In 1984, Egyptian trained jeweller Stelios Sofoulis and his wife Margaret bought a jewellery store set in Manuka Village to create Village Jewellers. They were joined by their son Tony, who has worked there for almost 40 years and now runs the business.
Tell us about the history of your family business.
Tony: My father Stelios started his apprenticeship as a jeweller at the age of 16 in Alexandria, Egypt and worked in the trade until he left Egypt in his early 20s to come to Australia in the mid-1950s. He continued to work in the jewellery trade in Melbourne and met his future wife Margaret at work in a jewellery store. They moved to Canberra in the early 1960s. Dad worked in the jewellery trade for several years before striking out in his own business ventures, which included supermarkets and a drycleaning business to mention a few.
After returning from Darwin in the early 1980s, an opportunity to buy an existing jewellery business in the Manuka Village popped up. This was delayed by nearly a year when the Manuka Village burnt down in early 1984. We finally moved into a new shop at the end of 1984 and The Village Jewellers was born with Stelios, Margaret, and Tony.
The Village Jewellers is now run by Tony and his staff, after Stelios and Margaret retired a few years ago. Stelios still drops in regularly to offer his two-bobs’ worth of advice and chat with some of the clients who still remember him.
What principles guide your family business?
I think the principle of honesty and listening to your clients’ stories is very important because jewellery is often a very emotional purchase for many people, and being part of that journey with your client is important.
What unique advantages do you feel a family business brings?
A family business has some nice advantages, with the one best being the understanding between all the family members as to what direction the business should take and simple things like taking time off when it’s needed.
How do you balance family relationships with business decisions?
It can be difficult sometimes to come to an understanding, but with a bit of talking and informed discussions, most problems can be solved and a healthy balance maintained between work and family.
How has your family business adapted to changes?
Over 40 years lots of tends have come and gone and some have come back around again, and it’s always important keep your eye on the fashion trends.
Technology has also changed a lot over the years and it has made some things, such as designing, more exciting with CAD opening up new options only limited by the designer’s imagination.
What advice would you give other families looking to start a business?
The best advice I can give other families looking to start a business together is to make sure you all have a strong shared passion for what you want to do – and remember you are all working towards the same goal.
Contact details
T: 02 6295 7955
