tale's liz palmieri
Tale is a collaboration between three interesting and varied people. The idea behind it was formed at the Somserset property of Celia Philo (graphic designer, interior stylist and mother of Celine designer Phoebe Philo). Melbourne's Steve Hibberd was admiring a piece of furniture there and commented to his partner Liz Palmieri how hard it was to find such items in Australia. That piece became the first part of Tale, a company that sources vintage furniture and homewares from Europe, making them accessible to the Australian market. Tomorrow the triumvirate launch a pop-up shop in Melbourne's Prahran. Meet Liz...
Which five words best describe you? Relaxed, easygoing, a little bit quirky, usually organised and sometimes bossy (especially in the kitchen!).
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I actually started my working life as a kindergarten teacher, then moved into a buying role for an online retailer during the dot com boom, I started sourcing products in Asia whilst with the retailer and then moved to Singapore for a new sourcing role which saw me establishing supplier relationships across the Asia Pacific region. I travelled extensively with this job and saw many places that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise. The Tale business allows me to combine my sourcing experience with my passion for interiors and design, plus I get to work for myself which is very liberating.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? When you see something you love in your travels, always buy as you never know when you will be back.
What’s your proudest career achievement? On a small scale, I am always proud when something I have chosen as a buyer sells well. On a much grander scale, I am very proud of the relationships I set up in my last role, when I left the business there were 73 supplier relationships in place across 11 countries.
What’s been your best decision? Starting Tale. I really love spending my days thinking and talking furniture and design.
Who inspires you? My partner, Steve. (he's my fiancé, but that's such a naff word isn't it?) He is interested and interesting, always full of life and spontaneous, he encourages me constantly and provides me with motivation. He also makes me laugh on a daily basis.
What are you passionate about? Design in all it's forms but specifically interiors, furniture, fashion and art. I love food, cooking and eating too!!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Oh goodness, that is a hard one. There are so many... Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, Grace Kelly, Tom Ford, Bruce Weber, and Madonna, I've been a fan of hers for years!
What dream do you still want to fulfill? I love big cities, and so living in New York is a one dream I'm hoping will come true.
What are you reading? The new Nigella Lawson cookbook Kitchen. I appreciate how she includes an interesting anecdote with each recipe, it really brings the book to life and makes me feel like is chatting to me.
images courtesy of tale