Tell us a little bit about yourself!  When did you start your brand?

 I have always loved collecting and started when I was around 16 years old. My mother always took be to second hand stores and markets where I instantly fell in love with vintage finds….firstly clothing, bags, jewellery and quickly followed on to furniture and homewares…..I was passionate from day one….and never missed a weekend market or second hand thrift stores to fossick around in.  I then went on at the age of 19 to work for a apparel company Levi Strauss where I sourced props and set up all their concept stores around Australia until I left after 12 years wanting to do something on my own.

I opened up my first retail store EMPIRE which I owned and ran for 24 years.  I collected one of vintage homewares furniture and collections and styled them to create a very unique individual store, when NO ONE else was doing this.  It was extremely successful - throughout that time I decorated and styled my own warehouse in Fitzroy Melbourne which was featured in many interior magazines around the world….from there I became known for my rustic collections and timeless style which became my brand under my name Lynda Gardener.  

 What made you launch your book?

A book opportunity came along with writer Ali Heath (UK) and photographer Marnie Hawson (Australia) which became CURATE  and has been successful all around the world.