The store is named after Tracy’s grandparents, who lovingly raised her in Whyalla. That connection to family, home and memory is woven through the business itself. Whyalla is where Tracy grew up, met and married her husband, raised her children, and continues to build a life surrounded by family and community.

Before opening Ray & Betty Jane, Tracy worked as a cleaner for 16 years at the same workplace a role she still continues today. Starting the business came from a surge of motivation, a deep love of crochet, and a passion for quality over quantity. Tracy is especially passionate about supporting Australian made, grown and sourced products wherever possible.

At its heart, Ray & Betty Jane is about more than retail. It is about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can browse, buy, chat, learn, share and feel inspired. Tracy describes the store as having an “open door, open heart” policy somewhere customers can come not only for products that perform well, but for positive service, evolving product knowledge and genuine connection.

What sets Ray & Betty Jane apart is its in-store variety. Customers can expect a thoughtfully evolving range of yarn, wool, accessories, baby and toddler pieces, toys, gifts and homewares, with Tracy continually sourcing new products to offer locally. Her hope is to reduce the need for people to shop online by creating a local place where quality, practical and beautiful items are available right here in Whyalla.

Looking ahead, Tracy is focused on building a positive retail environment shaped by customer feedback. Her hope is that Ray & Betty Jane may one day create local employment opportunities and become a space where wool and yarn crafters can learn, share and source supplies.

When asked what supporting local means to her, Tracy says it is about supporting someone’s dream, someone’s livelihood and someone’s wellbeing. More than that, supporting local is supporting Whyalla your home.