From handcrafted African art and unique gifts to Rwandan coffee, Big Tree Africa in Salt Rock’s Litchi Orchard celebrates culture and creativity.

The family-run retail and coffee shop which opened in May last year was created as a space for local artists to showcase their craft. However, its roots stretch back much further.

Avid artist and founder Ilana Lloyd first opened up her home in Westville, Cowie’s Hill to exhibit her work alongside her student’s artwork. Her exhibitions were well supported and her home market evolved into Ilana’s Open Days, a biannual month-long event where artists and small businesses exhibited their work.

“For 20 years our home became a place where the community felt welcome,” Ilana said.

But when the family received what Ilana believes was a “call from God” to move to Salt Rock in June 2022, they started a new life. However, her passion for creating community spaces and uplifting local talent refused to be ignored. This led to a pop-up shop at Sugar Village, where the business operated for 18 months, serving as a stepping stone to what soon became Big Tree Africa.

“When we built the space, we made sure it felt like a home away from home – a place where people feel welcome, where they belong, and where they are part of the family,” she said.

Ilana sought a name that reflected her journey to start her new chapter. She used her first name, which means “Big Tree” in Hebrew. “Africa” was inspired by her husband, Grant (54), who has been a missionary in Africa for more than 25 years.

“We want this place to be a resource for the work he does,” said Ilana.

Grant also sources their coffee beans from Rwanda, with proceeds going toward missionary work.

Beyond shopping, Big Tree Africa hosts seasonal creative workshops. The shop is divided into sections and offers a diverse range of products including paintings, clothing, bags, jewellery, coffee and cake among other things.

“Everything’s local. It’s all locally African with a heart for Africa,” she said.

Ilana and Grant run the shop with the help of their three children Adam (20), Olivia (18) and Zac (13).

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