Vera Xanthis, Business owner

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Resident of Seddon, lover of many, local business owner of Fig & Walnut

I’m originally from the northern suburbs, with a clothing and fashion background. I remember the clothing business was moving offshore and getting scaled down, so I decided to move on. It was an industry i fell into so i wasn’t really affected by the loss.

I began working in various industries mainly in strategic sales and customer service roles. I’m not going to lie I chased the dollars; my first corporate role was with a couple of bluechip insurance companies. I learnt so much however within 3 years I was burnt out.

At the request of my then partner George, I began working for their family’s business in Yarraville. Alfa Bakehouse Yarraville was in its third year running then. I spent the next four years there absolutely loving each and every day. I served all the locals and built great relationships and friendships.

In 2004 George and I were married and we both agreed that working together was not an ideal situation, so I spent the next five years working in recruitment and banking in the western suburbs.

Like I said I’ve done it! I’ve lived, clothed, fed, recruited and housed thousands of western suburbs people!

Fig && Walnut evolved after I have had enough of the corporate world. I was sick and tired of being a number, and felt like I had no control over my destiny.

I had a spiritual and emotional breakdown. I remember seeing a lot of numbers – ’11:11’ kept appearing. There are millions of people around the world who have seen ’11:11’ as well. I was becoming overwhelmed by this so i did some research on it. It turned out to be my personal wake up call.

My gateway and true purpose was about to begin unfolding. The numbers kept appearing and they were driving me crazy so I took up running to expel my adrenaline. Everything I was thinking was manifesting. I was running one sunny afternoon and ended up in Bellairs Avenue in Seddon. I remember stopping to breathe, looked up to see where I was, and saw 11 Bellairs Avenue. This was a vacant and derelict building crying out to be saved!

I took that as a sign so I got to work. I organised the title search letters to the owner and the conversation and negotiation took up to three years.

The last time the building was operational was in 1960 when it was still a general store.

The name Fig && Walnut was chosen not only because it suits the Mediterranean cuisine but also to honour my 85-year-old landlord who vowed to plant fig trees on all properties he owned. In 1945, he was denied a fig as a child from a rich woman in Italy.

I get pleasure from helping and giving to people. It’s all about community. I give without any expectations as I love making a difference in people’s lives even if it is for a day. I love meeting people from different cultures who have had different life experiences to myself. I’m a big believer in personal growth through human contact.

My parents migrated here in the late 60s with my siblings. I’m their ‘little kangaroo’ they tell me. I opted out of university to study drama and film and to travel back to my roots in Greece. Had i not taken that path i would not be here today but elsewhere.

Fig && Walnut is about giving back. I am extremely grateful for the community support the west has given us. It’s our aim to provide a space for not only good hearty food and great coffee but also a platform to hold and create awareness on topics and issues that the community feel strongly about or would like to be exposed to.

We recently held a vegan fundraiser for the not-for-profit organisation Climate for Change run by the wonderful and passionate Katerina Gaita.

We focus on sustainability practices where we see fit and are viably suited to our business. For example, we compost all our food waste daily, have a great vegie patch and have a no disposable plastic policy including bottled water.

Moving forward it’s been just a little over 12 months and we are delighted with our first year. We have a loyal following and it’s growing. We will be opening a few nights a week soon followed by a liquor licence and some exciting developments on the train line including edible gardens and pop up seating.

Having lived in Seddon for 20 years and seeing the immense change and growth, it’s important people find solace here.

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