The Black Hen is a homeware and gift shop in Tasmania. Owner Julie Hall loves utilitarian products, and has blended vintage and new items with an Australian farmhouse feel. Established in 2012, the shop is named for Julie’s hen Hetty, a black Belgium bantam, who sits on Julie’s knee and feeds from her hand. Julie fills her shop with products from around the world and locally made products. Vintage pieces are renewed and repurposed. The hours are long, but Julie loves being her own boss, and spending her time in The Black Hen. Customers come from across the country, and Julie loves watching people’s faces light up when they enter.
The Shopkeeper
Julie Hall was a Community Development Officer for a local Tasmanian Council before opening The Black Hen. Looking for a career change Julie, who was always interested in styling, interiors, food, and events, knew that a shop would be an ideal outlet for combining these passions. Julie grew up in Victoria in a creative home, both her parents are ceramicists, and their endless creativity inspires her. As her business has grown she has moved into a larger space that has a loft above the shop for the workshops she holds. Recently she has completed some styling and photography work with Ashgrove Cheese & Tasmanian Truffles, and would like to build this aspect of her business. Julie has an immense respect for all owner operators and truly feels a sense of appreciation for the work that is required to keep a shop open and filled with treasures. When Julie’s not busy in the shop, working on a project, or writing her blog, “Made in Small Batches”, she is busy looking after all of her animals.
On Living in Tasmania
“With 5 acres surrounding us we have managed to accumulate a number of animals that are now family – 1 dog named Huon, 1 cat named Biscuit, 2 Indian runner ducks, 15 black-faced Suffolk, 1 very happy ram and I think last count 15 chickens. With a large productive vegie patch and a half renovated home we are always busy, and we couldn’t have picked a better place to do all, we love living here in Tasmania. I adore interiors and design with an Australian farmhouse modern rustic feel and I adore my little shop.”
29 West Church St., Deloraine Tasmania
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