Healesville’s newest preloved fashion and espresso bar, Zotti, is the chance manifestation of teenage dreams.
Zotti, Healesville. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
The enticing scent of coffee hangs in the air as soft pop songs bubble through the speaker, instantly setting me at ease. I could be standing in a colourful Fitzroy boutique, or a friend’s immaculate dressing room, but instead I’m watching Domenica Molluso make quick work of a latte from behind the espresso machine at Zotti – a culmination of her two great passions in life.
“I was looking through some old records because we had to pack up a little bit because of the bushfires. When I was 16, I wrote that I wanted to be in fashion… On that same piece of paper, I also wrote coffee.”
“Then Zotti came about because this place just came up for lease and I was just really interested to start something. It’s a great space.”
Domenica Molluso, owner of Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
Zotti is Healesville’s newest destination for highly curated, preloved designer clothing without the price tag and a focus on sustainability. And it all began at Domenica’s dinner table.
“My family is very much like that, no waste, simple things like no food left at the table.”
“It’s like a nice piece of clothing. Why’s it being wasted or why are you going to buy something new when you can buy something amazing second hand that still looks good?”
Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
Growing up in Silvan, Domenica spent her days dreaming up and drawing new designs for dresses and shoes. Her love of fashion was encouraged by her grandparents, who migrated to Australia from Italy in the fifties, and the joy they shared in dressing up.
“They loved what they bought, bought consciously, good quality…”
“Any time they’d wear their nice clothes and dress up, they’d take a photo. It was really special for them.”
Picture of Domenica Molluso’s grandfather in the dressing room at Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
The influence of Domenica’s grandparents can be felt in every delightful inch of Zotti. On the stylish painted brick walls of the store, their photographs could be mistaken for glamour shots.
“Zotti is part of my grandparent’s name, Delzotti… Nice and catchy.”
Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
Opening a new business is not without its challenges, and Domenica might know this better than anyone, having juggled the opening of Zotti with her already existing coffee and Italian street food van, Via Cucina. But with great effort, comes great reward, and Domenica says she has been feeling support from Healesville in spades.
“I think the best part has been how well the community has taken it on and being so excited they walk in and go wow this is so good, Healesville needed this.”
“And I had that quite a lot, which, I didn’t really think Healesville needed it as such before I opened it but now I’m like, wow, yes it did.”
Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
Above all else, Domenica hopes to make her customers feel comfortable to embrace self-expression and feel their best.
“I had an older woman the other day who really needed help getting a dress on, but as soon as she had it on, she said wow, it looks so good, I feel amazing.”
“I come from a very genuine heart and just want to help women and men with their fashion choices if they need help, to come in.”
“And just have fun!”
Domenica Molluso, owner of Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.
Zotti can be found on Healesville’s main street at 208 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
They’re serving coffee and looks from 7:30am to 4pm, Monday to Sunday.
Follow @zottipreloved on Instagram.
Domenica Molluso, owner of Zotti. Image: Roshai Murdoch.