Making grocery shopping affordable and accessible

DUSTY’S Bulk Foods has grown into one of the Surf Coast’s most values driven retail spaces and is a powerful example of women leading with purpose in business.

At 27, in the midst of a pandemic, Lisa Newton opened Dusty’s Bulk Foods in Torquay. More than just a grocery and retail store, she created a community focused space that makes sustainable shopping accessible and affordable for everyday families.

This year alone, Dusty’s prevented about 4 tonnes of single-use plastic from entering our local community environment – and ultimately our oceans.

“That figure is just insane to me and represents more than just refills and recycled jars,” Lisa explained. “It reflects a shift in consumer behaviour and it’s why we started Dusty’s in the first place.”

Today, Lisa employs a team of six women – Emily, Georgia, Ella, Abigail, Mel and Dharma – who are central to the store’s growth and culture.

“They are not just Dusty’s staff, they are the reason the brand feels the way it does,” Lisa said.

From customer connection to operational consistency, each plays a critical role in delivering the Dusty’s experience.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my team,” Lisa said. “Their work ethic, care for our customers and belief in what we’re building is what makes Dusty’s what it is.”

A key focus over the past year has been strengthening support for women founded brands. Many of the products lining the shelves at Dusty’s are created by female entrepreneurs, reinforcing a supply chain that backs women at every level.

It’s an intentional decision that reflects Lisa’s belief that when women support women in business, entire communities benefit.

Female mentorship has also played a defining role in shaping Lisa’s leadership. Without formal business training, she learned through hands-on experience under strong female leaders, including her previous bosses Samantha Sleigh, Letitia Lillis and Jo Hanson.

“They’re such inspiring women and have shaped where I am in my career today,” Lisa said. “I’ve learned so much from each of them and if I’m ever at a crossroads, I ask myself: what would they do?”

Now running a successful business while raising two daughters, aged five and 10 months, Lisa represents the reality of many modern women in business.

“I hope to inspire my girls to be strong leaders one day,” she said. “Last year at kinder, Harper told her class she wanted to work on her laptop like mummy, do orders and be a ‘boss lady’ when she grows up.”

Through her work, she hopes to raise strong, independent daughters who value confidence, empathy, work ethic and the courage to back themselves.

This International Women’s Day, Dusty’s Bulk Foods is a reminder that when women come together and back themselves and each other, real change happens.

Women in business aren’t just running shops or services, they’re building strong teams and creating businesses that reflect their values.

And at Dusty’s, that future is being built – one refill, one decision and one “boss lady” at a time.