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free monthly February 2017

READY FOR FESTA PARTY Khushbu Dashondi will be among the big crowd at Pakoâ€™s annual celebration of cultural diversity this month PAGES 6-7

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YOUR voice free monthly February 2017

With Pako Festa approaching, the Voice took to the streets to find out who's going and what locals like most about the iconic event.

READY FOR FESTA PARTY Khushbu Dashondi will be among the big crowd at Pako’s annual celebration of cultural diversity this month PAGES 6-7

21 West Fyans St, Newtown Ph: 03 5221 8877 E: sales@tintmaster.com.au

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Leopold's Khushbu Dashondi looks forward to celebrating traditional Indian culture at this year’s Pako Festa. Picture: LOUISA JONES

“

I will be there. I like all the culture and all the activities. It's great. – Elaine Mulroyan, Bell Post Hill

“

I work in it so yes I'll be there. We have a stage where we cut and style hair. The food is great! – Maneesha Randall, 19 Breakwater

Published monthly, covering Pakington Street and surrounds, Geelong West, Newtown

“

Not this year but I have other years. I love the dancing but I liked coming more when it was over two days. – Lorraine No Man, 59 Drumcondra

Advertising and content executive: Emily Robinson 5249 6723 emily.robinson@geelongindependent. com.au General enquiries: 5249 6700 Managing editor: Tony Galpin 52496700

Facebook.com/ voiceonpako Instagram @ voiceonpako

voiceonpako.com.au Published by Geelong Independent Pty Ltd ACN 006 653 336. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Geelong Independent Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit: www. starcommunity.com.au

“

I haven't gone for seven years, there are too many people now. I really enjoy all the different foods. There's a certain vibrancy and everybody just seems joyful. – Steve Tibbets, 49, Belmont

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Maybe, I normally go. I like the food and the pub. – Rebecca Ciravarella, 26 Rippleside

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We certainly are! We're local. We like the food – you get to eat around the world – and the bands. – Brian Mewha, 61 Geelong West 12335031-LB52-16

Sausage Sizzle

MP on pako

A multi-cultural feast Geelong MP Christine Couzens shares her excitement leading up to Diversitat’s Pako Festa It is a great honour to represent such a multi-cultural community in Geelong. There is always great excitement leading up to Diversitat’s Pako Festa each year, and this year is no different. After 35 years, we still look forward to one of the largest multi-cultural festivals in Australia, right here in Geelong. Each year Pakington Street Geelong West is filled with stalls of traditional foods, arts and craft and many other traditional offerings. Pakington Street businesses also play a significant role participating in the festival spirit with their own street stalls and special offers. There is traditional music and dance from many nations that make up our fantastic, multi-cultural Geelong. Over 100,000 people descend on Pakington Street to celebrate ethnic diversity,

Christine Couzens MP with Federal MP Linda Burney, Corrina Eccles, Norm Stanley, and the Deadly Dancers.

harmony and inclusion in Victoria’s largest regional city. One of the key highlights

for me is the street parade which includes many floats and performers from diverse range of

communities and organisations. Pako Festa is a great opportunity for our many ethnic

communities to showcase and preserve cultural diversity in our great region. I admire the work undertaken by Diversitat, which of course is far more than the Pako Festa, supporting local ethnic communities, new migrants and refugees. Diversitat’s commitment to diversity and inclusion plays a valuable and vital role in this region. I am very proud that Diversitat is a major organisation in my electorate of Geelong. I am proud that the Andrews Government has continued its financial commitment to Pako Festa. Importantly, the State Government’s whole-ofgovernment approach to multicultural affairs ensures that the needs of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities are a major focus. Geelong’s long history as a multi-cultural city is something we should all be very proud of and of course celebrate. If you haven’t been to Pako Festa before, I encourage you to a make a point of attending this year. I will be there at my stall on Pako enjoying the festive celebrations of our fantastic multicultural community. I look forward to a great day.

Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communication Budget

Christine Couzens MP MEMBER FOR GEELONG

Proud to t r o p p u s

Pako Festa Christine Couzens MP, Member for Geelong ph 5221 3131 69A Pakington St, Geelong West E: christine.couzens@parliament.vic.gov.au

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CHOCOLATE on pako

Sweet treats can’t be beat Voice On Pako journalist Emily Robinson sat down with new Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates owner Brad Franklin to chat about his new venture running a chocolate shop. From business and finance management to chocolate – it’s quite the career change but new Hahndorf ’s business owner Brad Franklin couldn’t be more excited. With only two months of business under his belt, he’s already added new coffee blends, lighting, chocolate displays and increased seating to the cafe. Brad previously worked as an operations manager at a real estate agency and has a background in business and finance management. “I wanted a change, a new challenge – something different,” Brad says. The team of three includes Brad and Alfie Trombatore, as well as long-time employee Maria Jose. “Maria Jose has worked here since the cafe opened and Alfie has a background in hospitality, so it all works really well. “Some people didn’t actually realise Hahndorf ’s is a cafe as well as a chocolate shop. “So we now have new seating areas for relaxing, daily papers for people to read and we’ve subscribed to all of the latest magazines.” The self-confessed chocolate

lover is yet to try the entire Hahndorf ’s chocolate range. “I’m still working through them,” Brad laughs. “There are about 40 different single truffles.” “We’ve introduced new cakes, slices and biscuits from a supplier from Melbourne. “We’ve also expanded our light lunch menu. We currently do toasted sandwiches, but we now have savoury muffins, egg and bacon pies and raisin toast. “We also have a new coffee machine.” Even the teabags have been replaced with loose leaf tea from Yarra Valley. “We’ve tried to step it up a notch by sourcing better quality local products and giving people more choices.” Brad has also introduced special treats for children and the young at heart. “We now have sundaes as well – they’re great with the warmer weather and popular with the kids. “There never used to be a menu here, so we have designed a menu now too. “People will still get the free chocolate with every drink – that’s something you can’t get

anywhere else in Geelong.” Those looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for their significant other can rely on Hahndorf ’s to stock chocolate gift boxes. “We always have a seasonal display. “For Valentine’s Day, we’re going to be doing up packs with strawberry heart chocolates in red foil. We’ll also be doing selected sugar decorated chocolates with love hearts on them. “People can also expect to see a special hot drink and cake deal for Valentine’s Day.“ Hahndorf ’s Fine Chocolates is open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 5pm Saturdays at 354 Pakington Street, Newtown.

Business owner Brad Franklin (pictured left) with collegues Maria José and Alfie Trombatore.

Valentine’s Day gift packs are availble for purchase in store.

Hahndorf’s features over 70 varieties of different chocolate products in store.

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We Have Moved to 71 Elizabeth Street, Geelong West

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PAKO festa

DIVERSITAT’S PAKO FESTA TURNS 35 Pako Festa is a unique, colourful annual event celebrating Geelong’s diverse mix of cultures and our deep community spirit. Attracting over 100,000 spectators and participants, the event is hosted by Diversitat, a not-for-profit association, representing 40 affiliated ethnic groups and over 60,000 people of non-English speaking background in the Geelong region.

Leopold’s Khushbu Dashondi and 23-month-old daughter Shanaya Barot look forward to Pako Festa this month.

PAKO festa Picture: PAUL DANYLUK

Geelong on Parade Saturday 25 February

Held on the last Saturday of February, in Geelong’s multicultural heart, Pakington Street Geelong West, Pako Festa is an outdoor spectacular like no other. The street is blocked off to traffic all day, with an enormous parade starting at 11am, featuring about 90 floats representing Geelong’s diverse cultural mix. After the parade, the street becomes a huge alfresco dining strip with a myriad of traditional international foods on offer. Local retailers and cafes are also open, adding to the festive carnival atmosphere. There will be free entertainment on six different stages including live music from around the world, cultural dance performances, authentic costumes, community arts, exhibitions and interactive workshops, plus a dedicated children’s activities and entertainment precinct. First staged in 1983 with 19 different national groups participating in front of around 12,000 visitors, Pako Festa will celebrate its 35th birthday in 2017. Attendance to this free, fun, family-friendly event has steadily grown over the years, now reaching well over 100,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including around 22 per cent of visitors coming from outside the Geelong region. Celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Geelong In 2017, some 35 separate ethnic community groups will come together to celebrate culture, place and people at Pako Festa: Afghan, Bosnian, Chinese, Croatian, Congolese, Dutch, Fijian, Filipino, French, Greek, Hazara, Hungarian, Indonesian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Indian, Karen, Karenni, Lao Thai, Liberian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Maori, Matri, Nepalese, Polish, Scottish, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, South Sudanese, Tibetan,

Picture: MATT HOUSTON

Picture: PATRICK CALLOW

Ukrainian and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op. In addition to the ethnic communities, a further 50 local community groups such as schools, social clubs, music groups and bands and sports clubs support and participate in this event. Arts and Events Manager, Luisa LaFornara, is proud of the success and recognition Pako Festa has achieved, both statewide and nationally. “Pako Festa has been recognised as Victoria’s largest free multicultural celebration, receiving a number of awards in the 2004 Premier’s Award for Harmony in the Community and Victorian Multicultural Awards For Excellence. In 2009 the event was a finalist in The Australian Event Awards in the Best Community Event Category.

In 2015 Pako Festa won The Australian Event Awards, Best Community Event Category for the State of Victoria, said Louisa, which is a fantastic achievement for our not-for profit organisation and the event keeps growing every year. Free entertainment for the whole family

This year, Pako Festa celebrates its 35th anniversary on Saturday 25 February 2017 with the theme “Food of the World.”Visitors will be transported to more than 20 different countries, experiencing the international cuisine and diverse music of our multicultural community. Performance groups will include traditional folk dance groups, school performance groups, community choirs and local musicians, all resplendent

The 2017 Diversitat Pako Festa is delivered by Diversitat and supported by major sponsors The Victorian State Government, Victorian Multicultural Commission and the City of Greater Geelong. The participation and support of many other local and non-local organisations and businesses is integral to its success and their help is gratefully acknowledged. in colourful traditional costumes. Pako Festa is on from 9am-5pm, with loads of free entertainment for the entire family. The spectacular Pako Festa parade starts at 11am with colourful costumes, dance and entertainment from around the globe. The official opening takes place from 12noon at West Park on Autumn Street. There will

be six stages spread out across Pakington Street and in West Park, hosting free live music and performances. Pakington Street will be blocked to vehicle traffic from Gordon Avenue to Waterloo Streets Geelong West. A full program of events and activities, as well as road closures and parking information is available at www.pakofesta.com.au

www.voiceonpako.com.au

WHAT’S HOT on pako

WHAT’S HOT on pako 2

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WHAT’S HOT 3

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1. Twink Candle Co, Lychee and Peony candle (other scents available), $36.50, available at Luxury Lash Studio, 320 Pakington Street, Aesthetics in Beauty, Leopold and Gisu Beauty, Belmont. 2. HK living vase, $35, Frankie Say Relax, 141 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights. 3. Leather tote, $199, Frankie Say Relax, 141 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights. 4. Assorted humorous cotton socks, $18, Eclectica, 148 Pakington Street.

5. Calico lunchbags - set of 3,$14.95, Ecletica, 148 Pakington Street. 6. Compound Opals - stirling silver earrings, $29.95, Necklace, $49, Eclectica, 148 Pakington Street. 7. 100% cotton Turkish towels, $38 each, Nevermind Adventure, 224 Pakington Street. 8. Leather duffel bag, medium size, $225 (other sizes from mini to XXL available from $125-$295), Nevermind Adventure, 224 Pakington Street. 9. Embroidered beach tote, $59, Nevermind Adventure, 224 Pakington Street.

FURNITURE, HOMEWARES, GIFTS AND MORE...

141 Shannon Avenue, Manifold Heights

Ph 5222 4682

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O P DA EN YS

www.voiceonpako.com.au

GRUBguide

Allira Potter, Instagram @grub_guide

New year means a new you Grub Guide’s Allira Potter shares her workout experience at Geelong West’s F45 Training with Voice on Pako. Hello Foodies, A brand new year is upon us and February is already here! New year means new you? That’s how I normally flow every year, the same resolutions the same intentions and I never follow through. However this year I haven’t written down resolutions, I wrote down with a friend a goals list, this way it made me accountable and ready to take on the New Year! This year I’ve set the intention of major self care - this means I’m putting my health and wellness over everything. If you have been following me on Instagram you would see that I am pretty health conscious with the odd cheat day and you would also see that I post a lot about F45 training. I get a lot of questions about this type of training and how it works, I would also like to touch on my progress and explain to you how much it has changed my life. F45 training is functional group training. The Geelong West studio have an emphasis on three key factors motivation, innovation and results. Each day is different with different styles (16 programs) of training from weights, body weight and cardio. The classes themselves can vary from 30 seconds on 10 seconds off and moving through 27 stations to multiple pods set up and working your way through each,

again with a set amount of time. I hope this doesn’t sound scary because it’s not, the owners would both tell you to just come in and do it; you won’t regret it. From the minute you do walk in you feel like you’re a part of some elite sports team; the staff are always willing to help and guide you as much as they can based on your fitness capabilities. I got to sit down with part owner/ now friend Tara where we chatted a bit about her background and what led her to open her own studio. Sarah is the other owner of F45, between them both they manage the studio on a fly-in, fly-out basis from Sydney where their homes are. Both having a background in fitness they were destined to eventually open there own fitness studio so when the opportunity of opening a F45 in Geelong West popped up they grabbed the opportunity while they could. Both women have been involved in the fitness industry for years and It certainly shows when you walk into their studio. Tara is an ex-competitive soccer player who always knew she would be involved in the industry somehow and Sarah who led a healthy lifestyle has turned her life around and wants to educate people on the importance of healthy eating. She is now studying subjects like nutrition, psychology and counselling.

Instead of making new year's resolutions, Allira Potter decided to make a goals list.

Love is in the hair Look and feel your best this Valentines Day 14 February SALON

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HELP on pako

Keep your ears crystal clear Director of Crystal Clear Ears Shelley Straw gives an insight into Crystal Clear Ears on Pakington Street and warns local readers about using ear candles.

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“Well, I tried ear candles, but my ear is still blocked!” That’s the story Geelong ear nurse, Mardi, hears every week. People often come to Mardi when they have tried other methods to clear their ears, without success, or their doctor or audiologist sends them in. Well, what is ear candling? A hollow candle is placed into the ear, then lit, and the belief is that it draws the earwax out of the ear. However, the ‘wax’ that remains in the unburnt section of the candle has been tested by scientists and found to be simply candle wax. Mardi spoke to an audiologist, who did a simple test of burning an ear candle in a mug on the bench. At the end of the burning, he examined the candle which was full of ‘wax’. He found that what is removed is not ear wax, but simply residue from the burnt candle. You need someone to look inside the ear, to establish if

earwax is present. Ears are dark tunnels, and very difficult to see into, and many people don’t realise they have a problem. There are not many ear nurses like Mardi in Australia, so we are lucky to have a clinic in Geelong. Mardi’s clinic (on the corner of Pako and West Fyans streets) specialises in unblocking ears gently, professionally, and without water. Ear nurses like Mardi spend all their working days examining and cleaning ears with a gentle, dry micro-suction technique. Waxy ears are a common

Specialist nurses at Crystal Clear Clinic use a gentle and successful approach to earwax removal.

problem and some families are more prone to it than others. Wearing hearing aids, or earplugs also causes ear wax to block the ear. Ears are precious, and our hearing is precious. At the end of the day, all we want is the problem fixed quickly, safely, and gently. It is important to seek professional help for blocked ears. Crystal Clear Clinic is open from 9am to 5pm on Mondays at 374 Pakington Street, Newtown, phone 1300 260 750 or visit crystalclearclinic.com.au

Crystal Clear Ears remove earwax from children and adults and also remove objects which can become stuck in the ear.

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BOOKS on pako

THE PERFECT BLEND, 100 BLENDER RECIPES TO ENERGIZE AND REVITALIZE Tess Masters (Penguin)

Dr Helena Popovic MBBS (Penguin) It’s not what you eat, it’s why and how you eat. The world is drowning in information on health, nutrition and exercise yet 95 per cent of people who try to lose weight put it all back on, plus more, within 12 months of starting any sort of weight loss regime. Every part of the body follows the signals and instructions sent out by the brain. It doesn’t matter if you have a slow metabolism, a frenetic lifestyle or a genetic predisposition to fat gain, because NeuroSlimming addresses the underlying source of the issue and gives you a Mind Plan, not a meal plan.

THE POWER OF MEANING, CRAFTING A LIFE THAT MATTERS Emily Esfahani Smith (Penguin) There is a myth in our culture that to find meaning you have to travel to a distant monastery or wade through dusty volumes to figure out life’s great secret. The truth is, there are untapped sources of meaning all around us: right here, right now. Drawing on the latest research in positive psychology; on insights from George Eliot, Viktor Frankl, Aristotle, the Buddha and other great minds, Emily Esfahani Smith identifies four pillars upon which meaning rests: Belonging, Purpose, Storytelling and Transcendence.

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Tess Masters, aka the online blogger phenomenon The Blender Girl, offers up 100 vegan and gluten-free recipes for healthy living with tasty, crowd-pleasing dishes that help boost immunity, detox the body, and more. The Perfect Blend functions not only as a cookbook but also as a guide for how to lead a more vibrant and healthy life. Tess offers easy-to-follow recipes for smoothies, elixirs, snacks, salads, sides, mains, and desserts that help readers get results fast. Includes a guide to eating with the seasons, building a blending pantry, and optional nutritional boosters for each recipe.

NEURO SLIMMING

THE RAIN QUEEN PRIVATE DELHI Katherine Scholes (Penguin) Kate Carrington has cut all ties with Africa, the land of her birth. Her past is buried alongside her missionary parents, the last reminders locked safely away in the attic. But when a mysterious woman moves in next door, Kate’s carefully constructed world is torn apart. Annah Mason has led an extraordinary life - one that has taken her from a hospital in Langali to the company of rainmakers deep in the Tanzanian bush. Her connection with the Waganga people has brought her the great love of her life, and freedom beyond her dreams.Yet she carries with her a painful secret.

James Patterson, Ashwin Sanghi (Penguin) Santosh Wagh quit his job as head of Private India after harrowing events in Mumbai almost got him killed. But Jack Morgan, global head of the world’s finest investigation agency, needs him back. Jack is setting up a new office in Delhi, and Santosh is the only person he can trust. Still battling his demons, Santosh accepts, and it’s not long before the agency takes on a case that could make or break them. With a crime scene in lockdown and information suppressed by the authorities, delving too deep could make Santosh a target to be eliminated.

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LOVE on pako

Valentine roses by the dozen With Valentine’s Day approaching, Pakington Street has the classic gifts covered for local lovers. Pako florist Grant Collins, also known as Mr Collins, is busy preparing for the big day. “We do probably almost a month’s trade in that week,” he says. “We would probably go through 100 dozen roses.” Grant took over store in March 2015 and it’s the Tasmanian florist’s 31st Valentine’s Day working in the flower business. Mr Collins delivers flowers all through Geelong and the Bellarine for men looking to surprise their loved one at work. “When a courier walks into an office all eyes are on them to see who it’s for and what they’re going to get,” he said. “A lot of blokes aren’t really romantic so when women get something like that it makes them feel a bit special.” Grant encourages men to get in early and avoid the last-minute rush, whether sending their love via courier or delivering the bouquet themselves. “We normally source earlier by having a free add-on like a vase for the roses,” he says.

“The other thing that helps is that the couriers can plan where they go.” For those looking for something unique, the store has bouquets ranging from lilies and sunflowers to terrariums with living-plant arrangements. The florist also stocks “hampers for guys”, full of chocolates, beer and savoury nibbles. “I think guys like a practical gift so that’s something that they’d appreciate more,” Grant says. Milana’s Lingerie owner Anita McCullough is busy fitting women every day. “Valentine’s Day is a one-week wonder,“ she says. Anita says the lingerie is “the gift that gives back”. “To give them a beautiful lingerie set is intimate and personal, and that’s what it’s all about.” Giving women confidence is one of the best parts of the job for Anita. “There are a lot of women who will be asked to go out for dinner next Tuesday night. Beautiful lingerie empowers women - it makes them feel attractive and that’s how they should feel.”

MR COLLINS: Pako florist Grant Collins has your traditional Valentine's Day gifts covered, as well as unique floral arrangements. 158206

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A DAY FILLED WITH ROMANCE...

“Our doors are open for you, come in for your personal fitting.” Anita, Issy, Sara and Robyn “Largest collection of French Lingerie in Geelong”

MILANA’S LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR BOUTIQUE

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Q&A on pako

Relax - just do it How would you describe Frankie Say Relax? Frankie Say Relax is about natural materials, organic shapes and a neutral colour palette. The homewares I stock are less about following trends and more focused on creating a warm, inviting, character-filled home. Your business started in a shipping container just off Pako, what made you want to stay in Geelong West? Geelong West has always been close to my heart. I grew up in Geelong West, and went to primary school at St Patrick’s, so to me it felt like coming home. What I especially love most about this area are the people - I have gained some really loyal customers that feel more like old friends these days - I have had so much support from the local community and for this I am very grateful. You’re married and have four children - how do you balance work and family? I have some fantastic staff now which has made a massive difference to my work-life balance. This was so evident over the crazy Christmas period, the

team worked so well together and we also had a lot of laughs along the way. Also my wonderful husband, without his support I wouldn’t be able to do it. He’s always ready to chip in, not only doing the countless jobs around the shop but at home too. It’s a team effort I think - we have a big family, we all work in together, somehow we seem to muddle our way through. How do you go about selecting pieces for the store? As time has progressed I have developed a certain aesthetic for ‘Frankie’ that seems to be working. I have come to the realisation that you can’t cater to everyone so you have to be true to your own taste and style. I find that if you truly love something and have passion when you speak about it customers seem to respond. If I wouldn’t have it in my home then I won’t stock it in the shop - that’s basically how it works! We know it must be hard to choose, but what is your favourite item in store right now? The Moroccan leather pouffes for sure. I have a few at home myself and I just love the leather, they have so much character and warmth. They get carted around to different areas of our house by the kids and they look great everywhere, not to mention they are so handy as extra seat-

ing when you have visitors. What is your style like in your own home? We have been doing up a ’60s home in Highton over the last few years (We are nearly finished - Yayyyyy!) and I have always had a real love of furniture and design from this era but also love Scandinavian design too. I like pieces with character, timber with an aged patina, lots of art, worn leather, feather cushions and beautiful linen. I have furniture that I have found at local markets and garage sales mixed with store-bought pieces and I love this eclectic mix. I would love to say our house looks like a magazine shoot but unfortunately that is just not the case - with four kids we are usually in some state of chaos but that’s okay, that’s life, that’s a home I think. Which products in store would make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? We have a lovely array of suitably mushy and humorous cards along with jewellery, beautiful candles, ceramic vases (perfect accompanied with a bunch of flowers!) and even serving boards are a good idea, pack a picnic and a lovely bottle of wine - bliss! Do you offer gift wrapping? We sure do! It’s a service we offer as people are just so busy these days and if you can leave

Frankie Say Relax business owner Rebecca Feldman loves her job.

the store with a gift that’s ready to be gifted that’s one less thing you have to worry about. Will you and your family be going to Pako Festa? Absolutely! I’ve been going since I was a kid and I have watched it grow and become the huge event it is today. The kids love the procession and of course all that amazing food. Finally, what makes Frankie Say Relax different to other homeware shops? Frankie Say Relax has been described to me by my lovely customers as being warm and

inviting. Not sure if they are referring to the warm reception people receive when they pop or if it’s the aesthetic of the shop - maybe it’s both! Does this make us different to other stores? I’m not sure, but I try to concentrate on what I do and do it to the best of my abilities, whether that’s customer service, sourcing products or merchandising the store in a way that is visually pleasing. I love what I do and I think you can feel that on entering the shop, it’s authentic and has heart.

FINE CHOCOLATES Indulgent Cafe

Open Monday to Saturday

www.hahndor fs.com.au

354 Pakington St Newtown

12337268-HM04-17

A moment with business owner Rebecca Feldman from Frankie Say Relax