This week’s Business Ninja is Rina Chia, the mastermind behind vintage treasuretrove extraordinaire Take 2 Markets. I first met Rina at last year’s MSFW Stonnington Fashion Industry Forum, and was immediately impressed by her terrific follow-up and innovative concept. What better to offer women than a way to supplement their wardrobe with quality vintage pieces, sell valuable items they may no longer need – and have a fun day socialising into the bargain? A little bird tells me that the next Take 2 Markets is coming up shortly… so scroll to the bottom of the blog after reading Rina’s interview to see upcoming dates for 2012. Here’s Rina!

1. What makes your Take 2 Markets magical, setting you apart from other vintage markets?

Take 2 Markets (T2M) was the first market of its kind and other markets have sprouted up since, merely copying a successful formula without any innovation. We are constantly evolving, offering our customers/likers/followers new products, great competitions and opportunities to interact and offer suggestions on how we can further improve our events. I also believe we have the best locations and a fabulous array of stallholders selling quality goods. T2M has won a business innovation award and was a finalist for another award (full details on website). We participated in LMFF cultural program in 2010 as well.  T2M is my business which I put my heart & soul into and we have been lucky to have such a loyal following which is ever growing.

2. What are your maddest ‘ninja skillz’ in business?

I love to bring people together – call it networking, socialising, mingling – whatever! I love connecting and helping other people in their businesses. Another skill (not so much a business skill, but a skill nonetheless) – my bargain finding ability! Not only at the market but at op shops, garage sales – you name it. Just the other day I found a Gucci belt for $5.

3. How did your lightbulb moment in creating your business come about?

I was having a stall at Camberwell market and the rain came in drenching me and my stuff I was selling. I thought about having an indoor fashion market and found that someone had beat me to it! I got my wish though – rather than starting from scratch, an opportunity presented to buy the Take 2 Markets business from the founder and have lovingly nurtured and grown it since 2008. I loved the fact that someone else had done the legwork and I was able to step in and run with it.

4. What is your earliest memory?

My mother telling me off for looking over the edge of the rooftop at our apartment building in Vienna. I was about 3 years old.

5. What would your last meal be?

Probably oysters with  Laurent Perrier Champagne,  tacos and  margaritias followed by some fresh fruit.

6. What is your best tip for choosing working partners?

Everyone I know says don’t ever have a business partner! As for employees, I look for people who “get” me and my business. Reliability & honesty are right up there as well.

7. What is your favourite sound?

Silence – I hear so little of it….

8. Who would you like to invite to dinner?

My parents who sadly died too young and my grandparents whom I never got to know (they lived overseas)

9. What is something unexpected that has come from your work?

The opportunities – meeting wonderful people, connecting through social media, invitations to all manner of launches, parties and other fun things. Also the business side of it I didn’t expect to enjoy so much – I really enjoy talking with and learning from other business people and sharing knowledge and skills. 

10. What’s the best thing you’ve ever nabbed at Take2Markets?

 Too many to mention! A favourite recent purchase was a Fleur Wood silk dress/kaftan – bargain at $40.