IT is a case of girl power on an emerging destination strip of Maylands.
With its funky boutiques, cool cafes and Melbourne-style bars the rejuvenation of this once sleepy hollow suburb has had a shake-up and it’s here to stay, according to Maylands MLA Lisa Baker.
Ms Baker said the emerging business area was not sterile or predictable but full of character and innovation, with wide appeal.
“It's attracting modern, creative young entrepreneurs and is a great ‘fit’ for young women with energy and great ideas,” Ms Baker said.
Creative Maylands founder Anne Goodall said the suburb worked well for businesses including hers because the central location made it easy to work from and the diverse socio-economic and cultural mix created a hive of activity.
“It’s easy for me to work on projects across the metropolitan area, the great cafes are perfect for client meetings, and the growing buzz on the streets provides inspiration for my community development work,” Ms Goodall said.
Ms Goodall’s business partner Luisa Rheinlander agreed.
The Maylands local, also a graphic designer for her other small business, Manifesto Design, said the suburb was a great location and suited her lifestyle.
“It's creative and welcoming and yet still professional, without the pressures of a more corporate environment,” Ms Rheinlander said.
Look Feel Be boutique owner Caroline Johnston decided to open up her business in Maylands after years of working in high-end retail stores.
“Guests to LFB always ask why Maylands when you live in Fremantle,” Ms Johnston said.
“The locals are wonderfully natural and it’s very Australian to love an emerging underdog, and between the architectural art deco elements and the colourful history, it seemed a good idea.”
Owner of the popular Mrs S Café Sarah Schwikkard said she believed the growing success of the suburb came from small businesses doing it all themselves.
“I think having a strip bustling with owner-operators is the key to our joint success,” Mrs Schwikkard said. “If we went the franchise route, what makes Maylands so wonderful would dissolve.”
Smoult’s Continental Deli part-owner Mandy Dzelzitis, thought the opportunity for entrepreneurial women was excellent.
“Contributing factors could be the proximity to the city, cultural diversity and room for growth for creative thinkers,” Ms Dzelzitis said.
“Already we’re amazed at how much Maylands has changed,” she said.