A new start in a new location

She loves the beautiful location and the community feel she has experienced there in the past.

But a decline in foot traffic forced a change - a move to The Artisan's Table on Keen St, between Brightway Lighting and Hotel Metropole.

"There's not enough foot traffic over here (the arcade), and most of the businesses especially on this side of the block are really suffering from that," Ellen said.

Ellen has been involved in the business community for many years, recently acting as the President of the Lismore Chamber of Commerce. So she understands the Lismore business community.

She says the message to "shop local" and to come back to the CBD is more important than ever and would like to see a council focus on Lismore's diverse retail community.

"We're here and we want to be fully open, and want our businesses back.

"The number of people leaving Lismore is really starting to bite now."

Ellen says while you can't compare losing a business to losing your home and possessions, a thriving business community is good for everyone trying to recover, as it brings jobs, money, and a sense of confidence to the town.

"If we don't have a good business community, and a strong business community, nothing works."

She acknowledges the difficulty the community faces in recovery - people need somewhere to live, but they need shops, and they need jobs.

She hoped new land releases announced by the Reconstruction Authority would bring people back to Lismore.

By shopping locally, Ellen says you'll not only help the local economy, but you'll also find yourself a treasure.

"You can't always compete with any of the chain stores, but here, you'll get something that's locally made. It's handmade, and you know the person who's made it. It's probably not going to cost you a lot more, but I guarantee it will be better quality."

Ellen also runs a business managing websites, and hopes to run workshops to help people feel more confident in running their own, if they want.

Moving to a bigger location means she will be able to offer workshops and greater exposure on a street that is bustling with activity.

She has scheduled workshops for July, just in time for the school holidays.

You can learn to make everything from tin can planters, volvelles and origami fortune tellers, and Japanese style herbarium bottles, to revitalising your favourite jeans.

Go to her website madeinlismore.com.au for more details.