Staff Anniversary Superstars
True-hearted staff don’t come better than Josie, Julie and Anne. Each of these devoted ladies have been a part of the Fella Family for over a decade, and for Josie over two decades as she hits a colossal 25 years this year.
We couldn’t go past the opportunity to showcase each of these fabulous ladies, as their support and commitment has been unwavering.
Starting in 1997, Josie has good memories of the early years. From when Fella herself was the head of the company, to now working with David and Sharon Hamilton, she loves the friendly, family work atmosphere. We find out what has kept Josie so busy over these years.
Q1. What is your role at Fella Hamilton and what does it involve?
I’m the Alterations Specialist at Fella Hamilton. We provide a service to our customers whereby they can have alterations done such as shortening and lengthening garments, adjusting elastic measurements as needed, or any other alteration that may be required where possible. In addition to that, I also receive Special Orders, for example, a customer may want a special colour or fabric to be made up in one of our styles. I also work in the Production department helping to get our orders out and ensure we meet our deadlines.
Q2. Has your role changed since you started working at the company, if so, how has it changed?
When I first started working for Fella Hamilton, it was at another location in St Kilda. I first helped in the Cutting Room laying up the fabric and also bundling, ticketing and preparing the work for the outdoor makers. Since then, my roles have included Alterations, Special Orders, Production work to get orders out, and Fit Model. Fit Model involves working with the Pattern Maker and Head Designer to ensure outfits are correct and consistent throughout the company.
Q3. What are your earliest memories from when you started at Fella Hamilton?
I have fond memories of Fella making us all feel like a big family. Back when I started 25 years ago, Fella Hamilton was still active and involved in all aspects as Head of the Company. Ann Webb and David Hamilton (Fella’s children) were helping her in the business and eventually took over with their spouses. They are good memories.
Q4. What do you enjoy most about working at Fella Hamilton, and do you have any experiences with Fella herself?
The friendly work atmosphere, we’re all one big happy family! Fella always came in looking very elegant and we were all inspired by her. I also thoroughly enjoyed the MS Walkathons which were joined by Fella and her family, rain or shine.
Q5. What has been your favourite Fella Hamilton garment that you’ve purchased?
My favourite was the Spangaro knitwear. It was all entirely sourced and made in Australia from the wool to end of manufacture. Everything about it was perfect. Also, I love the cashmere/wool coats designed by our Head of Design, Adrienne.
Finding her passion for the rag trade early, Julie has brought a wealth of experience to the Fella Hamilton company since starting 10 years ago. Working in the Cutting Room as a Marker and Cutter, what she values the most, is the strong friendships she’s made over the years.
Q1. What is your role at Fella Hamilton and what does it involve?
My position is Marker & Cutting Assistant. The position involves making markers for orders, laying up fabric for styles to be cut, fusing lining onto fabrics, quality control of fabrics and cutting garments.
Q2. Has your role changed since you started working at the company, if so, how has it changed?
After working so many years in my previous employment, I was excited to be starting at Fella Hamilton yet nervous as I didn't know if things would be done in similar ways - I had been in my last job for 25 plus years! But after getting to know all of my colleagues and building good friendships with the people I work closely with, the transition to new employment was very enjoyable. I also had previous colleagues start working with me at Fella Hamilton which was great.
I was made to feel very welcome by other department teams at Fella Hamilton, and the support I received from David, Sharon and Ann is the main reason why I’m still here today.
Q3. What was your work life before Fella Hamilton?
I worked at a few different places after I finished school. One was as a cashier at a local supermarket and another was cleaning in my father’s Butcher shop. I soon found my passion for sewing and started working at UNI Clothing. I then had a short stint at Forbes Fashion, before starting at Black Apple/ Apple Apparel where I worked for over 25 years.
At Black Apple, I started working as a plain machinist and then moved to two needle machines and overlocking. I later gained an opportunity to work in the cutting room laying strips and had a little dabble in markers. I enjoyed the Cutting room as it was where I spent the next 20 years before Black Apple decided to close its doors.
Q4. What do you enjoy most about working at Fella Hamilton?
For me, it’s the people I work with and the friendships I’ve made. I still find my job very fulfilling – no markers are the same and each day has its own challenges. As a team we get the job done.
Q5. What has been your favourite Fella Hamilton garment that you’ve purchased?
I’ve had a garment made for me, which has been one of my favourite wardrobe pieces!
As Sharon Hamilton puts it “Anne is an amazing worker with so much energy” and we all agree. Starting over 10 years ago, Anne remains the earliest of birds at the factory, beginning her day long before anyone else, and the Despatch team where she works can’t live without her.
Q1. What is your role at Fella Hamilton and what does it involve?
I work in Despatch and my role has me mostly organising the replacement of garments which have been sold in the stores. I also get new season styles ready to go out to stores as they arrive from the manufacturers. The role involves receiving and counting stock, barcoding, putting stock away and into unique storage areas.
Q2. Has your role changed since you started working at the company, if so, how has it changed?
My role has stayed mostly the same, but within the role around 5 years ago, the company introduced scanners which made it much quicker to replace and send new garments out. It took time to adapt to this new system, but now this system makes it much more efficient and was a change in the right direction.
Q3. What are your earliest memories from when you started at Fella Hamilton?
When I started, there were a lot of staff in the Despatch team, and everyone was very friendly and helpful towards me as the newcomer.
Q4. What was your work life before Fella Hamilton?
Before Fella Hamilton, I was working in a similar company in the warehouse. My duties were the same sort of thing as what I’m doing now.
Q5. What do you enjoy most about working at Fella Hamilton?
The company is friendly and we have plenty of laughs!
It’s a dynamic place to work with plans that change every day, so it never gets boring here. There’s so much that goes on in Despatch that I need to be flexible and prepared to jump in when it’s needed. Especially over Covid, I had to adapt quickly in my job as the company maintained operating with Scrubs and Masks being made. This kept everyone including myself employed and very busy.
Apart from that, it’s so great that I am offered flexibility in my working hours which suits me with family needs.
Q6. Do you have any experiences working with Fella herself?
I didn’t work with Fella because when I started, she had already retired. But I had the pleasure of seeing her at functions which she would often attend.
Q7. What has been your favourite FH garment that you’ve purchased?
My favourite would definitely have to be the Ponti Seam Detail Leggings. They are long and so comfortable.
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