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Interview with Sussan General Manager Colleen Callander

Posted in: Interviews | 19 April 2010

Interview with Sussan General Manager, Colleen Callander What's your role at Sussan?
I have been with the Sussan Group for nearly 11 years. I spent 9 years at Sportsgirl and then 2 years ago I moved across to Sussan as General Manager. I have always loved fashion and my background is retail operations so I get the best of both worlds. Every day is different and exciting. I am very fortunate to work with an amazing bunch of people, who are excited about the journey the Sussan business is on.

What's happening at Sussan this Mother's Day?
Our latest catalogue - Wake up to Winter - is full of fantastic gift ideas and beautiful sleepwear. Also, we have a gift card offer on, where if you spend over $100 on any purchase you will receive a $20 gift free.

What's your favourite piece in the new Wake up to Winter catalogue?
I absolutely love the new 'Wake up to Winter' catalogue. I especially love the White Romance collection. It's pretty, soft and feminine.

I also love the cheeky front cover and that there is something for everyone in the catalogue.

How will you be spending this Mother's Day?
Mother's Day morning for me is never a sleep in. My mother, sister and I always do the Mother's Day Classic run in Geelong for breast cancer each year, so it's up and in the car before the kids even wake and down the freeway to Geelong. It's always a nice morning and I get to spend the morning with my mother on Mother's day.

Then back home to Brighton to an overexcited household. My husband and 3 children always go shopping the week before and I am always very spoilt.

Macey, my 5 year old, is always very eager to give me the gifts and card she has made me. So for the rest of the day I normally get around in a macaroni necklace or a funny face badge... they are always the best presents!

Lunch is always special on Mother's Day. A roast lunch is always on the menu and everyone pitches in, which makes it a great but hectic time in the kitchen.

What's your favourite Mother's Day treat?
Macey and I always bake a chocolate cake together the day before - chocolate cake is my favourite! Our favourite chocolate cake recipe is below. Enjoy!
Interview with Sussan General Manager, Colleen Callander Cake ingredients
1 1/2 cups plain flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 pinches salt
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
1/2 cup milk (or water)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (flavourless)
2 eggs

Icing ingredients
270g softened butter
3 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons lukewarm milk

Method
  1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C.
  2. Grease a 9 inch (23 cm) cake tin.
  3. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, sugar and vanilla essence in a bowl.
  4. Add milk/water, vegetable oil and eggs.
  5. Mix everything together until smooth, either by hand or by using an electric mixer at slow speed. If the batter is too runny you may add slightly more flour.
  6. Transfer to bake tin and bake at 180 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.
  7. After the cake has cooled, slice the cake through the middle to make two layers (easier if the cake has been in the fridge).
Icing
  1. Cream the softened butter with powdered sugar in a bowl. Add cocoa, vanilla and 4 tablespoons of lukewarm milk, and mix until smooth. Do not over-mix. If necessary, add some more milk.
  2. Use one 1/3 of the icing between the two layers, 1/3 on top, and the rest around the cake.