Shop: www.sassicaandsalter.com.au
Where: 224 Pakington Street, Geelong West
When: Mon – Fri 10 to 5 & Sat 10 to 4
Ph: 5242 8101
When Oh! Hello Geelong recently visited sassica + salter, the words timeless, classic, clean and fresh instantly sprang to mind. Even on a cold winter’s day, walking into this gift and homewares store on Pakington Street made it suddenly feel like spring! The creator of this heavenly space is the lovely Sassica Salter (what a fabulous name by the way) who very kindly agreed to answer a few quick questions about her life and loves and of course her beautiful shop and new online store. Thanks Sass!
Photos by Sara Taylor Photography + Nikole Furnari Photography
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what lead you to opening this wonderful shop and online store?
My love for homewares, giftware and kitchenware really started during my university days. One of my early jobs was working for a shop in Melbourne called Minimax where I eventually became weekend manager of the Toorak store. From there I moved into the magazine industry, where I worked in the advertising departments of several titles including Home Beautiful, New Idea, Better Homes & Garden and Famous. After lots of hard work I landed my dream job as Victorian Advertising Manager at donna hay magazine. I was working in that role for a few years when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby! While I loved working for Donna, I wasn’t so keen on the daily Geelong/Melbourne commute and started thinking about new pathways that would allow me to work while taking care of my family.
During my maternity leave, I decided to research how to run a business and looked into what brands were missing in Geelong. After Tom (my baby) arrived I felt ready to put my business ideas into practice. When I began setting up the shop, Tom was 8 months old and not yet mobile, so he spent many days with me in the shop while I set up things. After lots of hard work, sassica + salter’s doors opened in September 2010!
As for the online side of the business, I always knew I would do this eventually and originally thought it was something I could do myself – ha! I decided I needed a hand, so I engaged the services of a local web company, Goop Websites, who have been so amazing to work with. In July 2012, sassica + salter was finally launched online!
What can visitors to sassica + salter expect to find, how would you describe your shop?
They can expect to find amazing products that they might not have seen elsewhere in Geelong. I have purposefully arranged the store to be as freestanding and fresh as possible through the use of whitewash floorboards, shelving units that are made using wood and glass, white Carrera marble table tops and simple product displays. For me the products are the hero and are shown as such. The music is tasteful and is played to blend in with your shopping experience; many customers end up toe tapping as they shop!
What are some of your favourite products in store?
I love my collection of coloured teacups & mugs by Dibbern. There are 37 colours in the range and I still can’t decide which colour I want for my own personal collection! I also love New York brand The Laundress, which is an amazing laundry range designed to remove the need for dry cleaning some of your clothes – genius! If I had to pick a candle and fragrance collection, it would have to be Simpatico Home, they are the BEST candles as they burn for ages and the glass holder itself makes a beautiful vase or toothbrush holder. This brand also do a lovely hand cream, bubble bath and reed diffuser.
I also adore the Donna Hay for Royal Doulton collection. While I was working for Donna I watched as this amazing range was developed, I even remember seeing some of the sketches (I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on it for myself!). When I left the magazine, Donna personally approved me as a stockist of her brand and am currently the only stockist in the region. I’m really looking forward to the Donna Hay range I have coming for Christmas!!
Photos by Sara Taylor Photography + Nikole Furnari Photography
What is next for sassica + salter? Any big plans for the future?
Right now I am gearing up for a big Christmas! I even started ordering Christmas crackers and decorations in February this year! But there is lots of stock due to arrive before then, which is very exciting. I have been busy getting the online part of the business up and running and my goal is to have it flowing nicely in the next few months.
And my ‘big plans’…I’d love to one day start my own small range of select items to sell in the store and online and potentially wholesale to a few stores. Might be a few years away yet!
What are your biggest inspirations?
I love the artwork of Arite Kannavos, I would like to start an art collection soon! I also love Emma Cleine’s artwork and printing; Emma is the maker behind Lumiere Art + Co (which we sell in store!). I have Emma’s cushions on my bed at home and am a little obsessed with them! I also love Pia Blair and recently placed an order for a collage she created which will look perfect above my bed head at home.
Other inspirations include the Design Sponge blog, as well as The Design Files. I pour over homewares and interior design books and have a pretty major magazine obsession, my favourites include donna hay magazine, Inside Out, Home Beautiful, Real Living, House & Garden, and Country Style. Oh, and I’m a huge fan of Martha Stewart!
Where was the last great meal you had in Geelong?
We went to Customs House for my husband’s birthday lunch, it is owned by some old friends of his and it was delicious! Give me a steak & frites with béarnaise sauce any day!
What do you love most about Geelong?
Being a “Melbourne Girl” for so long I thought I would struggle when I decided to move to Geelong! Now that I have been here for almost 6 years, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Geelong has a great vibe, the restaurants are getting better, Pakington Street is great, the beaches are nearby and Melbourne is just a quick trip up the highway.
Thanks Sassica! (and thank you for the beautiful photos too!)
And as an amazing added bonus, the super generous Sassica has offered an amazing GIVEAWAY for one lucky Oh! Hello Geelong reader! We absolutely adore mud Australia, such beautiful table ware and vessels….. the range is made from the finest porcelain in the most delicious palette of pastel colour. One lucky reader will win 1 x Fish Platter in Ash Grey and 1 x Dipping Bowl in Citrus – to a Value of $148.00! How amazing is that.
TO ENTER THE COMPETITION – Simply like us on Facebook (if you don’t already) and leave a lovely comment on this post by midnight, Friday 17th August, We’ll pick the lucky winner at random and notify you the next day. Yay! ** Competition open to Australian residents only**
UPDATE: THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED… WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
Love Penny + Laura
I absolutely adore Mud and the beautiful Sassica + Salter! Divine shop and gorgeous tableware…winning combination!!
So many beautiful things to choose from! Love Simpatico Home
GREAT STORE! I am loving their teacups!!!
Oh this looks like my kinda store! Will have to pop in when next in Pakington Street, thanks =)
Can’t wait to check this shop out. Your photos already have my credit card worried
What a great shop!! Can’t wait to visit! I live Sass’s story such a great talent!! Thank you again ‘Hello Geelong’ for celebrating such great local talent!!
Gorgeous piece, gorgeous products, gorgeous website. I’m off to visit this gorgeous shop!
I wondered into Sassica + Salter a few weeks ago while walking Pakington Street. Looking forward to going back and making a purchase – so many wonderful items in a shop that is different to all others in Geelong.
Such a super lovely store + giveaway. I spotted some RIESS enamelware in one of those pics too… swoooooon! Thanks ladies! x
Gorgeous products, I love the colours, so much to choose from thanks for the giveaway.
Would look lovely in my house, gorgeous ware to pretty my table makes everything taste that much more delicious.
gorgeous products and I love the colours, thanks for the great giveawy
I love Mud products and thanks for posting another great interview. Sassica + salter looks like a beautiful shop and I look forward to popping in when I move to Geelong in a couple of months. Finding great Geelong shops like this on your blog makes me less anxious about moving away from the big smoke!
Amazing store-so many wonderful things!!!
Amazing store with so many wonderful things!!1
Beautifful pieces on your website…would love to win this gorgeous giveaway.
Wow – gorgeous store. Love that teacup and saucer in the last photo!!
So glad I found this amazing site – have like the Facebook page as well
So glad I found this amazing site – have liked the Facebook page too
Lovely prize and great blog ladies
Such a gorgeous shop – full of beautiful and practical things!
Such beautiful items! They would bring some sunshine into our house during this cold winter, and all the year through!
What beautiful things you guys have.
Mud, Mud and more Mud, I love Mud and cannot get enough of your products, My family and friends love Mud products as gifts too!
I love the beautiful pastel colours of these items. So pretty and they could make even the blandest of meals look wonderful!
Can’t wait to visit Sassica + Salter and check out those beautiful products. Would love a Simpatico Home candle.
One of Geelong’s most stunning homewares store.
a huge variety of quality and beautiful homewares!
Wow most of this stuff looks to nice for my house, i wouldnt want my kids to get it dirty. deffinately special occasions homewares very nice
You have such fabulous products.
What stunning pieces!! Thankyou for the opportunity to win; I\d love to own these!!!
Oh I adore this store, I can happily wander in there for ages and what I wouldn’t give to win this stunning platter and bowl. I was adoring it earlier this week, along with the enamel cookware.
I love this store! I was admiring the Mud platter and bowl earlier this week, as well as the enamel bakeware. I could spend alot of money in there. I’d love to win this prize!! The platter would get lots of use.
Sassica + Salter would be the first store I would go to when/if I win the lottery. Do you think my house would be big enough if I bought all her stock?
This shop is so adorable! Can’t wait to drop by
What a beautiful shop – oh so many pretty things!
Well done Sass for providing a very special gift shop in Geelong.
what a gorgeous shop, so many things to buy……
hello disregard last posts email. I forgot the 4
Thanks
That shop looks divine. Can’t wait to check it out. Fingers crossed I win the beautiful prize.
I’ve only just heard about this great looking store. I can’t wait to check it out.
What a wonderful prize!
So understated; I’ve never seen a shop minimalist but so pretty before. Loved the interview!
What an awesome shop, they have gifts for all occasions.
I have liked on Facebook. What a lovely shop and generous giveaway
Lovely shop! Makes me want to live in Geelong
my love lives in Geelong. i cant take the boy out of Geelong, so now it is time to love the Geelong in the boy. this blog and store helps (and we are both loooovef ‘mud’…to have the platter we would be like pigs in mud….in Geelong
Her homewares is beautiful, love the colours!
Loving your blog and highlight on the design files! Great giveaway! Hope I win!
Wow what a great giveaway – fingers crossed big time ! AND what a fantastic shop – how have I missed it on my trips to Geelong??!! What have I been doing?
You girls are going to revolutionize Geelong for me – I cant wait to get down there again now – so pleased I have found you xx
What a gorgeous store!
yes please!!!!
I love Mud and the shop looks gorgeous. Liked on facebook too!
Beautiful shop, great floorboards! Always lots to look at and want.
Great to see some of the loveliness of geelong getting some airtime.
Oh, my Sass Salter, what a pleasant surprise seeing you here! What a beautiful store you have.
Hi Siobhan! Hope you are well and life is great in Newcastle!! I follow you on twitter. They edited the bit where I said I stalked you for work experience at DHM! xo
Love MUD and this gorgeous shop!
I love your store! Yipeee! , and I love the Mud range! Yummmm! just thinking of all the delish little treats that could be served up on that pretty little duo….Garlic white bean dip, rosemary pita chips and roasted chickpeas anyone?
Holy Guacamole! Such lovely bits and pieces shouldn’t be homeless, for that reason I am volunteering to take them off your hands?
I have also liked your facebook (my facebook name is Adam Sumners) and follow you on twitter @NoSleep4Bandito
Oh my! I just discovered your amazing blog through TDF. You’ve made this little Brisbanite want to come and visit Geelong – espcially this amazing store, Sassica and Salter! xx
Love love love! Can’t wait to get to this store
Love love love! Can’t wait to visit this store.
A beautiful store and so many gorgeous things.
Great giveaway! Rad lil shop and AMAZING blog, I am not sure which i dig more!
what a lovely shop! I wish I’d visited when I lived in Geelong!! The mud australia dishware is beautifuL!
Absolutely L.O.V.E Sassica and Salter, My Mum and I never leave Geelong without having a browse and mostly always a purchase here. Especially love their range of mud products and its fresh feel!
Mud’s creations are so beautiful! I love that your blog shows off the hidden treasures of Geelong that make the town so charming and fun to come back home to – especially my favourites on Pakington St!
I have a major crush on yellow & grey at the moment…this giveaway would be gorgeous!
I’ve just found your blog its very cute. I love the cute plates and platters, you can never have too many in different colours.
No longer live in Geelong, so I’m glad there’s an online store too.
Sassica + Salter has a treasuretrove of beautiful goodies – always very tempting – you have great style & just what Geelong needs
sassica + salter = Stunning & Stylish
mzmumma81@lottos.com.au
Lovely page
Love mud Australia sooooo much!!!! Xxx
This shop looks gorgeous and I look forward to visiting next time I’m in Geelong. What a great website – so glad I found it!
Gorgeous blog! You’ve inspired me to visit Geelong sometime!
one of my fav local stores and so beautifully photographed!! well done guys! just gorgous! xo
Love your blog and love mud! Perfect combo!
I guess a trip to Geelong is now in order!
Looks like a beatuiful shop with amazing things….if only I lived closer!
lovely blog, lovely shop. thank goodness we just moved here – pffft – Melbourne, Schmelbourne!
Wow Sass! You have quite the following you über cool Gee Town lass! Thanks for the mention in your great interview. Going to checkout your online store and blog now. Having read this and the Design Files story on Geelong in the past two days I just may have been sold to move there! Congrats on our recent press I hope it brings many a customer
xx
wow wow wow. my head is spinning. how beautiful are all those things? the mud giveaway pack has me think think thinking of all the lovely things i could cook to put on that lovely grey mud platter. beetroot, goats cheese and walnut salad. moroccan cous cous with pommegranite. apricot crumble, with vanilla bean icecream in the little bowl! yum. wow.
Gorgeous blog, gorgeous shops and the mud products, well they’re just gorgeous too! Thanks for adding a little sunshine to my lunch break!
Wow…you have such beautiful items!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
What a beautiful shop, Love, love it. wish i still lived in Geelong, will have to pop in next time im down. x
Have liked on facebook and am loving your gorgeous items.
Love the blog! I am inspired to take a trip to Geelong now
Just discovered this blog and this post has cemented my desire to visit Sassica + Salter. I often drive past and peer longingly in during that fleeting second!
Love all the products!
Love love love your store!!
Excellent stuff!
Love it – started planning all my stops for when I get down there!!
Gorgeous!
Wow, Sassica Salter sounds like one inspiring lady! Great to see you on TDF too, congrats.
fantastically beautiful photos and products, thank you for introducing us to Sassica and Salter
I’m dreaming of redecorating my whole house now! What a gorgeous palette of colours
I’m a fan on Facebook (Kate Ryan)
Wowee, isn’t this blog getting quite popular now? It’s getting harder to win the competitions! Well done.
What an array of beautiful products. Love all the colours. What a wonderful way to cheer up the home decor
Gorgeous shop – cannot wait to explore it when I am down that way next month:)
These bowls are so gorgeous!
Amazing page! cant wait to have a closer look at so many of the beautiful items available!!
Beautiful products, gorgeous colours, awesome site.
What a lovely store, and your photographs are fantastic!
Love Love Love! This whole article made me smile! My mum has told me about sassica + salter, I cant wait to visit! Will be in heaven <3
Love love love Sassica + Salter!
A must stop when wandering along Pako!
Beautiful work, wish you made another shop in Greece! Ever think about going global?
The items look really pretty, especially the cushions. It’s too bad I haven’t heard about the contest earlier; I would have loved to participate. Please do post some updates if more contests like this are coming up.
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