The Moonta Collective — A Love Letter to South Australia

The Moonta Collective isn’t just a store — it’s a love letter to South Australia.

I’m Jacqui Nelligan, proud South Aussie, creative, and co-founder of Unseasoned Greetings — a cheeky little card brand born from a love of our local culture, our slang, and the quirks that make South Australians who we are.

When Unseasoned Greetings was first stocked at The Moonta Collective (under its original owner), it felt like a dream come true. Here was this bright, joyful shop filled with creativity and community — and my cards sitting right there on the shelves.

Fast forward a few years, and one fateful Instagram scroll changed everything. The Moonta Collective was for sale. I remember seeing the post and feeling that spark deep in my gut — a pull that said, this is meant to be mine.

It wasn’t just about buying a business; it was about continuing a legacy of joy and connection that already meant so much to me.

From Adelaide to the Coast

My husband and I had been craving something slower, more intentional, more coastal. City life in Adelaide was wonderful, but our hearts were already halfway to the Copper Coast.

Moonta has been part of my story for more than 25 years. My family has had a shack here for as long as I can remember — summers spent swimming, beachcombing, laughing until sunset. Every visit brought a sense of calm and belonging that I couldn’t quite find anywhere else.

So when the opportunity came to move here full-time, it didn’t feel like leaving something behind. It felt like coming home.

Today, we live a few minutes from the beach with our two young boys, raising them in a community that still values a friendly wave, a local coffee, and time spent outdoors. That balance — between family, community, and creativity — is exactly what inspired the new chapter of The Moonta Collective.

Building on What Matters

When I took over the store, my goal wasn’t to reinvent it — it was to nurture it.

The Moonta Collective already had such a strong heartbeat: a place where locals, shack owners, and travellers could find something they loved, not just something they needed.

I wanted to carry that feeling forward while adding my own touch — a little more humour, heart, and South Australian pride.

Every product is chosen because it tells a story. It might make you laugh out loud, it might smell divine, or it might come from a local maker who pours their heart into their craft. Everything here is thoughtfully curated to feel authentic, joyful, and real.

Milestones & Magic Moments

One of my proudest milestones came early on — when a Unseasoned Greetings card we stocked and shared on social media went viral, reaching more than half a million people.

That moment was so much more than “a post that took off.” It showed how deeply South Australians connect through humour, language, and the shared experience of calling this beautiful state home.

It reminded me that The Moonta Collective is more than just a retail space — it’s a platform for connection, creativity, and community.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Running a small business in regional South Australia means wearing every hat — from marketing to mop duty. There were moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and the occasional “what have I done?” panic.

But through it all, I’ve learned to back myself, trust my instincts, and remember that progress matters more than perfection.

The Bigger Vision

To me, The Moonta Collective isn’t just a shop — it’s a destination.
It’s a place that celebrates everything I stand for:

• 🏖️ A love of the beach and simple coastal living
• 🛍️ Support for local makers and small businesses
• 🎨 Creativity, humour, and a touch of quirkiness
• 💛 Advocacy for mental health and community wellbeing

When you walk through our yellow door, I want you to feel an instant lift — like you’ve just stepped into a pocket of sunshine. Maybe you’ll find the perfect gift, maybe you’ll laugh at a card, or maybe you’ll just leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.

That’s the real magic.

✨ Beyond the Yellow Door

As The Moonta Collective continues to grow, my dream is to expand its impact — not just as a store, but as a creative platform and community hub.

I want to use this space, both physically and online, to:

• Champion South Australian makers and stories
• Inspire creativity and mindful living
• Blend retail with experiences — think workshops, local events, and collaborations
• Share real conversations around wellbeing and mental health in small business

And alongside that, I’m slowly building a personal brand that reflects all the parts of who I am — not just a shop owner, but a creative, yoga teacher, advocate, mother, and proud South Australian.

A Joyful Invitation

The Moonta Collective is proof that big dreams can grow from small places — that when you follow your gut, put your heart into your work, and build community around joy, something beautiful happens.

Whether you’re visiting Moonta for the weekend, popping in for a gift, or browsing from afar online, I hope you feel the same thing I do every time I walk through that yellow door — a sense of belonging, creativity, and happiness.

Because The Moonta Collective isn’t just a store.
It’s a story still being written — one full of laughter, kindness, and a deep love for South Australia.

💛 This is just the beginning.