Sapling Textiles: Spotlight on an Artisan Hub in Maleny
Maleny Life Spotlight, October: Somar and Kristy Xavier, Sapling Textiles.
You know how some people leave an impression so warm and genuine that their kindness stays with you? That’s exactly how I felt when I first met Somar and Kristy Xavier, the heart and soul behind Sapling Textiles. And after all these years nothing has changed my opinion of them.
To understand why, we need to revisit a chapter of my life back in 2011. At that time, I took a bold leap and opened a café in the heart of Maleny—Kind Living Café. While the community embraced it with open arms, I quickly realized I was in over my head. The hustle of running a busy café was overwhelming, and, with no prior experience in hospitality, I often felt like I was drowning.
Whenever things got too overwhelming, I would escape to one of my favorite shops on the main street—a place filled with beautiful things and an even more beautiful energy. That shop was The Industree, years later to become Sapling Textiles. What began as polite greetings with Somar and Kristy evolved into something much deeper. They had this innate ability to sense when someone needed support, and without fanfare, they offered me that. Their kindness wasn’t loud or grand—it was in the quiet suggestions on managing my stress, staffing insights, and simply listening when I needed to vent. They didn’t offer solutions for recognition. They did it because, as I later realized, it’s just who they are.
If you asked Somar or Kristy about those moments, they probably wouldn’t even remember—they were just being the good people they’ve always been. And that’s what makes them, and their store, so special.
This article is not just about a business. It’s about the people behind one of Maleny’s most beloved shops—Sapling Textiles. Their presence enriches this community in ways that go beyond the beautiful fabrics and haberdashery they offer. It’s about connection, kindness, and the way they make everyone, from customers to passers-by, feel welcome and seen.
Sapling Textiles thrives in the heart of Maleny, enriching the community through sustainable, hand-crafted textiles sourced from India. From the moment you step into the store, you’re greeted with shelves adorned with intricate Indian fabrics, lush yarns, and hand-embroidered treasures. Kristy and Somar, driven by a passion for artistic heritage and community spirit, have transformed this small business into a local treasure, offering products and services that inspire creativity and support sustainable living.
A Dream Nurtured from Roots
The journey of Sapling Textiles began with a straightforward yet meaningful mission: to connect people with high-quality textiles that embody craftsmanship and tradition. Located on the main street of Maleny, the store has become a cornerstone of the community, embracing the rich heritage of Indian textile traditions. Initially, Kristy and Somar Xavier focused on offering beautifully crafted, premade garments and homewares—like cushions, lamps, and shades.
However, as their customer base grew, so did the curiosity of their visitors. People began asking where they could find similar fabrics to create their own pieces. Recognizing this demand, Kristy and Somar reimagined their business to inspire both beginners and experienced makers. They expanded their offerings to include a variety of unique textiles, such as patterned silk, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and hand-blocked fabrics.
Today, Sapling Textiles also stocks innovative regenerated fabrics, including fabrics made from lotus and rose petal fiber, which are plant-based textiles made from cellulose; these are both luxurious and sustainably sourced materials. **If you are interested in sustainable living, I encourage you to explore these fabrics and their production. It’s fascinating.
So whether you’re looking for eco-friendly fabrics or vibrant home furnishings like hand-blocked tablecloths and cushions, the store has something to spark every creative vision.
Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sapling Textiles distinguishes itself by sourcing only the finest fabrics—modal (made from Beech Tree Pulp), linen, silk, and regenerated materials—selected to meet both aesthetic and environmental standards. The store emphasizes organic textiles and fair-trade practices with sustainability at the forefront. Beyond the fabrics, visitors can explore haberdashery filled with handcrafted buttons, braids, and pom-poms, further reinforcing their dedication to ethical production practices and bringing an element of fun and uniqueness to the experience. (You try adding rows of cute pom-poms to your creation without a big smile on your face!)
Supporting a Creative Community
Sapling Textiles provides fabrics with the intention of empowering customers to experiment with fabrics and develop new skills. Whether you’re looking to start your first sewing project or return to an old hobby, the store offers both materials and guidance to bring creative visions to life.
Owners’ Vision: Growing with the Community
Somar and Kristy’s commitment to Maleny goes beyond business—they focus on building relationships and giving back. Their business provides not only a stunning outlet for artists, but provides employment for locals and reflects a deep understanding of community needs and highlights their goal of fostering globally meaningful connections. Each fabric, yarn, or furnishing in their store represents not just a product but a story of cultural exchange, craftsmanship, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Impact on Maleny’s Creative Landscape
Sapling Textiles plays a crucial role in enhancing the local cultural scene by offering high-quality products that reflect a fusion of Indian heritage and contemporary design. This unique store’s presence invites locals and tourists to embrace slow fashion and mindful consumption, positioning Maleny as a destination for sustainable shopping.
Sapling Textiles encapsulates the spirit of creativity, sustainability, and community engagement. With a carefully curated selection of products, ethically sourced materials, and an unwavering dedication to supporting the local community, the store leaves a lasting impact on everyone who visits. As a beacon of creative possibilities, Sapling Textiles embodies the values that make Maleny’s community vibrant and interconnected. Make sure you take the time to drop in, meet some of the town’s best and get inspired by the possibilities.
You can find them at 4 Maple Street, Maleny, 9am -4pm 7 days per week, and Caloundra Markets, Bulcock St. Caloundra, 7am-1pm every Sunday, (excludes rainy days)
They also have a growing online store for those of you who can’t make the journey up the mountain or just can’t wait to discover what they have to offer.
