YK talks Ginkgo Leaf

Can you give us a little bit of the Gingko Leaf's background story

The Ginkgo tree is a "living fossil", with ancient fossils clearly related to modern Ginkgo tree.  I am impressed by this living fossil's hardiness, its elegant form and adaptability as ornamental trees in urban environments.  Its wonderful form and many functions make it an integral part of daily life in urban areas.  

Just like how we (Ginkgo Leaf) think of our inventory and their many uses in daily life.

Your pieces are stunning in their simplicity yet complex with their durability and design. How do you select which items you feel will best suit your line and at the same time meet the needs of your customers

We sell products that are guided by the Japanese conceptual terms Yo-no-bi ("beauty through use").  Alongside Yo-no-bi, good designs must have high functionality for multiple uses.

A plate comes alive when food is placed within its boundaries.  Tools and equipment used daily should be minimal, practical and useful.  

But what really inspires and stirs us all the time is our customers' boundless creativity in making sense of the items and using them in unexpected and creative ways.  That's the most reassuring.

You have recently been featured in Gourmet Traveller: seriously exciting and a true testament to your hard work and now firmly entrenched with locals at market.  What has been one of the highlights you have had to date when at market

Yes, we are very fortunate to have support from certain individuals in the industry.

Highlights or joys have been:

Regular customers bringing along their friends to introduce them to Ginkgo Leaf. Prospective customers researching the product and making multiple visits to admire their objects of 'desire'.  

It's a delight to witness individual customers taking such informed consideration.

What makes market life tangible and real for personally and as a business

It's one of the best venues and a great way to engage with customers.  There is such a diverse group of market goers.  Moreover, the outdoor setting presents all sorts of delights and challenges.

How would you sum up up the world of Ginkgo Leaf in 5 words

Good design is our value proposition (6 words really!)

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So you've read the interview, you've seen a smidge of what these amazing pieces look like, all that's left is for you to get to market and see what is on offer and be swept up in the gentle magic known as Ginkgo Leaf.

Litza shares her love of Kings Cross Markets

When did you first stumble across what is now one of Sydney's best Saturday Market (aka Kings Cross Markets)

I recently moved into this area of Sydney.  I was thrilled to discover these gorgeous markets at the top of my street.  I literally stumbled across them while out exploring my new neighbourhood.  Now I look forward to visiting them most weekends.

You also have a massage therapy practice nearby.  From a holistic point of view, why do you think markets like ours form not only an important part of the community, but also complement or add to our lifestyles in ways we may not necessarily have thought of

I think that happiness, fresh air, human interaction and good food are essential.  I think flowers are important too! 

So the markets definitely assist well being.

I think we shouldn't underestimate the importance of community and neighbourhood. All around the world the marketplace has historically been a centre for community: a place for people to come together as important for socialising as is for trade. Experiences which delight the senses are good for the body and the mind and markets certainly do that.

Do you have a "musty buy, can't live without" purchase, and if so what and why

Hmmmm....it's different every week.  If I get to the Soda Bread stall in time I always pick up a loaf.  Their gluten free bread is the best I've ever tried!

And I have my eye on a baby fig tree at the plant stall....maybe next market day!

Is this a solo expedition or do you like the share the love

Sometimes I wander up to the markets by myself but it's a pretty friendly place, so I often end up chatting to someone.  If I have visitors or am meeting up with friends, I always suggest the markets for lunch as there is plenty of great food to choose from and then you can go and sit by the fountain to eat.

How would you sum up the world of Kings Cross Markets in 5 words

Happy

Delicious

Outdoors

Community

Sensorial

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A massive thank you to Litza for not only discovering our markets, but sharing the love with us, you and all her friends!  We look forward to seeing you on a Saturday often!

Final Hurrah for 2013

Denisse

Venus Wholefoods

pitchandash

jess_glee

baowow-baobuns

Jo

kyubpottspoint

serena

Emily

Tania-Lee

Sharing some love with Kylie

How did you first come across Kings Cross Markets

I cam across Kings Cross Markets 6 years ago when I first moved to the area.  I've been living in Bondi for 4 years now, but only recently started my journey back every Saturday since becoming a vegan 7 months ago.

In your opinion, what is it about these markets that makes it appealing to people from all walks of life

Kings Cross Markets has a relaxing vibe, you see the same faces each week which gives a great sense of community.  Everybody is super friendly, willing to help you carry your groceries and have a chit chat about anything and everything.

There's no hustle and bustle or pushing in, and the great news is you never get run over by someone pushing a trolley which turns the weekly grocery shopping into quite a calming experience.

Do you have a "routine" when visiting/buying at market or are you a "get the staples then let's see what's on offer and try new things" type of chick

I'm a bit of both.  I have my routine shopping list but then I'm easily distracted by other products.  For example, last week I purchased the Clear Jojoba Oil which is amazing on the skin which demonstrates being taken off course isn't always a bad thing.

Do you have a favourite recipe using produce bought at market

Now that Spring is here, it's been salads, salads and more salads.  I like to keep it simple and alkalising: spinach, cucumber, capsicum, leek, string beans, broccoli, avocado, chickpeas and olive oil.

Kylie's enormous weekly hoard!

If you had to sum up your Kings Cross Market experience in 5 words, what would they be

My home away from home

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Best final answer to be seen!  Home away from home is exactly how we feel about our markets as well!  

Enormous thank you to Kylie for sharing a bit of her time with us and showing us once again why Kings Cross Market is the only place to get your weekly shopping done!

5 Questions with Bowen's the BEST Bacon & Egg Roll to be had on a Saturday

Bowen's Bacon & Egg rolls have developed quite a reputation around Kings Cross Market and beyond. What's the secret (or would you have to silence us permanently before telling!)

The special ingredient is probably attention to detail. Yes we use very high quality ingredients, but that alone doesn't guarantee success.  It's the way the egg & bacon are cooked, the amount of bacon we put on each roll, even the way the bread roll is cut.  

But most importantly, it's the people in the stall - that's the most critical part of almost any business; getting the right people.  If you don't have the right people you can't do any of these things well.

Why markets?

My wife started to have children and now we have 6. This meant she couldn't work anymore during the week which was the perfect opportunity to do what I had always wanted to do: set up a market stall.

Always there with a smile, always happy to chat with customers, the Bowen's mob are a part of what (we feel at least) "makes" Kings Cross Markets THE place to hang on a Saturday morning

What is it about market life that sets it apart from shopfront retail

Well about the "Bowen mob" first - you can't train someone to be friendly like that. Giving someone a great roll and having a tiny chat can literally make their morning.

On the question of retail: I suppose the difference is that market allows people to connect with the old world.  Markets have existed for literally thousands of years.  It's a much less formal environment.

Rain, hail or shine you are there weekend in weekend out.  How is that for you

When it's pouring with the rain the die-hards still come out.  On days like that you make just enough to buy a coffee, but we're there for them regardless - every week without fail.

The perfect day for us is a brisk but sunny day in winter.

For anyone who has yet to discover the delights of the Bowen's Bacon & Egg Roll Saturday Routine, what 5 words would you use to get them to get in there and give it a go

We have vegetarian customers - REALLY!

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Now want to see what all the fuss is about and why it is IMPERATIVE you join the throngs of die-hard fans who have been known to travel quite a distance simply to grab a bacon & egg roll?

And yes, they do have vegetarian customers!