Our Team
Hidden Valley staff October 2011
L-R: Back - Smokey, Matthew, Tomoko, Deb. Middle row - Kylie, John, Ali. Front - Melanie, Christine, Kerry
Missing - Tuti and Jaye
Ali asked all the staff to write about themselves - what they had done before and what they considered their good qualities. Many found this really difficult!
Sales - Shop & Mail Order
Christine (Thursday, Friday)
Self description:
I come originally from South Wales, UK. I have lived in the North for the last 37 years, the last 28 in beautiful Broome. Having worked in offices and hardware stores I am now very happy at Hidden Valley.
Most importantly, I'm a wife and mother to 3 wonderful children, 4 grandchildren (one just new), and another 2 on their way. I'm caring, considerate, loyal, compassionate, loving and naturally intuitive.
Favourite part of the job?
Working with happy, helpful, like minded people makes Hidden Valley a great place to be. Morning teas are definitely a highlight. Dislikes? I miss working the same day as Pat - loved her laughter.
Kerry (Monday, Tuesday)
Self description:
I have been a Broome local for 29 years. I was previously an owner of a retail store in Chinatownfor 13 years and I've been in customer service since leaving school. I'm hardworking, a good communicator and customer service person. I'm happy, diplomatic, honest and reliable and have a genuine love of people.
Favourite part of the job? Walking in and being uplifted by fantastic aromas. And working with a happy and helpful crew.
Melanie (Wednesday)
(Our daughter)
Self description:
I was born in Wyndham WA and grew up in Broome, trained as a hairdresser locally. I have 14 years in the beauty industry, trained with the well know Aveda Concept. I moved to the UK, to travel, and be with my husband and to further my passion for styling and hair. I recently moved back to learn all about Hidden Valley!
I am carefree, love people and products, love nature and life - grounded earth sign, think I can do anything and everything all at once (but can't really!).
Favourite part of the job? I love the products! I love the beautiful natural ingredients and I love knowing what's in the products. I love seeing the creativity from all the team at HV everyday!
Worst part of the job? Trying to find the jars, lids, bottles etc.!
Sales - Markets
Tuti
Tuti works at the Saturday Courthouse markets, it's her first job, and we love her - she is willing, intelligent, polite and is just starting to meet Smokey & Matthew's cheek with some of her own.
Self Description: I grew up in Indonesia, and I came to Australia 3 years ago. 
Now I am a student at St Mary's College. I am friendly, wierd (in a good way), funny and a tomboy.
Favourite part of the job? The people who I work with are really nice and funny. I like meeting new people and local people, and I love the soaps.
But I still think that Smokie needs a phone!! (:
Matthew
(Our son in law)
One of the Three Marketeers!
Self Description: I was born in the North East of England and grew up in a town called Jarrow (so I'm a Geordie). I attended Newcastle Uni where I studied Architecture. I moved to Broome to work for a year and it was here where I met my wife Melanie. We both moved back to England and then did some travelling around Europe. After this we both moved back to Broome and joined the team at Hidden Valley. I am a fun social person who loves to have a laugh.
Favourite part of the job?: Working on the market you get to meet a lot of nice people that are passionate about the products we produce at Hidden Valley.
Dislikes? Cucumber - I hate the stuff!
Production - Candles
John
(the candle man and morning tea maker)
Self description:
I previously worked before in northwest mines (iron ore), then offshore oil & gas. I'm humorous and laid back (see picture).
Favourite part of the job?
Walking on Cable beach, playing golf and Smoko - all part of the job.
Note: Our old friend John, who lives at our place, works for nothing, just to be part of the team. We all love him to bits and appreciate his fabulous morning teas!
Production - Soap
Kylie
Kylie is in charge of the soap making kitchen, but also works in the Luscious Ladies' Lab, bottling essential oils, mists, massage oils etc.
Self description:
I am from Perth. I have always worked in retail. I am a mum of 2 boys and also am training to become a wildlife rehabilitator, so I am kept busy most days. I am a quiet, honest and hardworking person.
Favourite part of the job? I love working with such lovely people, and morning teas prepared by Johnny are awesome.
Deb
Deb joined Kylie in the soap kitchen in April. She had a previous career in rock music work
ing internationally, eg. with Neil Young. She returned to Australia doing festivals for Womad and corporate special events. Deb worked at Hidden Valley once before when she first moved back to Broome, and this is her third time living here. (Some people can never successfully leave!) Self description: Passionate campaigner for a Gas Free Kimberley. No industrialisation of the Dampier Peninsula. Horse, dog and cat lover (and Mad Bastard, an extra in the recent film).
Favourite part of the job? 1. Marbling the colour into the soap, 2. Smelling the delicious essential oil blends, 3. Seeing how they turn out on Thursdays, 4. Morning tea with my friends.
Production - Cosmetics
Tomoko
Tomoko has recently migrated from Japan to Broome. She has learned to make cosme
tics, under guidance from Rachael and Ali.
Self description: I love travelling and creating things. All countries and towns have different views, colours, foods, smells, feelings, nature, people, languages, cultures, religions.... everything. They give me great inspiration.
Favourite part of the job? I am interested in using natural herbal cosmetics and in Western influences.
Packaging
Now done by Kerry, Melanie and Christine (above)
Computing
Jaye 
(our son)
Self description:
I WAS the Muscles Market Machine and Awesome Market Crazy Dude. Being the son of Brian and Ali I was groomed for the markets at a very young age, and thus can't remember a pre-market life! But now while I study audio engineering in Perth I just fix Hidden Valley computers via a remote link, or I update their hardware when I come home on holidays.
Favourite part of the job?
The market social scene.
Owners and general dogs' bodies
Smokey (Mr Fixit)
Self description:
I originally came from Perth, was an accountant. I am "old" with grey hair, glasses, have a good sense of humour, I'm kind, considerate, smart and good natured.
Favourite part of the job?
Working with such lovely women and the morning teas. Dislike? Packing for Saturday markets and getting up at 5 am!
Ali
Self description:
Lived in New Guinea, Perth, Amsterdam then the Kimberley for the last 27 years. Once was Law librarian at UWA. I'm a loner, big hearted, compassionate, love plants, ideas and people (preferably not too many at once).
Favourite part of the job?
The amazing opportunities for self expression and creativity - creating products, a happy team, a network of like-minded customers, and a successful business embodying love. Always having something to give away, and having a solid place in the community.