifts, homewares and accessories since 1966.
Where did the idea for your business come from? What was the lightbulb moment?
Where did the idea for your business come from? What was the lightbulb moment?My mother dreamed up the idea of making kitchen textiles/napery in 1966. Annie was a young mum, and she used to save up her housekeeping money to buy fabric and make the items herself in her kitchen. Textiles in the 60’s were dull and boring, and she could see an opening for bright colours that were starting to emerge – think orange, lime, yellow, aqua and pink.
Where did you start?
I took over the business in 2006. I was a home economics teacher and was ready to transfer those skills to manufacturing. I always loved watching my mother grow Annabel Trends, so I took the plunge!
The business had been based in Melbourne for 40 years before I decided to relocate it to the Gold Coast.
What was the first big obstacle you faced, and how did you overcome it?
The first major obstacle was relocating the business. We loaded around ten 40-foot shipping containers over many months, gradually moving stock and equipment while keeping the business operational. It was tough!
What’s one thing you know now that you wish you’d known from day one?
I used to get very upset when a staff member decided to move on to a new career. Our staff are like family and I would worry that that person would be so hard to replace. I now see it as a new opportunity. Change is good!
Tell us about the moment things started taking off, or when you realised you’d ‘made it’.
I think, from my mum’s perspective, it was when she received her first order from Georges, one of Melbourne’s most prestigious department stores, in the late 1960s. It has since closed, but getting that first order was such a thrill!
What does a working day in your life look like?
When I arrive at the office, I check in with key staff and whip around the warehouse to see how everyone is going. Then it’s emails from suppliers and meetings with the team. We’re constantly looking ahead, researching new ideas and developing collections for the coming seasons. We love the research and development side of the business. It’s where we can get really creative and have a lot of fun!
What do you love about the Gold Coast community, especially as a business owner?
The Gold Coast has been such a wonderful place to call home, both personally and for Annabel Trends. We’ve been part of this community for over 20 years, and what I love most is the way local businesses and people genuinely support one another. Giving back has always been important to us, whether that’s supporting local charities, community groups or initiatives like our Christmas Toy Drive with Hearts of Purple. We’re incredibly grateful for the support the Gold Coast has shown our family business, and it’s a privilege to give something back.
So, where to next? What are you working towards?
Personally, I’m looking forward to easing into retirement over the next few years. We have a great succession plan in place, and I’m genuinely excited to see Annabel Trends grow in the hands of a new, energetic owner who will be taking the reins soon. As we celebrate 60 years of Annabel Trends in 2026, it’s wonderful to reflect on how far we’ve come, from Mum making colourful kitchen textiles at home to the vibrant Australian lifestyle brand we are today. The next chapter is about bringing fresh energy and ideas to that legacy, while staying true to the creativity, colour and joy that have always made Annabel Trends special. You can count on plenty more fun, colourful and fabulous gifts for all occasions!
What is one thing you’d tell someone about to start a business on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is an exciting city. It has everything going for it and attracts people from all over the world. It’s a blessing to operate a business here. I wouldn’t live or work anywhere else. My message is that anything is possible. Research thoroughly and take calculated risks. It’s part of the fun!
