Regula and Paul Muller proudly announce their retirement and new Melann’s business owner, Christina Kazis.
1995 was a big year for changes in business in South Australia. Qantas was privatised. Telecom changed its name to Telstra and Regula and Paul Muller bought Melann’s Fabrics and Sewing Centre in Dernancourt which originally started in 1978 by the mother & daughter team, Melanie & Anne.
While our purchase mightn’t quite have matched the magnitude of an airline or Telco, it was an enormous investment in not simply a shop and stock, but a lifestyle that we have treasured for a quarter of a century.
Now it’s time to hand over the baton and we are thrilled to announce that it will be to Christina Kazis, who has been with Melann’s since 2012.
We have loved coming to work every single day of our 25 years. Not one morning in the entire time has it been an effort to open the front door, put out the ‘welcome’ sign and begin sharing another day with you.
Sewing means so much to so many people and we’ve been blessed to share so many wonderful experiences with you… the purchase of a new machine, the ‘resurrection’ of an old favourite, the creation of a special gift, the cot quilt that’s now a family heirloom, the Christmas stockings embroidered with everybody’s name.
We’ve seen the sewing industry evolve and have embraced and adapted to ensure you have always had access to the latest information, products and services. We are so proud to have won so many state, national and international sales and service awards, and celebrated award-winning designs and creations awards by the brilliant, Bernadette, Christina, Lorraine, Annette, Anne and Steve.
Like us, Christina is passionate about not just sewing, but everything Melann’s as a business stands for. She understands the value of a good relationship with our suppliers and trade partners, how much you rely on and respect the advice and support from the Melann’s team and why the high standards and quality you expect must never be compromised.
By supporting Christina, you are supporting a small, third generation, South Australian-owned family business that has succeeded despite competition from multi-nationals; small businesses are the backbone of our community and provide a benchmark for future generations.
In between spending a lot of time with our ever-growing ‘grand family’ and ageing parents in Switzerland, we will still be eager to keep in touch with the shop, its activities and most importantly, its people.
So many of you are not just loyal patrons, but our true friends. You have been part of developing an amazing, unforgettable community that will be forever cherished in our hearts.
Thank you for the last 25 years.
Regula and Paul.
You’ve heard the news and now you’re wondering…what will change about my favourite fabrics and sewing store?
We’re excited to say, virtually nothing!
Tell me the news…
On Friday 31 January 2020, ownership of Melann’s will be handed over to the extremely capable Christina Kazis, who has been with Melann’s since 2012. Christina is passionate about not just sewing, but everything Melann’s as a business stands for. Read more about Christina near the end of this article.
What can I expect next time I visit Melann’s?
The very same trusted, friendly sewing heaven you’ve always known. Bernadette, Annette, Anne, Lorraine and Steve will continue to work at Melann’s, answering your questions and helping improve your sewing knowledge through educational classes.
What does the new change mean for my machine warranty?
Your warranty is covered by Melann’s Fabrics and Sewing Centre – there’s no change to any formal purchase agreements.
Will you continue servicing sewing machines?
Absolutely! Steve Green (a highly qualified engineer) has been working alongside Paul over the last two years learning all the intricate details of the trade from one of Australia’s only International Master Service Technicians. Your treasured machine is still in the safest and caring of hands, Steve is an accredited factory trained Technician for any brands of machines.
Will you still offer scissor sharpening and tagging?
We will be sharpening, testing and tagging every day as usual.
Will I still have my free machine lessons?
If you purchased your machine from Melann’s, then machine lessons will continue as usual – no change here!
Will opening hours stay the same?
Under no circumstances will you be inconvenienced! Opening hours as usual:
Monday to Friday, 9 – 5 and Saturday 9 – 12.30 pm.
Will there be any changes to the classes/workshops?
Not unless you want them! The current Melann’s workshop/class planner is included in the newsletter and updated regularly on our website at www.melanns.com.au
Will the fabric/accessory selection change?
Yes, as we always do… season to season and fashion to fashion to bring you the absolute latest in dressmaking, embroidery and quilting trends!
Will any of Melann’s contact details change?
Not at all, we’ll have the same email – melanns@bigpond.com, phone – (08) 83377548, and website www.melanns.com.au
What will Regula and Paul be up to?
In between spending a lot of time with their ever-growing ‘grand family’ and ageing parents in Switzerland, they will still be eager to keep in touch with the shop, its activities and most importantly, its people, you may see them pop in from time to time.
Who is Christina?
Christina Kazis is the new owner of Melann’s Fabrics and Sewing Centre! She came to Melann’s for a Saturday sewing class back in 2012 and was offered a job by Regula as a junior shop assistant. Soon enough, a casual job morphed into a serious career and she is extremely grateful to gain knowledge from a driven business woman, an experienced sewing machine mechanic and talented colleagues.
She graduated from the Adelaide University in 2018 with a Bachelor degree in Entrepreneurship. After her studies she embarked on a 2 month adventure to experience the wonders of Europe. When she is not sewing, she loves playing piano, painting and thinking about her next sewing project. Her aim for Melann’s is to continuously provide customers with helpful service, insightful workshops and an inspirational shopping environment. We can’t wait for you to meet her.
I’ve got more questions, who can I contact?
It’s totally ok to have more questions. Please talk to us about your queries, ideas and concerns.
We welcome you to:
· Come into the shop and have a coffee and chat; ask us questions and update your contact details face to face · Email us on melanns@bigpond.com
· Phone us on (08) 8337 7548 or use our web contact form at www.melanns.com.a
