By Amy Sky
Most people go to Williamstown for the beach, the yachting, the shopping, and the parks. I am one that goes for the shopping. Except I only ever really look at a small row of shops opposite the Gem pier. I have no idea what other shops that Williamstown has to offer, except the Woolworths supermarket.
I first started making the trip to Williamstown to visit an old favourite that use to be in my home town of Geelong. It is called Back to Basics. They are known for their collections of natural soaps, cleaning products, skin care and baby care products, pet care products, essential oils and room fragrances. All of which are made from natural ingredients.
They also stock an array of books on subjects that can be difficult to find, even in the library. They stock a wide array of crystals and ornaments, candles, and special gifts.
I can spend ages browsing through their books. I enjoy reading up on spiritual belief systems that are not really well known. They’ve got books on dream interpretations, yoga, tarot, and about natural healing for all sorts of medical conditions. They’ve got books that explain about the different practices of magic.
I find Back to Basics to be a good stop for people who are wanting to live more harmoniously amongst the hustle and bustle of what most of us consider are normal days.
During a recent visit, I decided to take the time to look in a couple of Back to Basics’ neighbouring stores; Romany Woman and Memes. These shops are both a fair size smaller than Back to Basics but they both stock an assortment of unique items. Romany Woman is more focused on providing customers with a range that includes handmade wooden crafts, natural fibre garments, handcrafted jewellery and gems as well as a collection of sculptures and garden décor. Memes, on the other hand, while still providing exclusive, handmade items, has a more modern feel to it. They have photo frames, beautifully handmade candles, and gorgeous storage trunks. These are only a few of the items they stock.
There’s a comforting feeling, when wandering through these stores that words are difficult to convey. Although, I would compare it with browsing through a market at leisure on the weekend and coming across treasures that you can be sure won’t be in nearly every house you go to. That feeling that you’re getting to see things that are close to, if not completely, one of a kind.
I’m hoping on my next journey to Williamstown, I will have the time to suss out the Lolly Shop and some of the Cafés in the area. I’m always keen to find a good cup of coffee and some naughtily delicious sweets.
