Regional Heroes: The Wondering Mind, where everything old is new again

If you pay a visit to the historical village of Milton on the NSW South Coast, you might stumble across a cosy little haven for book lovers called The Wondering Mind.

It’s a second-hand bookshop, but unlike any you’ve seen before. Forget towering piles of dusty tomes, grumpy shop owners, or books best left to the trash. This is a curated treasure trove bursting with high-quality, diverse fiction and non-fiction titles for both children and adults.

Owner Julie Ramsden opened the doors in late 2019 with a simple goal: “To use my creativity in a retail setting and, if we’re being honest, to have an outlet from being ‘mum’, now that my three boys are teens,” she tells Business Builders.

And what a creative outlet it turned out to be. With a sharp eye for quirky titles and a love for the offbeat, Julie’s shelves are filled with everything from award-winning Aussie literature to niche science, history and humour books.

“I was never interested in the blockbuster authors,” she comments.

One thing that sets The Wondering Mind apart is that Julie sources the majority of her books through charities, primarily Lifeline, rather than accepting donations.

“This is a unique point of difference that differentiates my second-hand shop from others… it means the quality is maintained.”

Alongside the books, she has added greeting cards, puzzles, kids’ games, and locally made art, as well as “anything else that suits the vibe of the shop”, which she describes as fun, unusual and quality.

Weathering bushfires and pandemics

Just months after opening, Julie’s business was thrown into chaos. The Black Summer bushfires hit the region hard.

“I had only opened my shop in late September, and the fires ravaged the area from around November through to January. All tourists were sent home.”

No sooner had the smoke cleared than COVID lockdowns arrived.

“We were shut down. Luckily, I was able to get a small business support grant from the NSW government, which paid the rent.”

These challenges made one thing clear: trading in a tourist town is a seasonal balancing act.

“We rely on the money we make in these bumper times to support the quieter times through winter. It can be hard to maintain enthusiasm when there are few customers.”

But what keeps her going is the joy her customers bring. Especially the loyal regulars who plan their holidays around a visit to the shop.

“Some of them say that they always come to our shop first when they arrive!”

Community and creativity go hand in hand

While Julie’s business is centred on selling books, she tells Business Builders it’s also about contributing to a thriving regional community.

“Everyone has a unique contribution to the flourishing of our area,” she says.

Julie is committed to doing her part. From hosting local artists during the town’s art festival to supporting StoryFest, Julie says it’s all bout making Milton even more magical.

While she’s the solo engine behind the business so far, big things are brewing.

“Michael [husband] is planning on an exit from teaching so he can contribute more to the business… We’ve just expanded into a new space, which in itself has been a big financial and personal commitment.”

And with more space comes more plans: events, talks, art exhibitions, and even dipping a toe into stocking a few new titles.

“These are just some of the ideas still floating around in our heads… We will also be offering book reviews. There are lots of things still to come.”

Building a different kind of bookshop

Julie’s proudest moment? It’s a tie.

“Having people tell me that we have the best bookshop they have ever been to when they live in cities and have access to many is amazing.”

And also, just keeping the doors open. “After all the trials of the last few years… I’m incredibly proud.”

There’s no online store (yet), but that’s by design.

“Our products are mostly one-offs, so it’s more of a browsing kind of shop to entice customers to buy.”

However, she has her sights set on boosting their Instagram presence soon.

“Michael and our son have more skills in this area, so watch this space.”

Julie says working in regional retail isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about doing the basics, brilliantly.

“First and foremost is customer service. A simple, friendly greeting to each customer goes a long way.”

And yes, people are constantly surprised she hasn’t read every book on the shelf.

“This is quite an unrealistic expectation, but understandable!” she laughs.

Finally, being a Regional Heroes finalist is a fantastic accolade on an already epic ride.

“It’s nice to be nominated and appreciated for the unique business that we are, especially in the difficult bookshop market,” she say.

So, if you’re ever in Milton, be sure to drop by and check out The Wondering Mind for yourself. Just don’t expect Julie to have read everything in stock. Although she can absolutely help you find your next favourite read.

Find out more at thewonderingmind.com.au or follow them on Facebook @thewonderingmindmilton

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