The Catalyst to a Self-fulfilling Prophecy
Teresa Suchocki is a work in progress. And if overcoming challenges were an Olympic sport, a podium finish is assured.
I’m sure you are all familiar with stories of migrants who have achieved great success after overcoming monumental odds. Teresa, or Tess as she is known in the world of fashion is one such story.
In 1995 Teresa and her young family made the conscious decision to leave their native Poland to join relatives in Adelaide, South Australia -all this in the pursuit of opportunity. A sacrifice that is less heralded today than it was for those of my father’s generation. The euphoria of such an adventure was stymied somewhat by the challenges of an uncertain future enveloped by a culture far beyond anything she had ever imagined.
But when speaking with Teresa, you sense these challenges are but a catalyst projecting her toward a self-fulfilling prophecy.
To overcome the language barrier, Tess enrolled in English language classes offered by TAFE institutions. For her this was a way of avoiding the temptation for easy money offered by the country’s welfare system.
Learning a new language is much like being a good doctor – you’re always practising!
Despite her sensitivities, Teresa’s command of the English language has been good enough to entice many at the top end of the fashion industry.
The sewing skills Teresa learnt as a young woman in Poland soon attracted employers hungry for such talent. Yet the ambition to forge a path less travelled was not one that would be easily dismissed. That was in spite of the breakdown of her marriage.
In 2003 Teresa made the courageous decision to start her own business under the banner of Tess Fashions. In a stall within the confines of the Country Road building in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, Teresa Suchocki began to ply her trade. Alone and working seven-days-a-week earned enough business to warrant help.
One-by-one they came, migrants and locals alike, all with a similar story and all with similar ambitions – searching for an opportunity. Tess understands the motivation of those who look to her for inspiration. And if they were prepared to work, Tess is equally prepared to provide them that opportunity.
Four years ago Tess gave a young man from Africa an opportunity. Four years later that same gentleman is happily married; with a child and is about to negotiate a home loan with one of our banking institutions.
Today Tess Fashions boasts an A-List of clientele. Add to those a menagerie of professionals, blue-collar workers and corporate high-flyers, you get the impression that Teresa Suchocki is finally living her dream.
None is more deserving.
Tess Fashions
Level 2
180 Queen Street Mall
BRIBANE QLD 4000
Tel (07) 3210 0979
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