Local Chick – Margaret Szabo from Bronte

By James Hutton on February 10, 2015 in People

Bronte resident Margaret Szabo runs her own maternity store in Charing Cross and enjoys making local mums look good. Margaret shares her local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here?
I moved to Bronte 18 years ago with my husband, Paul, and baby girl, Sara. Since then we have had two boys and another little girl. We love the area so much we have moved house twice, all within 200 metres.

What’s your favourite beach?
Bronte Beach. We have to live within walking distance of the beach so the boys can surf before school. The kids have all done nippers here; it’s a great family beach.

Where do you like to have a drink?
The Bronte surf club is great on a Sunday afternoon. It has the best view overlooking the beach, with lots of relaxed locals.

What’s your favourite eatery?
Anywhere within walking distance. When I’m working, I get my lunches from Stock Café, which has great home-cooked food. Uyen Vietnamese restaurant in Charing Cross is also a favourite destination.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?
The kids and husband are all into the Roosters and Waratahs, but my favourite team is whatever team my kids are in. I love to watch them play club rugby on the weekends.

What music are you into at the moment?
My daughter Sara Szabo is an emerging musician/singer-songwriter. The house is always full of music. I love some of the stuff she is putting
together at the moment; stay tuned.

Who is your favourite person?
My husband of 25 years, Paul, of course.

What do you get up to on the weekends?
Saturday morning is spent in my maternity store at Charing Cross, afternoons in winter are an endless round of the kids’ rugby, while in summer it’s always an afternoon at the beach, alfresco dining at home, or picnic dinners at Bronte Beach.

What do you do for work?
I have been in the rag trade forever. For the last 13 years I have been designing and manufacturing my own label, SZABO Maternity. We have recently transitioned from a wholesaler to our first retail store. I love the customer contact and helping our local mums look fabulous.

What’s your favourite thing about work?
I love the creative process in taking beautiful fabric and making it into a garment that mums enjoy wearing, then seeing them smile when they try it on and look lovely.

Do you have a favourite quote?
“Life’s too short” or “nothing changes if nothing changes”.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast?
To our beautiful Beast mummies, make sure you spoil yourself and enjoy the motherhood journey; it’s a unique and special time. To all other Beasties, don’t forget to shop local and support independent businesses that keep our local community alive!