shopkeeper ken wallis
The inner-city Sydney suburb of Redfern is undergoing something of a renaissance. While it might not have been known as a creative hub previously, it's quickly turning into one thanks to the vision of retailers such as Ken Wallis of Seasonal Concepts. In 2005 he opened his florist-meets-oldwares shop in a 1920s engineering workshop. He has stocked it with unforgettable items such as Roger the giraffe, as well as many finds with a pre-1950s provenance. Word of his shop has travelled far - on a recent visit to Australia, Martha Stewart paid the store a visit.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Which career? I reinvent every 7 years! With Seasonal Concepts we started with dinner parties surrounded by flowers and old wares in a Surry Hills apartment.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Remember names and one thing about that person.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Having Martha Stewart at Seasonal Concepts.
What’s been your best decision? Buying 122 Redfern Street, Redfern. It's a wonderful piece of real estate. The house built in 1856 has wonderful energy.
Who inspires you? Sibella Court (The Society Inc) , George Clark (The Country Trader), Jacqueline Hill (Shiftazine).
What are you passionate about? Currently it's Bonsai.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Doris Day
What dream do you still want to fulfil? My country property.
What are you reading? Bonsai: its art science, history & philosophy.
images courtesy of seasonal concepts