The shop owner, who is in a partnership with good friend Wendy Thomas, described it as "scary" when they were forced to close the shop.

They celebrated two years in business in March but joy quickly turned to uncertainty as the coronavirus pandemic hit our shores.

"It was tough for both of us. It was very stressful," Mrs Rixon said of herself and Mrs Thomas.

"It was tough there for a while. I was so depressed but a lot of other people were, too."

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But, with restrictions easing, Mrs Rixon can now see light at the end of the tunnel and is optimistic for what is to come.

"We've had a lot of things against us. The drought, the bushfires and now this but I can see things picking up. I really can," she said.

"Once most of the shops open again, even if it's not full time, I think it will make a difference."

Ali's Fashion Boutique has been up running again for three weeks now.

Since reopening, Mrs Rixon has slowly been opening the shop for longer as more people come out of isolation.

"This is our third week back open and it has been going quite well," Mrs Rixon told the Leader last week.

"The restrictions have eased and people are getting out more and enjoying it. If they come in and buy something, I think it gives them a lift.

"They've been coming in and saying 'it's great to see you open again'."

While Mrs Rixon said being able to purchase something from the shop gave the customers a lift, being able to interact with more people gave the shop owner a lift as well.

"They're like a family. I get very attached to some of the customers," she said.

"A lot are older ladies I've known for years and years and they keep coming back.

"And a lot of the older customers like to come in, feel the clothes and try them on. And that's good for us."