Byron Bay op shop turning elderly people into “influencers” through fashion and creative workshops

MAIA Willow is bringing a long-held dream to life, expanding her Byron Bay op shop into a community space for fashion parades, tea parties and hands-on workshops designed to connect generations.

Our Timeless Threads founder Willow is transforming the space in Byron Bay’s industrial estate into a hub for sewing and crocheting workshops, alongside events for older residents, using fashion and creativity to bring people together.

The former aged care nurse is also launching fortnightly events in partnership with neighbouring store Santos Organics, complete with a live DJ.

 

“The idea is to grow both of our visions for this space and create a bit of a community vibe here, as well as supporting intergenerational connections and sustainability,” she said.

Willow founded the not-for-profit organisation in 2024, offering shopping experiences in aged care homes across the Northern Rivers, where residents can model pre-loved clothing and help create their own pieces.

Last October, she opened The OTT Shop on Acacia St on a sub-lease, selling second-hand clothing. Now, she is scaling up by taking over the entire space – formerly home to a co-working hub and photo studio – to create room for workshops and establish what she describes as a “third place”.

Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, a third place is a social environment outside of home and work – such as cafes, parks, libraries and community centres – that fosters connection, belonging and overall wellbeing.

 

“The vision is learning together,” Willow said.

“We can use op shop fashion waste for upcycling classes and learn different techniques from seniors so we don’t lose those skills. The community can come in and join the workshops.”

Willow said her time working in aged care revealed just how much residents enjoyed talking about music and fashion.

“I never had time to do it when I was on my medication rounds and I’d get in trouble,” she said.

“I have always loved fashion and it’s a beautiful way to connect with the elderly.”

She hopes the expanded space will help address loneliness, depression and anxiety, while reconnecting generations and restoring older people as wisdom keepers.

 

“We have lost the beauty of intergenerational connection in the way society is built,” she said. “There are so many learned people in aged care and elderly people feeling like they’ve lost their position as wisdom keepers, and we’re going to lose their skills if we don’t use them.

“If we bring them to a space where there’s a red carpet and encourage walking and being alive it tremendously changes their mood and their overall wellbeing, especially when young children and teenagers are involved. It brings out their inner child.”

Inside the shop – decorated with vintage furniture and polaroid snapshots from OTT fashion parades – visitors can leave notes for others in the change room or contribute reflections to a “Threads of Wisdom” book at the counter.

 

Willow, who won the Peace, Love & Mungbeans: Outstanding Community Organisation award at the 2025 Uniquely Byron Business Awards, is also collaborating with groups including Connecting Generations Bangalow, local activity officers, community transport services and volunteer organisation Northern Rivers Community Gateway to bring her vision to life.

She is currently seeking donations of clean, quality pre-loved clothing and accessories, as well as craft supplies, sewing machines and volunteers, from those who can help sort clothing to creatives interested in leading workshops.

The initiative also aims to tackle the environmental impact of fast fashion. Willow previously had a collection in production in Bali, but chose to cease production after envisioning the community-focused space she is now building.