Beena Business – The Alleyway Cartel

Introducing Murrumbeena Village’s ‘Beena Business’, a fortnightly feature for locals to get to know their traders!

Business duo, Evan and Erin (Easy E) from the Alleyway Cartel were kind enough to answer some questions for our first Beena Business. In this trendy space on Neerim Rd, you can grab a coffee while you walk your dog, or sit and enjoy the mural art while the kids perfect their chalk-drawing skills.

Tell us about your business

We love coffee and art and music and books. And plants. So we found a nice alley to bundle it all together.

Why Murrumbeena?

Erin: I was born and bred in Murrumbeena so I’m really passionate about it and want to see it grow.

Evan: I moved to Melbourne 15 years ago when I turned 18 and I’ve been to so many places but I always come back to Murrumbeena. I’ve found somewhere to call home and I’m ready to set up base here.

What makes your business unique?

The vibe is unique. The area didn’t have that urban alternative vibe before so we bring a super-chilled, arty vibe. There are people who are walking past going “finally a place for me”.

If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you give?

Just dive in, don’t let your fears stop you from chasing what you want. Don’t worry about what other people have to say.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Evan: My dad- he taught me that you can live your own way and to dictate your own life structure. He also taught me the value of travel.

Erin: My mother because she had a cafe when I was a teenager and that’s when I discovered my love for hospitality.

What is the funniest experience you’ve had here?

Watching fights escalate over the Nintendo. I was still dusting off my hands after plugging it in when we had a couple already fighting over Super Mario.

For more information on The Alleyway Cartel visit
www.murrumbeenavillage.com.au/listings/the-alleyway-cartel/