SOUTHSIDE COLLECTOR

At k.financeco, we’re all about backing local small businesses.

Meet Jess from Southside Collector — a treasure trove right here in Moorabbin, run by someone with hustle in her bones and a serious eye for vintage.

Jess on the right, Kate on the left, Southside Collector all around

FROM BURLEIGH TO BAYSIDE: JESS' STORY

Jess has been collecting, curating, and selling vintage long before it was cool. At just 18 years old, she opened her first vintage store on the Gold Coast. Since then, it’s been a journey of bold moves, creative pivots, and trusting her gut.

Before launching Southside Collector, Jess worked for Adidas in both Queensland and Melbourne, dabbling in visual merchandising and sales at Chadstone and Emporium. She later took a job at Fitness First, where she sharpened her skills in sales, cold calling, and hustle — eventually becoming a Sales Manager for their Bayside location.

But it was a blue velvet lounge sitting on the side of the road that changed everything. She popped her dog on it, rolled it home, and something clicked. A market stall at Ferntree Gully followed, which grew to a double stall… and then COVID hit.

Instead of retreating, Jess backed herself. She left her Fitness First role and put everything into Southside Collector. She began building her online presence from home and continued to expand. From Market 3196 in Chelsea Heights to Waverley Market Bazaar — Jess was outgrowing every space she touched.

By November 2024, she opened her own space in Moorabbin, where she’s now fully in charge — no collective market restrictions, no compromises.

WHAT MAKES SOUTHSIDE COLLECTOR SO SPECIAL?

For starters, Jess’s experience is unmatched. Owning your first store at 18 isn’t just rare — it’s damn impressive. And you can feel that passion and knowledge when you walk through the doors of Southside Collector.

Her store isn’t just a shop. It’s a time capsule — a free trip down memory lane. The space changes weekly, so no two visits are the same.

Southside also isn’t just about selling. Jess buys vintage too, helping people clear estates or sell collections with care and transparency. She even explains how the process works, making it easy for anyone to get involved.

THE WINS WORTH CELEBRATING

Jess recently wrapped up the 2024–25 financial year on a high — setting a goal to double her previous year’s earnings… and smashing it.

It’s a massive milestone and a testament to what’s possible when you commit fully to your business and your community.

WHY SET UP IN THE CITY OF KINGSTON?

Jess is all about Highett’s energy.

“This area’s buzzing... there are bars, cafes, vintage car shops, go-karting, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers — it’s still industrial, but the character is next level.”

She loves that retail leases in the area are more affordable than big warehouse spaces, and the local walk-in traffic feels more intentional. Plus, it’s close enough to the city without losing that gritty charm.

WHO INSPIRES JESS?

If she could swap businesses with anyone for a day, it’d be Jane Lu, the founder of Showpo. 

“She's smart, bold and authentic”

“She’s nailed branding and marketing, and continues to grow in a super competitive space, which I find really impressive.”

“Plus, she’s on Shark Tank - that would be such a fun and insightful experience”

"And her husband wears Ugg Boots everywhere, even to fancy restaurants 😂"

And when it comes to shouting out others in Kingston, Jess is quick to name a few:

• Bernie Smith’s Used Cars – A personal collection that’s basically a museum of vintage wheels

• Toasted – A new café that’s been winning hearts (and tastebuds) since opening

WANT TO VISIT?

You can shop Southside Collector in-store:

3/171 Chesterville Rd, Moorabbin

Open every Friday & Saturday

10am - 5pm

OR...

Browse a curated selection online 24/7

(But here’s a hot tip: new stock hits the shop floor first.)

If you’re looking to sell vintage furniture or have a collection that deserves a second life, Jess is your person. Reach out — she’ll walk you through the whole process.

FINAL WORDS

Southside Collector is more than a store. It’s a reflection of passion, resilience, and a damn good eye for design.

Jess has built something truly special in Kingston, and we’re proud to feature her and Southside Collector in our Kingston Uncovered series.

Go visit. You won’t regret it.

Want your business featured on Kingston Uncovered?

We’re always on the lookout for passionate local legends.

Reach out to hello@kfinanceco.com.au and let’s make it happen.