Mums of the Village Market
We spoke to some of the children who are lucky enough to work with their Mums at the Market, read on for some beautiful messages to our Market mums.
Maria + George (Emerald Hill Deli / La Lapa)
For over 30 years, Maria has been the heart and soul of Emerald Hill Deli, curating that legendary walk-in cheese room and sharing her famous homemade Greek biscuits with the community. But her greatest "market find" might just be the inspiration she gave her son, George.
After growing up behind the deli counter, George followed in his mum’s footsteps, opening La Lapa just a few aisles away. Together, they represent the very best of the Market’s family story, one offering world‑class cheeses, the other serving up Melbourne’s favourite coffee and cruffins.
What do you admire most about your mum? “How deeply she cares for everyone around her. She is always making sure her family is okay. Always present, loving and supportive. The family has always been the number one priority. She has been such a strong and hard-working woman, always persevering through every challenge life has given her - George (and daughter-in-law, Viviana) about Maria.
Nancy + Kim (Emerald Hill Poultry)
Emerald Hill Poultry is a long‑standing Market favourite, known for quality produce and friendly, familiar faces. For Mum, the stall has always been about consistency, care and quietly showing up every day for her family and her customers.
Kim grew up watching that dedication in action, learning that love is often expressed through small, steady gestures rather than words. Now working alongside her mum at the Market, she continues to see that same care and commitment in everything her mum does, from the way she looks after customers to the meals she lovingly prepares for her family. for her family.
What’s a small thing your mum does that means everything to you? “My mum doesn’t say a lot, but she shows her love in the smallest ways. Mum is always there without me having to ask. Mum doesn’t really say “I love you”. Instead, she shows it through the meals she makes and that is her way of showing she cares. It might seem small, but to me, that is her way of saying everything.” – Kim about Nancy
Georgie + Matina (Georgie’s Harvest)
Celebrating 15 years at the Market this month, Georgie’s Harvest has long been a staple for the Market community, for Georgie’s family, and for yours. Her children grew up at South Melbourne Market and still make special appearances, with her daughter, Matina, proudly taking on the role of MC at Georgie’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
What do you admire most about your mum? “My mum is so smart, she loves learning and everyday tries to be better no matter what challenges she faces, I admire so much how nothing stops her and she always finds the answers.”
What would you like to say to your mum this Mother’s Day? “I love you mum, you are my best friend. You’re doing a good job.” - Matina about Georgie
Most days, you’ll also find Yaya, Georgie’s mum, right by her side. It takes many generations to build something truly special, and at Georgie’s Harvest, that legacy is felt in every conversation, every connection and every detail at the stall.
Natasha + Mila (My Cookie Factory)
My Cookie Factory is built on family, community and an international love story that led owners Natasha and Juan to Australia, where they are now raising their four‑year‑old daughter, Mila. After joining the South Melbourne Market when Mila was just a baby, the Market quickly became home and the Market became the extended family they didn’t have nearby. From small daily gestures to birthday surprises, the people of the Market have played a huge role in Mila’s childhood, surrounding her with kindness and care. Mila already loves helping whenever she can, and when it comes to cookies, her favourite is anything with sprinkles.
What’s your mum’s superpower? “My mum works so hard and makes the best super cookies in the planet.”
What would you like to say to your mum this Mother’s Day? "I love you sooo much. You’re the best mummy ever. Thank you for my cuddles and snacks.” - Mila about Natasha
Kushna + Tika (Naneez Children's Wear / Under Your Wear
Kushna and her daughter Tika share more than a family bond. They share life at the Market. Kushna runs Naneez Children’s Wear and The Sock Shop, while just around the corner, Tika opened Under Your Wear, choosing to work close to her mum every day.
Together, they represent two generations supporting one another, built on love, resilience and a shared commitment to care, community and family.
What’s your mum’s best quality? “It’s hard to pick just one quality because she is truly such an amazing and inspirational mum. I would say her strength and resilience to face any of life’s challenges in tandem with her never ending and unconditional love, support and wisdom are stand out qualities I treasure. Mum’s sense of humour and her ability to leave all our conversations on a positive note is another great quality and I am so lucky I get to call her my mum.” – Tika about Kushna
Kelly + Jenny (Kelly's Massage)
Kelly has created a calm and caring space at Kelly’s Massage, where regulars feel instantly at ease. Over the years, her dedication and compassion have shaped not just her business, but the people around her. Her daughter Jenny has grown up watching her mum support others both at work and at home, learning firsthand what it means to lead with care.
What’s your mum’s best quality? “Her best quality is how caring she is. She always puts others first, making sure everyone around her feels supported and valued, at both work and home.” – Jenny about Kelly
Penny + Aphrodite (W.B. Smith and Co Kitchenware)
W.B. Smith and Co Kitchenware has been part of Market life for generations, offering an an Aladdin's Cave where all your cookware wishes will come true - no genie required. Penny’s dedication to the store has helped it become a go‑to destination for home cooks and professionals alike.
Her daughter Aphrodite has grown up surrounded by the rhythms of the stall, learning resilience, generosity and strength by watching her mum lead by example.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your Mum this Mother’s Day? “Happy Mother’s Day to a mum who has been a constant source of strength, love and support. Your resilience inspires me and your kindness comforts me. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made and for always putting family first. You’re my rock and my hero. Love you to the moon and back.” – Aphrodite about Penny
Angela + Yianni (Vangeli's Deli)
At the heart of Vangeli’s Deli is a close‑knit family, working side by side every day in the Deli Aisle. Run by husband-and-wife team Angela and John, the deli has been part of the Market community for 12 years and remains a true family affair. Known for her warm presence and creative flair, she’s the resident cheese expert and loves experimenting with new recipes, always eager to share ideas and inspiration with customers.
Angela's son-in-law, Yianni works closely alongside Angela, learning from her experience while bringing his own energy to the business. Their day-to-day dynamic reflects the strong family values behind Vangeli’s Deli. Together, they help deliver the premium offering Vangeli’s Deli is known for, from quality deli meats and cheeses to fresh dips and pestos, all served with heart.
What's your mum's best quality? "She's a good mother who knows how to support and love her children. With the ability to remain calm." - Yianni about Angela
Lucy + Aiden (In2Homewares)
Lucy has bringing heart and dedication to In2Homewares every day. What makes it even more special is sharing that time with her son, Aiden, who joins her most days and has become part of the natural rhythm of the stall. The family business has been a constant for more than 18 years, with Lucy and Tony working side by side, curating a trusted range of homewares loved by regulars and first‑time visitors alike. Tony often calls Lucy his “right arm”, but it’s the way Lucy and Aiden work together that shows just how deeply family is woven into the store.
What do you admire most about your mum? “She’s tough and hardworking with a gentle soul and a big heart that is endlessly caring and giving.” - Aiden about Lucy
Zarifa + Wayla (Zarifa's Collection)
Zarifa founded Zarifa’s Collection in Melbourne in the early 1990s, building a family business grounded in creativity, community and a love of fashion. Her daughter, Wayla, has been involved from a young age, working alongside her mum and helping select seasonal pieces that shape the brand today.
Drawn to the Market’s welcoming atmosphere and forward‑thinking spirit, Zarifa continues to find inspiration in the South Melbourne Market community.
What’s your mum’s best quality? “One of many of my mum’s best qualities are her resilience, strength and ability to always turn negatives into positives. She is held in high regard as a role model by every member of our family. I feel so blessed to be her daughter.” - Wayla about Zarifa
Rita + Sally (Rita's Coffee and Nuts)
Rita has been part of the Market for over 40 years and considers it part of the family. Her children were raised among the stalls, with weekends spent at the Market, proudly visiting mum at Rita's Coffee and Nuts and catching up with friends.
Today, Rita’s children, Sally, Sophia and Stephen work alongside her, finding joy in watching their mum connect with customers and seeing just how much she’s loved. Rita says her soul is at the Market, and anyone who visits can see exactly what she means.
What do you admire most about your Mum? “When I think about my mum, there are so many things I admire that it’s hard to choose just one. But if I had to put it into words, I would say I admire her strength, her kindness, and the way she always puts her family first. My mum is one of the strongest people I know. No matter what life throws at her, she handles it with courage and determination. She shows me every day what it means to be resilient. I also admire her kindness. She has the biggest heart and is always thinking about others. She has taught me how important it is to be caring and compassionate. What stands out the most is how much she loves her family. She always puts us first, making sure we are happy, supported, and cared for. No matter how busy or tired she is, she is always there for us, with a listening ear, comforting words, or a warm hug. My mum is not just my parent, but also my role model and my biggest supporter.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your Mum this Mother’s Day? This Mother’s Day, I want her to know how much she is loved and appreciated. not just today, but every single day.” - Sally about Rita