Let's Talkabout

More Talk:

Melissa Gordon of Kartique

When Melissa Gordon was a child, her imagination was allowed to run wild - exploring the farm she lived on in plenty of space and experiencing countless adventures. A trader at heart, the little girl shared a stall with her mother at the local markets selling peanut slabs.
Waldemar Kolbusz from Hobart Deli

Born and raised in Perth, Wal started painting in 1996 and has exhibited in many cities, from New York to Broome to Hong Kong to Margaret River. He says the colours in his abstract expressionist paintings “select themselves”. Not surprisingly, his hometown of Perth is an inspirational place for Wal. “Perhaps because you need to fossick to get inspiration here, it becomes more potent – as opposed to the white-wash of constant inspiration found in those cities of the world we all adore,” he explains.
Tom Randolph at No 4 Blake Street

Imagine a small cafe nestled in a tree-lined neighbourhood street. The breakfast eggs are silky and the ever-flowing coffee seeps aroma into every corner. Now imagine this transformation as the sun goes down – the breakfast menu gets stowed away and a theatre curtain is drawn down creating an intimate, gastronomic kitchen. Suddenly, the bustling community coffee shop has turned into a dark and chic dining experience.
Sheree Dornan, owner of Love In Tokyo

Almost 10 years young, Love In Tokyo is a visual feast of colour and texture, situated in the historical west end of Fremantle. With confessed bowerbird at the helm, Sheree Dornan creates a stunning edit of silk garments, scarfs and accessories from her eponymous label as well as handpicked pieces from local and national collections.
Mark Walker from Harvison Gallery

After studying commercial interior design and running a Japanese restaurant in Perth for over 11 years, Mark wanted to instill creativity into his world and make use of his childhood passion for art. He opened an art gallery in Mt Lawley in 2006, later moving to Northbridge. Walker strongly believes that "Perth needs (to act as) a platform of creativity for artists to showcase their work."
Fran and Mandy from Shedwallah

Shedwallahs’ quirky cross cultural name reflects the current zeitgeist of the Indian sub-continent. Proprietors Fran Welke and Mandy Rogers pioneered a different approach to retail over 8 years ago when they opened Shedwallah in the 1940’s saw toothed warehouse in Stack Street. It is now one of Fremantle’s’ iconic businesses and has inspired others to join this funky emerging community.
Jane Seaton, owner of Beaufort Street Books

With a burning love for books, Jane Seaton left behind a long and successful career in medicine and medical sales to open Beaufort Street Books.
James Donkin, Gallery Manager of Portal+

Describing itself as “sitting at an intersection of design, art and fashion,” Portal+ is an extraordinary fusion of independent art gallery and progressive retail space.
Russell Blaikie, Chef/Owner of Must Winebar

From growing up in dairy and sheep farm in Cowaramup to cutting his teeth in a five-star hotel and working at the Dorchester Hotel in London, and cultivating his passion for food through travels in France, Spain, Italy and Portugal when he was in his early 20s, Russell Blaikie’s career was certain from early on.
Bree Taylor, Owner of Mariposa

For Bree Taylor, bringing luxury into everyday life is a no brainer. “It is so important to make yourself feel important and pampered, and it doesn't have to be overly indulgent,” says the owner of Mt Lawley skincare and fragrance boutique, Mariposa.
Chrissie Catling

For Chrissie Catling, a great retail experience is about sincere, personalised service. Her S2 store in North Perth's Angove Street has it in spades, but its flair is also in its discerning, luxurious fashion and wares; distinctive, clean design; and worldly-wise sensibility.
Ryan & Carla of Andaluz Bar & Tapas

When Ryan Gregory and Carla Arevalo happened upon a warren of ramshackle basement offices in a stately heritage building for lease on Howard Street in the middle of Perth’s CBD, they didn’t need vision goggles to see the potential.
Ursula Rose of Toast Cafe

Who: Ursula Rose
What: Toast Cafe, 21/60 Royal St, East Perth. T: 9221 0771
Must Try: Toast every which way, corn fritters or polenta toast with mushrooms, soft Italian cheese & fresh parsley
Aurelio Costarella

Where: Post Emporium, 23 View St, North Perth. T:9228 0373

Must see: The D'or skirt from the Summer 11/12 Illumina collection
Fenella Peacock of Nell's

Who: Fenella Peacock
Where: Nell's, 15 Glyde St, Mosman Park
Desi Litis of Venn

Who: Desi Litis Where: Venn, 16 Queen St, Perth. T: 9321 8366

Desi Litis is part of the duo behind Perth's Venn, a one-time flour mill that is now home to a gallery, artists' studio, bar & cafe and design retail space. We chat with her about balancing acts, renovation stress and local inspiration.
Philia Kailis of Test Tube Objects

Urban Walkabout talks to Perth's local talent, giving you an insight into the passionate people behind amazing businesses. We chat with Philia Kailis, owner of Test Tube Objects about form vs function, keeping our homes looking good and the inspiration found both locally and abroad.