‘Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens’ Jimmi Hendrix

Name: Sarah Hendriks

Occupation: Part owner of Porch & Parlour café/wine bar, North Bondi

Hometown: Perth, Western Australia

Currently residing: Bondi, New South Wales

When I was a child I wanted to be… A florist, hence the why our cafe often looks like a jungle.

The studies I took to get where I am… I have a Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations. My wingman is a chef that plays guitar, so we merged interests & skills and opened Porch Parlour.

I’m inspired by…. My family. The entire gang.

My influences are… Music. That feeling when a song evokes melancholy, or completely alters your mood. Eating out – exploring other venues, ideally in other cities, other countries, capturing cultures.

People I admire… change makers, music makers, laughter makers.

I’m currently listening to…keeping with our theme Sylvan Esso – Coffee (MSMR remix), Drake/Sampha – Too Much (Chu. Rewerk) and of course Leure – Lightfields (Ash Hendriks, is my sweet sis)

Obstacles along the way… We face weekly bumps and hurdles, it’s the nature of hospitality. Dealing with all sorts of interesting personalities! A damaging fire when our drinks fridge exploded in the middle of the night was a large bump on our hospitality road, but with the support of the Bondi community and the Porch crew’s positive spirit we bounce back quickly!

The tools I can’t live without are… our slayer coffee machine (thanks Will & Co), fresh cut flowers & noise cancelling headphones.

My favourite place place to travel is… Our holiday shack in Yallingup WA – homeland.

I would like to travel… Mexico.

The highlights over the past 12 months have been… Moving Porch & Parlour closer to the ocean, expanding our brand/offering, and supporting Tame Impala as a cameo with my brother & sister (Leure).

Advice I have to share for those who want to get into this profession… Take your time, we sure did make plenty of mistakes along the way! As my Papa says ‘work your plan, plan your work’. Your staff are your most important asset, treat them as family, listen, learn & build an incredible culture, that is the key to success.

The latest project I’m working on… Dusting off the canon and getting serious about this food photography business!

Website / Facebook / Instagram

Contributor: Nadine Andrews

Photographer: Katrina James