Finding Maison & Maison amidst the hustle and bustle of Burleigh’s James Street is akin to finding an enchanting Middle Eastern souk amongst labyrinthine alleys and bustling bazaars. Steeped in centuries of traditions and mystique, this unique homewares store is a place where aromatic hints of exotic spices mingle with the scent of intricately woven carpets, and where the glint of precious trinkets catches the eye like gleaming treasures from times of long ago.

Maison & Maison is a sanctuary of plush rugs, cushions, ottomans, timber furnishing, clothing and jewellery, all curated with passion and adorned with tales of distant lands. In the heart of Burleigh, the store is a haven for those seeking unique pieces with a story to tell and stands as a testament to the vision and resilience of its founder, Kate Malvenan. From her early days in the bustling markets of Burleigh to travelling and sourcing from artisans of Morocco and India, Kate’s journey is one of adventure, entrepreneurship, and unwavering determination.

Kate’s background as a qualified special effects make-up artist might seem worlds apart from the realm of interior design and homewares curation, but her journey attests to the winding paths life often takes. Initially reluctant to travel extensively for work, Kate’s pivot from special-effects makeup lecturer to market vendor initiated the Maison & Maison story. What started as a single day’s work selling decorative glassware at the Burleigh markets, soon blossomed into a thriving business venture fuelled by her passion for craftsmanship and storytelling.

Leaving behind the glitz of the film make-up industry, Kate embarked on a journey with a backpack laden with dreams and determination and took to the cobblestone streets of Istanbul in Turkey as her first sourcing trip.

Kate’s annual sourcing trips to India and Morocco serve as both inspiration and pilgrimage. Immersed in the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, she seeks out pieces that not only captivate the eye but stir the soul.

 “Each rug, cushion, ottoman or furniture piece bears the mark of its creator, with symbols and motifs steeped in centuries-old customs,” she says. “All our rugs tell a beautiful story. You can almost use them as artworks on your walls.”

But beyond the confines of her stores, Kate’s journey has been one of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2018, she found solace and strength in her daughter, her business, and the unwavering support of her community. With dedicated treatments and healing both through conventional medicine and powerful therapies abroad, Kate reached a level of NED (No Evidence of Disease) after 12 months, however, endured a recurrence last year and resumed treatments both on the Gold Coast and in Mexico.

Today, Kate is fortunately free of cancer and says not once did she consider closing her business. On the contrary, during her tough health journey, Maison & Maison became not just an extremely supportive source of income but also of hope, and a testament to her power of perseverance.

Looking towards the future, her sights are now set on expanding Maison & Maison through wholesaling. “I have just secured a large warehouse space in Burleigh, and I am thrilled to grow my empire,” she says.

Kate’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains steadfast in her belief in transformative power. In her words, “Live, love, laugh,. take kindness when it’s offered, and return it when it’s due.”

In a world where stories often fade into the background, Maison & Maison stands as a beacon of light, weaving tales of tradition, craftsmanship, and resilience into the very fabric of the home. As Kate’s journey continues to unfold, one thing remains certain – the stories told by her beautifully diverse curated pieces will stay etched in the hearts and homes of those who not only meet Kate, but who take home one of her exquisite pieces from enchanting and alluring places on earth.