A new shop with a vibrant mix of clothes, antiques and handcrafted wares is the passion of a newcomer to the city, embracing the opportunity that Lismore has provided.

As you walk into Cedar and Lime Studios, the fabrics and decorations are reminiscent of the mystic Orient, with carpets and statues and décor that beckons.

The proprietor, Lisa Souter, moved to Lismore and opened up her shop a couple of months ago on Woodlark Street.

An artistic maker whose works include clothing made from antique fabrics, blending Mish Mash soaps and felted millinery, she has been living in the Tweed for 20 years and selling her wares at markets. 

Lisa’s soaps are a delight to the senses, “The base is cacao, mango and shea butter, and I've tried to go as environmentally friendly which includes biodegradable cellophane wrapping.

“The colours are all-natural, so the green is Indigo and saffron mixed together. No two soaps ever look alike.”

Lisa’s works change with the seasons. Felting is done in winter. But for now, “It's summer. I have to concentrate on soap. It is time for soap; no one picks up soap in winter.”

There is a range of hand-picked second-hand clothes and a range of new ones made by Lisa, “My mum and two aunties passed away, and I inherited a lot of beautiful, incredible cotton and a lot of Japanese fabrics.”

Lisa’s eclectic blend of wares comes from a history of travel that includes spending 6 years in Japan, where an appreciation for the Kimono and the East developed.

Rain that has cancelled markets and the rising costs of living in the Tweed have seen her relocate to Lismore to be able to have her very own shop and studio that she can work from.

Moving to Lismore came with the knowledge of potential flood risk. Lisa speaks of her plan, “I know it was a bit risky in the flood zone, but my plan is just to take everything out if I need to.”

Lisa still operates at markets and is very adept at packing up her shop quickly to relocate her stock on market days. The warning of flood will see her using those packing skills for an alternative motive.

Lisa understands she is on a street with less walk-past traffic. She says, “Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. I know this is a quieter spot, but I love the space I have here; it suits my needs really well.”

You will find Lisa at 40 Woodlark Street. Google may tell you it’s on the corner, but Cedar and Lime Studios is on the other side of the alleyway beside the Richmond Hotel.

 Lisa has yet to get a street frontage sign up, so look for the sign on the shop door.

Pop in and welcome Lisa to Lismore.