Let's Talkabout
Melinda Tually of I Ran The Wrong Way (SURRY HILLS)
Armed with a firm commitment to ethical and sustainable design, Melinda Tually of I Ran The Wrong Way talks with us about her 'good finds' business and consuming with a conscience.
Tell us a little about your business?
I run a trader of good finds on Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. The 'good' translates to ethical, sustainable and local. Oh and good design!
How did your journey start?
Well i blame a trip to South America two years ago for planting the seed. The seed of change that is... I actually didn't know I would end up with a shop a year after I returned! I had had a pretty varied journey to that point - event management in the UK, followed by a few years at an Investment Bank and then pursuing my passion for the Arts in film and television production which has been fantastic.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Time. Having enough of it to do everything you need to is an on-going challenge and probably the biggest of all.
What keeps you motivated to continue creating?
This store represents change and consuming with a conscience. I really believe that if you give people the tools to facilitate change, rather than keeping it in the ideological sphere, it becomes tangible and accessible. The support the store has received to date has been so encouraging and has re-affirmed my belief that there's plenty of people with the same values wanting to make that change. Anita Roddick's quote is always in my mind, "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."
Who or what inspires you?
The many who are out there in the world showing resilience and fortitude when they are living a life against the odds. And i'm constantly inspired by the amazing stuff that is being made with a social and environmental conscience. It's a joy to be able to find great products and showcase them in the shop. The amazement on the faces of those who visit is really cool, I get a kick out of telling the stories behind everything!
What’s Sydney’s best-kept secret?
I do love the train ride to the Central Coast through the Brisbane Waters & Hawkesbury River. The scenery is absolutely stunning. No book necessary, just keep looking out the window!
What values are important to I Ran The Wrong Way?
Social and environmental justice. Treating workers fairly and with respect is high on the agenda here. I'm 100% behind assisting people to achieve dignity through trade.
What's the future of sustainable design in your opinion?
The sky is the limit! I really believe we can invest in the 'cradle to grave' and 'cradle to cradle' philosophy in every area of design. I also think that looking to the past for its simplicity in form and function is a great guide. All of our children's toys are either made from wood or natural fibres like hemp or felt - no plastic or batteries! Just like the old days.
Can you name a favourite product?
One that I discovered a few years ago now : the teaspoon ring. They never fail to delight and look awesome. A great example of upcycling from Oz!
I Ran The Wrong Way
378 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills.
T: 9698 0698
details
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