Karlee Slater is the girl with the charming smile and beautifully styled vintage outfits serving you at Captains of Industry. On meeting her for the first time you just know she has to have an interesting story; and some seriously good vintage clothing connections. So we asked some questions and found out how she came to be working in the hospitality industry.
What’s the abridged version of your history?
I was born in QLD 25 years ago, I’m the oldest of three kids. I was always into music and art, and started sewing when I was about 10.
How did you find yourself living in Melbourne?
My husband was offered his dream job building hot rods in Collingwood and I wasn’t really over the moon with my job as an art therapist in a special school, so we fixed up our house, gave away lots of our stuff, and drove down!
Have you always worked in the hospitality industry?
No. First job was a bra fitter at target, then managing a Portmans store. I then started working as a barista throughout Uni, where I also tutored, worked in bookshops, and as a freelance journalist.
What’s your connection with food and coffee?
I work at Captains of Industry, which uses locally roasted Bailey Coffee and serves some of the best, locally sourced, fresh food around.
Do you have an early food memory?
The one that quickly comes to mind is making little tarts from Mum’s leftover pastry dough when I was 5.
How did you find yourself working at Captains of Industry?
I came to Melbourne as Captains had just opened. Everyone I met in Melbourne said I should go, because I’d love it, so I visited a few times. I’m a tailor as well (I make made to measure vintage clothing) and was called by Thom (who also offers a made to measure service) for some advice on a pair of pants one of his clients wanted. I spent more time at Captains and when I left my old job at St Ali in South Melbourne, I went in to see if they needed a hand. As it happened, the cafe was packed, and James was short staffed, so he offered me the job straight away. It was a case of right place, right time.
What do you love about working there?
EVERYTHING. The atmosphere, the customers, the sense of community, the amazing potential for growth, the food, the coffee, and the fact that there are three wonderful guys who believe in what they’re doing. I love my job. It’s nice to watch a place grow from the beginning.
What is the draw card for customers?
All of the above! It’s a good spot to sit, no one bothers you, the menu is always changing, the atmosphere is peaceful and it’s somewhere customers can bring their friends and feel proud to show them a cool new space.
Who creates the menu every day?
James.The menu is based on what we can get at the markets and what is in season. We always offer a soup or similar hot food, which is made fresh each morning. James is a great cook and is passionate about using the best quality ingredients. As a result, there’s something for all tastes. It’s typed up at breakfast and lunch on our shop typewriter.
You always looks so perfectly put together, what is it about the vintage style that appeals to you?
The effort. People today dress for comfort, and although I like to be comfortable, I believe that making the effort to look your best at all times shows respect for yourself and for those around you. I also like to wear what suits me. I’ve tried the whole “jeans and a t shirt” thing, but I feel like a slob! I have a rather curvy figure and clothes that hang off the body, or sit around the hips, don’t do very much for it. I am a big believer in making the most of your assets. There’s a reason I won’t be seen dead in a miniskirt, but will happily wear a late 50s wiggle dress. I do get strange looks from people sometimes, but really, what’s the worst they can think? “There goes that girl who wears old clothes?” I’d much prefer that than “There goes that girl in the tiny pants.” Mae West once said : “I like my clothes tight enough to show I’m a woman, and loose enough to show I’m a lady.” That pretty much sums up my approach to dressing!
Apart from working at Captains what else do you do?
I make clothes for whoever wants them! I have a blog and offer a made to measure tailoring/alterations service, where I make vintage clothing from 30s-50s patterns. I started The Golden Age out of frustration – it is really hard to find vintage style clothes that aren’t covered in cherries, swallows, or skulls that fit well. My clothes are traditional vintage – no modern materials, no tacky prints, just true, authentic vintage garments. Soon I will be opening a show room in the GPO building.
What do people not know about you?
Lots! That I was in a hardcore band, that I’m a high school English teacher, that I have a passion for old cars…but it’s nice not to know too much about people straight away. Come up to Captains for a coffee and I’ll tell you what you want to know!
