Our people are the backbone of our village. Many of our traders are long-established and on first-name terms with locals. Between them there are many interesting stories to be told that paint a picture of the rich history and cultural diversity within our village.
In early 2010 the East Ivanhoe Business Association launched its ‘My Story’ series, profiling business owners and allowing locals to get to know the personalities and faces behind the counters.
Framed stories are located on counter tops in profiled stores, but here are some snippets:
SO SWISH with Nan Caple
Nan has owned and operated So Swish for over 20 years. Specialising in giftware, kitchenware and homewares, Nan and her staff place great importance on making their customers feel important. So Swish strives to provide great customer service, an interesting mix of quality products and a pleasant ambience for customers to enjoy.
After graduating from University in 1976, Nan worked as a Physical Education & Outdoor Education teacher. Nan has lived in Ivanhoe for 32 years, is married to David and has 4 adult children Anna, Alex, Sally & Eliza. Nan is actively involved in the East Ivanhoe and Heidelberg Community Bank branches, both of which are great contributors to the local community. “I work with a great team at So Swish. East Ivanhoe Village is a terrific centre to belong to, and we are surrounded by a wonderful and vibrant community. How lucky we are!”
EAST IVANHOE FRUIT SUPPLY with Sandy Stramandinoli
The youngest of 5 children Sandy was born in Italy in 1948. When Sandy was just a year old his father made the ultimate sacrifice and immigrated to Australia alone to establish a new life for the Stramandinoli family. In 1961 Sandy’s brothers and sisters joined his Father with Sandy and his Mother to complete the family unit. When they arrived in 1964 Sandy was 14. The family lived in Broken Hill where Sandy’s father worked as an Engineer.
Sandy has been involved with fresh produce his entire life. He managed a local supermarket and worked at the Fruit and Vegetable Market for years. He has a long history with East Ivanhoe Fruit Supply, owning the business for 8 years from 1992-2000 before selling the business, only to re-purchase it in 2004. The business has many wholesale clients as well as a large core group of regular and loyal customers who Sandy considers friends.
Sandy’s business philosophies are simple and authentic, he believes in quality produce and not cutting corners. Sandy has lived in East Ivanhoe for 35 years with his wife and has 2 adult children. “I am at the fruit and vegetable market at 3.30am 5 days a week so that I am able to provide my loyal customers with nothing but the freshest and best quality produce every day. The things I value most in my life and business are quality, friendship, honesty and for my customers to feel at ease in my shop.”
VITA BELLA with Rob & Dean
Originally opened as a Pizza shop in 2000, Vita Bella was taken over by Rob & Dean and underwent a complete refurbishment before being re-opened on December 12th 2001.
In 2007, after working together for almost two decades, Rob & Dean formed a partnership and became co-owners of Vita Bella. Rob and Dean have been family friends since childhood and have always maintained a great friendship followed a parallel working life for many years. They have a combined 30 years of hospitality experience and have had many and varied positions working together in Foodworks Albert Park and Beacon Cove followed by Villiggio in Albert park and finally Vita Bella.
Vita Bella prides itself on the art of perfection in coffee making, boasts a delicious breakfast and lunch menu and very friendly service.“Our Cafe is like one big busy noisy happy family full of laughter, good times and conversation. It’s a meeting hub from the minute it opens its doors with our breakfast club, lunch regulars and coffee lovers.”
