Engage – Empower – Inspire – Energise
Viktoria Darabi
BA(Hons) | CertIVTAE | DipEventMgmt | MGastTourism
I help food and beverage businesses turn food and culinary tourism trends and events into profits. I do this by helping them amplify their passions, skills and stories through events and activities that excite existing and entice new customers.
I use my skills, passion and more than three decades of experience as both a small business owner/operator and corporate contractor, to bring together people, food trends, tourism, events and marketing in innovative ways to benefit communities and social cohesion.
I was born in Victoria and as a child, my father’s work took us to many state’s of Australia, north island NZ and California. From an early age, I discovered the power of food and its ability to bring people together. Growing up, my mother, a pioneer in TV cooking shows, instilled in me a love for culinary exploration and entertaining guests. These experiences ignited a fire within me, driving me to discover more
My thirst for knowledge led me across continents, immersing myself in different cultures, languages, and cuisines. It was during my time as a an intern for Trafalgar Tours in Californina I fell head over heels in love with France, its language, people, and, of course, its mouthwatering cuisine. That transformative experience forever shaped my perspective on the world.
Fuelled by a pathological passion for marketing and a drive to make a difference, I ventured into various roles within multi-nationals, medium-sized, and small businesses. But it was an unexpected tree-change that truly awakened my entrepreneurial spirit.
Together with my then partner, I established Australia’s largest and only full-time heirloom rocking horse business. Through marketing efforts, we garnered national attention, with our story being featured in magazines, newspapers, and television many times. We also developed relationships within the tourism and hospitality industry, crafting unique experiences that allowed our customers to explore the Hawkesburyt region further.
Events became an integral part of our journey, with large-scale ‘Open Weekend’ celebrations drawing 2 thousand visitors. Hosting Iain Hewitson of “Huey’s Kitchen” elevated our brand, leading to rocking horse making classes booked ou 18 months in advance. I also founded the Hawkesbury Antiques Trail and Artisan’s Trail at this time.
But life has its own twists and turns, and the loss of my parents prompted a new direction. It was then that I found solace and inspiration in the Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomic Tourism program. This academic degree combined my entrepreneurial, marketing, and tourism skills with a deep understanding of food and drink culture.
Today, as a culinary tourism whisper and crusader, dedicated to helping businesses and organisations leverage their food and drink culture for profit and community development. With more than three decades of experience as both a business owner and marketing professional, I bring together people, food trends, tourism, events, and marketing in innovative ways. My mission is to mitigate disruption, foster economic development, and build social cohesion through the power of food and shared experiences.
I love to explore the world through flavors, uncover hidden culinary gems, and create unforgettable moments that celebrate the richness of our migrant food cultures.