THE WOMEN OF NOTWASTED

Lucy Kendall and Alysha Moscat are making some exceptional wine out in West Gippsland under their label Allevare, also recently started their side project called Joan’s of Marc which promotes diversity in wine through monthly releases of wine packs curated by industry professionals, with the proceeds from these packs donated to different organisations in the broader community.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and Lucy. How did Allevare get its start?

Lucy and I were both living in Tasmania, working for wineries and vineyards in Pipers Brook. We always had the thought of moving to Gippsland, so one day we pack up and moved to West Gippsland to start our own label! Fruit in West Gippsland is hard to come by but we’ve managed to secure a couple of leases and get to work with some really great people.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female creatives?

Ask questions, don’t be afraid to speak up, always trust your instincts. Remember that you’re there to do the best job you can do with what you have, you’re not there to be a ‘yes person’. It is important to have difficult conversations respectfully. Pump our your favourite tunes and remember to have fun!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did Vivant Selections get its start?

I began a hospitality career over 25 years ago, I started working for my parents at their country pub. I’ve been fortunate this career has taken me to all parts of the world having worked in Melbourne, London, and Sydney, most notably for Christine Manfield as a restaurant manager and sommelier and for a number of years as head buyer and sommelier for MoVida and its import arm, Alimentaria.  I established my own wine importing business in 2016, Wine & Food Solutions. In 2020 the company became Vivant Selections, a new name to more accurately describe the wines and makers I represent. Over the ensuing years, the number of producers has grown to become a portfolio showcasing some of the most dynamic wine producers from Europe. I am super proud to work with the artisans that I do, a high proportion being female-owned and led, to showcase their handmade wines.

What does a day in your life look like?

No day is ever the same. Sometimes I wish I had routine and normality rather than the craziness that I think surrounds me. One day it may be helping unload a container, another is visiting customers showing them some of the wines in the portfolio and the really fun days are admin central! Being a small operator you find a way to wear many hats and juggle lots.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female wine aficionados? 

Keep an open mind, stand for what you believe in and follow what excites you, no matter what age or stage of your career you’re at.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did Mama Liu’s get its start?

My name’s Lucy, I’m 28 and run a small family business called Mama Liu’s with mum. Previously worked as a designer but I got over sitting at a desk, which then led me to Mama Liu’s. Growing up in an ethnic household, food is honestly the love language, and despite being a single parent and working endlessly, mum would always make sure there was home-cooked food on the table. Our background is Chinese Russian so we have quite a diverse selection of food, from dumplings, hand-pulled noodles to fresh bread. Back in 2018 when I was working at a design agency, I started selling dumplings and chilli oil to coworkers. The interest grew and I got repeat orders so I thought to myself, this is something worth exploring and working on. Especially considering Xinjiang food isn’t as popular as South East Asian cuisine, this is something I wanted to shine a light on.

What does a day in your life look like?

I’m an early bird and so I get most of my stuff done morning-arvo. Usually, I’m up around 5:30am and meditate for 10 mins. Then I do a quick little stretch, have a coffee, and respond to emails. Afterwards I’ll fit in a workout and pack online orders. If I’m making chilli that day I’ll start my prep, make the chilli with mum, and whilst we wait for it to cool down before jarring we’ll catch up over lunch. By the arvo, my partner comes home so I’ll make dinner and spend time with him. If it’s a busy day I’ll usually jump back online and do admin, or read and go to bed around 8:30am because sleep is life.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female creatives?

What I’ve learned after 3 years of running a small business is to be confident in your decisions, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and talk to people.

How did you get started in photography?

One of my favourite scents is the smell of the developing agent. I use to sit in the dark room with just red light on and watch my dad develop negatives and print photos in our bathroom. So I guess It stared then.

What does a day in your life look like?

Hanging out with my toddler daughter doing new things each day. Taking lots of pictures of her.

Where do you find feminine energy most important in your line of work and why?

I like to work around natural light. I like to use shadows and light bleaks, I think it’s very feminine and creates interest and depth for an image.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female creatives?

Don’t think too much what others are doing.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves! How did Parley get its start?

Parley was conceived in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. Sitting around a table, drinking mar-tinny’s and can-hattens from Continental Deli, ideas started to flow and by the end of the night we were convinced it was a step we were ready to take. We had each been working with a number of producers in basket range and felt it was time for us to use what we had learned and create something for ourselves. Individually this would have been challenging but by pooling our resources, time, skill and funds, we could make a serious start.

You all have full time jobs outside of Parley – how does it all gel together?

From the very beginning we were conscious of the significance of communication. Something wonderful that we each bring to our business is empathy and understanding. We look to each other for solutions and support and being a partnership of three gives us each a level of flexibility and fluidity.

What advice would you give to the next generation of females heading into a male dominated industry?

Lean on each other for support, share your ideas, help each other. The most memorable moments in our winery have been when the space is filled with women. It’s empowering.