As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s a time to reflect on the powerful influence of maternal love and guidance. For Jan Brown, the matriarch behind the Saints Collective Siblings, family is not just about blood ties, but an unbreakable bond forged through love and support. In this heartfelt conversation with Jan, she opens up about her family, her method for nurturing a successful family legacy and arecipe for her infamous salmon!
Hailing from Yarrawonga, Jan Brown started out life in a farming family, her father owned a farm beyond Yarrawonga, in Barooga, Victoria. When asked about her hero, Jan’s answer is swift and heartfelt. “My dear father, Max Carter,” she replies without hesitation. “He was a farmer, a man of integrity who always put his family and others first.” It is clear her father’s spirit lives on in Jan’s unwavering devotion to her own family.
She reminisces about Peter Brown (the late father of the siblings) with fondness. “We met in 1966 at a young farmers club,” she recalls. “He was tall and very handsome – he sat down across from me and stared straight at me for the remainder of the night – I don’t think he listened to anything that was being said around him!”. Their love story blossomed into marriage in 1969, a union that laid the foundation for the remarkable family legacy we see today.
Delving into conversation with Jan, she reflects on her favourite holiday destination – Italy. “The food, the wine, the laughter – it’s pure magic,” she enthuses. “I’ve been there multiple times, with friends and on my own. It’s a place where people go to have fun!”
In her spare time, Jan finds joy in simple pleasures like gardening and reading. “I used to read a lot when I was younger,” she reflects, “I’m rediscovering the joy of getting lost in a good book.” Her recent read, the biography of Professor Fiona Woods, speaks volumes about her admiration for strong, inspirational figures.
Watching her children – Angela, Eliza, and Nick – blossom into accomplished individuals fills Jan’s heart with pride. “They’ve worked tirelessly to build the family business,” she beams. “When their father passed away, they faced immense challenges, but with determination and hard work, they’ve turned adversity into triumph. Their accomplishments haven’t come without hard work and sacrifice. I am very proud of them - and Peter would be too.”
Reflecting on cherished memories, Jan recalls the days when her children lent a hand at the cellar door in Milawa. From the age of eight, they were thrilled to help wherever they could, refilling cheese and olive bowls, and staying to listen to stories passed across the tasting bench. “They learned the significance of customer service, to treat people with kindness and respect – along with the importance of a strong work ethic from a young age, and it’s a gift that has served them well in their journey”.
When it comes to her favourite wine, Jan’s choice is clear –Nick’s All Saints Estate Sangiovese Cabernet.“Paired with grilled meats, veggies, or a cheese platter, it’s simply so well-balanced”. She has a love for more medium-bodied style reds and steers clear from the big, bold varieties. Let’s not forget her love for French champagne, a delight she is very happy to receive in gift-form on occasion (hint, hint!).
Jan leaves us with a piece of wisdom in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. “Love, support, and belief in each other – that’s the secret to a strong family bond,” she says with conviction. “I am their biggest fan”. As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s take a moment to celebrate remarkable women like Jan who shape our lives and light up our world with their love and wisdom.
