1877-1899

Mary Raine was born Mary Bertha Carter in London in 1877, the eldest of 10 surviving children of a Putney shopkeeper, Charles Carter.

She embraced responsibility early, starting to work alongside her father at his fruit and vegetable stall beneath Waterloo Bridge, at the young age of nine. It was here that Mary developed the skills that would later set her apart as an astute and determined businesswoman.

In her early career, Mary briefly worked as a teacher and even dabbled in singing, all while managing her father’s growing network of shops. She later  secured a position as an invoice clerk and it was during this time that her clever retail skills truly emerged. After a swift promotion, Mary was able to save for a new life away in Australia. In 1900, 23 years of age, Mary set sail for Brisbane with her sister Daisy, carrying just £100 between them.