This time they had been announced as the ‘Business of the Year’ and she said she still didn’t believe it until her Dad Harry, who started the business over 40 years ago, jumped up and almost ran to the stage to collect the award.
“That’s when I knew it was true,” she said.
“We’ve had plenty of award wins before but never ‘Business of the Year’, it was a very proud moment.”
Maria put the win down to the hard work of her family as well as to the support and loyalty of customers.
“They’ve been popping in and out all day to congratulate us, they’re just so excited for us,” she said.
“This award is for them as much as for us.”
Old hands at winning, Hair Appeal and Connection in Revesby was named as the Most Outstanding in the Hairdresser category.
“It is our eighth award win,” owner George Trippis said.
“But every win feels like our first, it was just thrilling.”
He said they felt blessed having so many wonderful customers.
“Thank you so much for all of your love and support, we wouldn’t be here without you,” he said.
“My wife and colleague Lucy and I believe that you treat people as you would like them to treat you.
“You’ve got to be true to yourself and always honest to the customer, with customer service always our number one priority.”
Winning the Jewellery Store category, Nader Fine Jewels Bankstown owner Narelle Nader says it’s not their first award win but it was a special one since it had been a few years.
With the business started by her Dad Tadros over 30 years ago, Narelle said she thought their consistency of operation helped their success.
“We’ve always been here at the Bankstown centre and customers know they can rely on us for quality items and services as they have done over three decades,” she said.
“I want to thank all of our wonderful, loyal customers for voting for us. We feel very proud.”
