There are many amazing women who are part of the Prahran Market family, but, in recognition of International Women’s Day, we spoke to five Traders from different industries to find out a little more about them.
Christina, Prahran Garden Centre
What is something that most people do not know about you?
At the moment I am running Prahran Garden Centre but my first career after moving to Australia was Japanese wrapping. I found a passion for learning to recycle and reuse paper by utilising my Japanese origami skills. After running origami and wrapping workshops I found an interest in flowers, so I went and studied floristry. I love the nature. I became a gardener rather than a bouquet maker. I think that taking care of nature in my daily life is rather a great blessing for me.
What is your life tip to others?
Immigrating to Australia for my children’s education and then learning English by myself and running a business was not easy. I needed wisdom and courage to be able to make the most of a difficult experience. Be courageous, determined and have a passion. You have to start somewhere even if it’s small. Big things will come later. You have to work hard and put in the effort. If you do nothing today, nothing will happen tomorrow.
Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She taught me to be courageous, positive and to look after others. Even during the hardships and low points in life, she continued to smile and stay open minded and grateful. Every day I strive to follow the footsteps of my mother and also be positive and work hard.
Fleur, Market Lane Coffee
What is something that most people do not know about you?
A lot of people ask how many coffees I have a day and are somewhat disappointed when I report that I usually have one or two. Although on coffee-buying trips I may taste over 100 coffees in a day. The only way to come down from that caffeine high is to have a cold beer afterwards!
What is your life tip to others?
Life is way too short for bad coffee!
Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?
Professionally, it would be Anita le Roy, who is the founder of Monmouth Coffee Company in London. She was a pioneer of specialty coffee in the UK (before specialty coffee was even a thing). She is values-driven, doesn’t compromise, and cares deeply about the producers she works with, as well as her team. I have a picture of her on my desk, and often look at it and think ‘What would Anita do?’. She has been a huge influence on my coffee career.
Personally, my mum is my other big inspiration. She is my best friend; we talk every day. If I can do even half the job of bringing up my kids as she has, I would be very proud.
Ruby, Hagen’s Organics
What is something that most people do not know about you?
What most people don’t know about me is that before I joined the business, I completed an apprenticeship in hairdressing. Something wasn’t quite right, and I’m a believer of loving what you do. I then realised what I was meant to be doing – working at Hagen’s.
What is your life tip to others?
Over the years of managing Hagen’s, I’ve learnt the best way to handle confrontational situations is to be an active listener but always back yourself.
Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?
There isn’t just one specific person. All of the women I surround myself with, whether it’s family, friends and even the incredible women I work with at Hagen’s all have qualities that inspire and motivate me to achieve and be my best.
Naheda, Naheda’s Choice & Naheda’s Turkish Delight
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
When people meet me most see a strong and resilient person and that is true, however I’m very soft inside, I just don’t show it often. They see the end result of our journey but don’t know how hard it was or what we have been through to get to where we are.
What is your life tip to others?
Patience, tolerance and a sense of humour. With these three traits you can overcome anything. Always turn a negative into a positive and watch how your perspective changes.
Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?
My biggest female inspiration is Oprah Winfrey. I admire Oprah because she always followed her dreams and never gave up. She does a lot of charity work, and she has the ability to feel other people and their pain. It makes her humble and these particular traits really impress me, so I try and follow in her footsteps. She has patience, perseverance, and compassion which I love. It just goes to show that no matter how rich you are, you can always help people and change people’s lives for the better. She is generous and loyal, and I strive to be the same.
Margery, Paddlewheel
What is something that most people do not know about you?
I have always been keen on sustainability work and have a love for the environment and the natural world. In the past I have worked on sustainability programs at the Murray River and with farmers on tree planting programs, including one where 1 million trees were planted. Paddlewheel is all about agricultural sustainability, and I am passionate about doing what I can to leave the world a better place for generations to come.
What is your life tip to others?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, unless it’s an important detail. Life is too short.
Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the former American lawyer and associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was such a great advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
