Introducing Ben Mooney, the creative brains behind Ma House which is a space for photoshoots + events and then downstairs in the same building, you’ll find Ma House Supply Store - one of our fave vintage stores in Melbourne, based in Johnston Street, Collingwood.
Ben lives in an eclectic apartment above his vintage store and the entire space is a haven of inspiration and endless treasure for the vintage collectors (ahem, the entire Sage x Clare team).
You might recognise this space from some of our imagery, we’ve now had two photoshoots at Ma House, both times we’ve walked away with our hands full upon leaving the downstairs store. There’s something so special about every single piece that Ben finds.
In this Heart-to-Heart, we’re chatting about the philosophy of vintage shopping (buckle in for some amazing tips), life as a business owner, how to spend 24 hours in Collingwood and all things interiors.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi Sage and Clare, I'm Ben Mooney, a collector, curator and shopkeeper who runs Ma House and Ma House Supply Store, in Johnston street, Collingwood.
Can you tell us the story behind Ma House Supply Store? What inspired you to start this business?
Recently Ma House Supply Store turned 3 and I forgot to tell everyone because I forget everything... but this question made me realise that I've actually been doing this for a while now! Prior to the store I had an apartment on Smith Street that I rented out for photoshoots and it was really popular and people were always trying to buy things from me. Before that, I worked a phone job for a skip hire company in 'waste management' for 7 years. I don't have a degree or a sugar daddy so I thought I better open a shop to make a job for myself.
What’s the philosophy behind the pieces you choose for Ma House?
Number 1 is that i have to love the piece myself. For me, the shop is an extension of my home (I live upstairs) and I'm quite house proud. I also feel the need to surround myself with beauty. I've never chosen something for the shop just because i think it will sell. I only pick things that speak to me and that I want to gaze upon while watching over the shop.
If you had to pick just one, what’s been your favourite memory since starting Ma House Supply Store?
That's a very hard question but I think being asked by Incu and Bode to collaborate on a room inside the Incu store. It was such an honour to be asked to work with two brands that I really respect.
There was also a really shit period about six months into the business where I thought I was about to lose everything. I wrote a post on instagram and was so shocked by the outpouring of love that followed. There is so much community out there.
Owning a business can be exhuasting, what brings you a sense of calm if you’re feeling stressed?
My favourite thing to do is to take my dog Goody to Fitzroy Gardens and just sit there. It doesn't really matter what season it is, there is always somewhere special in the park to sit and regather. The other thing is cleaning but its a double-edged sword because if things aren't clean, I just get stressed again!
What are your most prized possessions in your home? What pieces will you never-ever part with?
I get this question and it always stumps me. I'm a collector and really do feel a special spark with everything. When I was about 27 I decided that I didn't want to own things I didn't like. I didn't want a shit ugly fry pan or a sad old couch. So for years I've been buying things that make me happy and will last and that can sort of weave a little story of my life and interests. This doesn't have to be new or expensive, just a thoughtful choice that I want to be around this thing forever.
Shop our new dine range here.
Vintage shopping tips for a beginner? How do you know when to buy and when to walk away?
My number one tip is to calm down. Don't rush into a place thinking "I need this and this". See what is there, take it all in and let your eye return to the things that are speaking to you. For me, there is a gut reaction to beautiful things and some kind of urge that says "I must have it".
A lot of people ask themselves: where will I put it? To me this is a ridiculous question. When you put something in your home, no one is setting it into concrete in one spot. See where it works, see how it speaks to other things in your home. When I buy something new, I often put it on a little table near the bed so I can appreciate it for a while, and after a day or two I know exactly where it can live. Your gut is usually right, just go with it.
Don't get caught up in trends or 'aesthetics' buy good quality things that will last a long time and tell the world what kind of person you are. Buy things on your travels they are life long post cards from your former self.
You do you, remember this always. Personal style is just that - personal. It took me years to realise, that the things that I thought were weird about myself, were my best qualities.
Shop resin here. And shop our dine range here. Flowers by the team at Fig & Bloom.
In your opinion, what makes a house feel like a home?
Fabrics, flowers and smell come to mind first. A home has to be practical but also a celebration of you and your family. A home should be a window into its owner's mind.
Who has influenced your eye for design the most? What lessons did you pick up from them?
I don't have a huge collection of books. I always forget designers and movements. Objects tend to be my biggest inspiration but I always think of my mum when I get this question. Perhaps it something innate we both share in our DNA. We both have emotianal reactions to colours or textures. We're always telling each other to look at things, "look at the bark on that tree" or "look at that trim on that door". We are both always looking, always checking the scene and I guess, analysing the parts that make up the whole.
Shop bedding here and bathe here.
If someone was visting Collingwood for the first time and had 24 hours to spend there, how exactly would you tell them to spend it?
Well Ma House Supply Store opens at 12noon most days, so first take a walk in Fitzroy Gardens, walk down Gore Street and go have coffee at Napier Quarter. I get all my daily needs on Smith Street - flowers from Tribal Rose, I'm partial to a sausage roll from Falco or a banh mi from Joey Bun Mi or N.Lee Bakery or Magpie... depends on the day. For dinner - Cam’s Kiosk is always a go-to or Julie Restaurant if its something more special.
Follow Ben's antique shop on Instagram here.
Check out the Ma House event/ photoshoot space here.
Shop the new Sage x Clare Isla collection here.
Flowers in our Kalinda Vase, gifted by the team at Fig & Bloom.
With a whole lotta love xx