Creating his happiness

Having the courage to follow his own path has led Pele Liascos on a journey to find his own particular brand of success.

Energy, creativity and a love of building things has been the guiding force for CBC Old Boy Peleus Liascos for as long as he can remember. The happy combination has resulted in a diverse and very-Freo business portfolio, with the 2012 graduate being a successful café owner, vintage car restorer, surfboard shaper, and producer of unique clothing and accessories.

After graduating from CBC, Pele dabbled in the building industry, studying construction management and economics at Curtin Uni and going on to work for a luxury residential company. But in his spare time, Pele loved restoring old vehicles and motorbikes, so when a friend offered him work doing up classic Volkswagens, he followed his heart and took up residence in a Stack Street mechanic’s workshop to weave his magic for car enthusiasts.

Relishing the interesting neighbourhood around the White Gum Valley workshop, it wasn’t long before the enterprising Old Boy had an idea. With his dad being the local legend behind the iconic Fremantle eateries, Cicerellos, Char Char Bull and Bathers Beach House, hospitality was in his blood, and Pele proposed running a coffee shop at the front of the workshop with its passing parade of recycled cars. Tinsmith Garage café was born, and his creative attention to detail has transformed a warehouse front and shipping container into a cosy refuge for customers seeking good coffee and food in an area that has fast become the quirky alternative to the cappuccino strip.

And if that wasn’t enough creativity, Pele’s own hand illustrated t-shirts developed from a hobby into a thriving business. Nowadays, if you’re lucky before they sell out, Pel Apparel can be picked up in stockists around Fremantle, sharing an infectious message that captures his joyful coastal lifestyle.

Happiness seems to be on brand for Pele, and the laid-back surfer will continue on his creative journey as long as he is enjoying the ride. With so many interesting adventures, it will be a space to be watched.