Twin talent for business

Kipa, the marketing force behind The Junction Hotel, and Joannou, co-owner of food and arts hot spot The Edwards in Newcastle West, were born minutes apart - for the record, she is older by a whisker - and their bond is evident.

"I can never recall us having an argument," says Joannou, whose other claim to fame is as bassist with still-in-indefinite-hibernation rock super group Silverchair.

"We can be brutally honest with one another and know it's OK . . . it's good to have him back in town," adds mum-of-two Kipa, who fields calls from her brother regularly.

"We've tried to poach her a few times . . but there are still lines we don't cross, questions we don't answer to each other," quips Joannou.

Both passionate about their home town and proud of its continuing evolution despite often clamorous setbacks, the 35-year-old twins are both kicking hospitality goals.

Kipa and staff at The Junction Hotel, owned by hospitality veteran Rolly de With and located in Corlette Street, are on a high after its boutique accommodation recently won hard-earned industry kudos.

With nine individually styled rooms boasting luxury touches at affordable prices, The Junction was ranked number one hotel in Newcastle by online industry search engine Trivago.

It has also been ranked in the top one per cent of all hotels listed on hotel review juggernaut TripAdvisor in its 2015 Travellers' Choice awards.

"TripAdvisor is something that we value a lot because it is not from the industry but from the general public who come and try us and test us, so it's their words. . .it's marketing that you can't buy," she says.

"Everyone knows in this industry that you are only here when you do something wrong, it's very rare you hear when you are doing a good job, so TripAdvisor has been amazing for us and our staff and it actually inspires them to do better."

"Staff really want people to feel at home and they are on hand to make guests feel welcome at all times, we are not just offering somewhere to sleep, we offer an experience."

Joannou and his business partner, Chris Johnston, have just marked a year trading at the ever-popular The Edwards, nestled in western Parry Street's creative cul de sac.

Joannou is busy finishing the front outdoor bar area and is set to open a coin-operated laundry next door, a nod to the former dry-cleaning service business once run at the site by his parents.

"I can genuinely say I absolutely love it and have no qualms staying late or being here early, you are interacting with people all day long and [the business] is constantly evolving," says Joannou.

Kipa pays tribute to the visionary mind of her boss, saying she feels fortunate that de With also appreciates she is juggling work with a young family.

The former Newcastle High student and Passmores Business and Management College graduate nominates Hunter business identities de With, Paula Jones and Tracy McKelligott, both of whom she has also worked, as career mentors.

Joannou says most of his mates are in hospitality and he's quick to pick up the phone and call them for advice.

Older sister Nicole is also close, running The Event House, a wedding design and planning company next door to The Edwards, with the help of her parents.

The three siblings' work ethic was honed early, with their parents Sue and David expecting them to lend a hand in their dry-cleaning shop.

"I can still remember wanting a pair of Nike shoes in high school and being told to work for two weeks before I could buy them," says Kipa.

"For mum and dad, working six days was the norm, they were like slave drivers [telling us] 'Right, you're working after school on Wednesday, you're on Thursday'," says Joannou with a grin.

Both Kipa and Joannou say they struggle to find a balance between life and work given the gruelling hours of their trade.

"We are only closed six hours a day and there is always areas where you can improve," says Joannou.

Supporters of the state government's moves to remove the heavy rail line, they remain upbeat about the changing face of Newcastle.

"I think we reached a critical mass as far as things stalling around town and behind that there just became a flood of small business owners who wanted to get on with it and that continues," says Joannou.