Fay Halkitis
Photos: Trish Chong
Editorial: Jessie James
Fay Halkitis’s Luna Beauty and Apothecary sits in a Victorian terrace on a leafy street corner in Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Fay’s vintage Mercedes is parked a few meters from the large windows that frame the front of the terrace. Inside there is a sense of looking inwards – the rooms are unassuming and without pretence but sophisticated and thoughtfully put together. The heady scent of incense is at once comforting and familiar. An antique glass display cabinet, apothecary shelving and Fay’s former dining table fill the front room, while in the enveloping treatment room behind, an antique kimono chest from Japan holds lotions and potions and a mirror is positioned to reflect a bookshelf from the raw wood framed treatment table.
Upstairs is Fay’s jewel box apartment that she shares with husband Tom and rescue dog Maya. Modest but beautifully rich in character, a collection of vintage handbags sits neatly on a dresser, paintings of landscapes and flowers in guilt frames sit amongst books neatly stacked on antique shelves and side tables.
Where are you from?
Sydney. I’ve always lived in the eastern suburbs and I love that I can live a stones throw from the city but still be so close to the ocean. My dad’s family is from Greece and I definitely feel a strong connection to the beautiful Mediterranean too.
Where have you lived previously?
My husband and I lived in London for a few years. London was such a great base for travelling around Europe. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to live in such an amazing city!
Could you tell us a little about your background?
My mum is a beauty therapist and that really inspired me to get my diploma. After I graduated, I started working as a facial therapist for Aesop and took the plunge to also study Naturopathy. It always felt like I was on the right path so I just trusted my gut feeling and kept building my dream of having my own store where people like myself could indulge in skincare and cosmetics but with the knowledge that every product they pick up is safe and natural.
What are you currently working on?
Each and every day I’m working on bettering myself, the store and what I can offer. The store has been open for almost two years so I’m still striving to build more clientele and I never stop searching for magical products to add to the store.
What are you most proud of?
Following my dreams.
What do you see as limitations, to your work or your everyday more generally?
Being a small business owner can feel liberating and limiting at the same time. Even though I love what I do, it can feel all encompassing at times and I can never quite step away from the business.
What is most important to you right now?
For now, my life is really centring around the business and continuing to help it flourish. We also rescued a dog, Maya, 6 months ago so we’ve been working on creating a lifestyle that benefits all three of us!
What or who are some of your influences?
My parents have been a huge influence for both their support and as small business owners themselves, they have instilled a strong work ethic in me. But they also try not to take things too seriously and help me see the silver lining in most situations.
I’m constantly inspired by nature, herbs, plants, different cultures, books, National Geographic, constellations, astrology.
If you could meet one person you admire?
David de Rothschild. I admire his passion and work as an environmentalist and he is also a qualified Naturopath!
If you could study anything, what would it be?
I would love to complete a Masters in Herbal Medicine.
What other interests or studies do you pursue?
This is quite a tricky question because I feel like my work involves all my interests. I focus my free time on cooking and enjoying food and I really value as much time at the beach as possible. Reading novels is another favourite pastime. Does shopping for vintage clothes and homewares count as an interest?
Your favourite neighbourhood (anywhere) and why?
Of course, it has to be Surry Hills! I genuinely love the sense of community here. Having a dog helps since half the population here also seem to have one.
What or who inspires you in your neighbourhood?
All the other small business owners are doing a wonderful job at creating a sense of community – Monocle recently did a story on the importance of maintaining villages within society and I think Surry Hills is succeeding.
Where do you like to spend time locally?
Organic Bread Bar, Bourke Street Bakery (yes, we love our sourdough), Rustic Pearl, The Standard Store, Artificer Coffee, Bill’s.
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I loved that aspect of life in Sarajevo, a city of so many interweaving stories, where you’ll hear bits and pieces from different people about the same incident for years.