What in the Question – Wen McLachlan

For March’s What is the Question, Roland chats with Wen and Ware owner, Wen McLachlan.

 

What is your name?

Wen McLachlan.

What is your occupation?

Owner of Wen and Ware Living Stores – Ballarat and Malvern. We seem to be bucking the trend and they are successful.

What brought you to Ballarat?

I was born in Ballarat; educated here, studied teaching here, and taught here for seven years before transferring to Melbourne to teach. I returned to Ballarat in 1988 after my husband and I purchased the Capri Café. I have been in the Mall – Wen and Ware – for 32 years.

What is your favourite spot in the city?

Lake Wendouree, the Botanical Gardens, and our Grand Boulevard – Sturt Street.

What is your earliest memory?

A black back jumping through the window in Carlton Street, where we lived. I was in my cot.

What do you like to cook?

A slow-cooked roast lamb with all the trimmings for the family to get together.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve purchased – property aside?

Probably my car – WEN 2 – and a leopard print sofa.

What building would you choose to be?

The Taj Mahal – simply the most magnificent structure. I have seen it many times on my travels to India over 40 years, and it always inspires.

What is your most treasured possession?

Well I guess it would have to be my arm party of silver bracelets which I wear. There is ten of them and they are never taken-off.

What is the greatest love of your life – apart from friends and family?

Travel, and I am very blessed to have been able to travel to so many places in the world.

What or who inspires you?

My husband, Doug. He is an exceptional human being; so intelligent, insightful, and spiritual.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

The Greek islands and the southern coast of Turkey. I love the water, and of course, the sun and the food.

What music and television do you like?

I’m a global music lover – Buddha Bar has always been a favourite, and we’ve played it in the shop since day one.

What is your favourite quote?

Don’t forget until too late, that the business of life is not business, but living!

What person – living or dead would invite to dinner party?

My dad, Max. He died when I was 18, and I would love for him to see how his family has turned-out.

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Compassion – it is the most important. Everyone should display it in their lives.

What was your first job?

On the conveyor belt at the Sunshine Biscuit Factory, Victoria Street. I was on the assorted sreams. I was at teachers’ college at the time, and I only lasted a couple of weeks. I couldn’t keep-up with the pace on the line!!

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

A television cooking demonstrator. It looked so glamourous. I still love watching Nigella Lawson.

What scares you?

Getting sick while travelling overseas. Last year, I caught dengue fever in India and spent 11 days in hospital in Chennai. So now it’s a worry for me.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

‘If it was easy everyone would do it’, and ‘you are the architect of your own destiny’. My mother, Shirley (93), always instilled in me the belief you can be whatever you want to be in this life. I’ve always gone with her treasured advice.