Raffaele Ciuca Bridal has proudly housed Australia’s most expansive selection of wedding dresses for over 65 years. Established in 1956 by Tina and her husband Raffaele Ciuca, the family, now in its 4th generation, continues to deliver masterful tailoring and fine garments to clients across Victoria and beyond. Exclusively stocking international labels including Berta, Pronovias, Vera Wang and many more, the Pallozzi and Greco family continue to connect to their Abruzzo roots by offering Mediterranean warmth, hospitality and true customer focus. We caught up with Patricia and her mum, Tina, the matriarch of the family and CEO, to learn more about the family business, as well as reflect and appreciate all the family has achieved.
Tell us about your business?
It all started with Dad on his bike back in Abruzzo, Italy. He would deliver beautifully tailored garments and we’ve built our family business since arriving in Melbourne really. When Dad passed away, we all stepped up, not only to support Mum in the business but in all aspects of life. We have always worked together. You know, we’re Mediterranean! That’s how we do things. Now all three ladies lead the family as joint directors, Tina, Claudia and Patricia. We help each other and all pitch in to get the job done. Beyond our terrific staff, is Mum, Tina, our Managing Director. I work across Marketing and HR, and Claudia, my sister, manages our Operations -policy and procedures. My husband, Joe, looks after IT and Claudia’s husband, Sario, has a finance background, which means we all have separate lanes. Over the last 6 months, we’ve welcomed our son Stephen to the business. He joined us recently at the FBA Conference and is learning the ropes in Executive Operations.
What has been your greatest success?
Being in family business and embracing our Mediterranean background. We deliver warmth for our customers in-store, just as we do when we welcome friends and family into our homes. Celebrating staff who have been with us for, in some cases, 35 years. It's those milestones that make us proud to have continued Dad's vision, his legacy.
Why did you join FBA?
In a family business, it can be isolating. We gain a sense of community. Connecting with family members from similar backgrounds, we can all relate to the challenges and roundabouts. Being part of FBA gives us a shared goal and allows us to celebrate our successes together and learn from others who are in this special community.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Be true to your family values. Stick to your guns and stay authentic.
(Whilst listening to our conversation from her garden, Tina shared this beautiful story.)
Treat your workers like family because they are! The kids would come to work straight from school. Not our kids but our staff. They were hungry so we’d buy ice cream and I’d just cook more of what I’d cook for the family dinner. That is now a tradition Stephen will take over and give back to the team the true values we live by.
Our family motto is Stronger together, Più forti insieme.
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