Ahead of the opening of our newest store and cafe on Hastings Street, we sat down with the Neza, the Store Manager. From her childhood by a lake in Slovenia to the connections she’s building for Noosa Chocolate Factory’s Hastings Street community, here’s a little more about the person behind the counter.
Getting to Know Neza
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bled, Slovenia, a beautiful small town by the lake and one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s surrounded by mountains and nature and, even after living on the other side of the world, it will always be a very special place to me.
How long have you lived in Australia?
I moved to Australia in December 2019, so it’s been almost seven years now. I originally came for the experience and adventure, but somewhere along the way Australia became home.
Where did you work prior to Noosa Chocolate Factory?
I’ve worked in various tourism and hospitality roles around Australia, but my favourite chapter was definitely Airlie Beach, where I managed the bar at Fish D’vine & Rum Bar. I have such beautiful memories from my time there, not necessarily because of the job itself, but because of the people I met. Some of them became some of the most important people in my life, and I’m still very close with the owners today. We regularly check in on each other, and I’ll always be incredibly grateful for the relationships and memories I made there.
Neza’s Role at Noosa Chocolate Factory Hastings Street
Why did you want to work for Noosa Chocolate Factory?
What I loved about Noosa Chocolate Factory was that it’s a local family business, and there is something really special and authentic about that. So much love and work goes into even one chocolate product, from making it to wrapping it by hand, and I really value being part of a business where you can see the people and care behind what we sell. Connection has always been really important to me, so having the opportunity to bring that same feeling into our new Hastings Street store really appealed to me.
What are your key responsibilities?
As Store Manager of the new Hastings Street store, my role is a little bit of everything, from building and training our team and preparing the store for opening, to eventually overseeing the day-to-day operation, customer experience and everything that comes with running the store. Right now I’m really enjoying being part of creating it from the ground up and shaping what we want Hastings Street to feel like from day one.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
For me, it will always come back to people and connection. My goal for Hastings Street is to create a warm community atmosphere where families, friends, locals, visitors or even business partners can come together, have a really good coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy locally made chocolate. I want that same feeling within my team too — a place where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, feel valued and feel like they’re part of something together.
Noosa, Chocolate and Life Outside Work
How long have you lived in Noosa?
I moved back to Noosa in May 2024, although I had lived here previously as well. It’s one of those places I somehow found my way back to.
What do you love most about it?
Definitely the lifestyle, the beach and being surrounded by nature. There’s something really special about being able to finish your day and have the ocean right there. It’s a beautiful place to call home.
What’s your favourite chocolate at Noosa Chocolate Factory?
You’re making me choose? I’d have to say the roasted macadamia milk chocolate slab and the freeze-dried passionfruit. I genuinely can’t choose between the two!
What is your favourite drink at NCF?
I’m definitely a coffee girl, so my go-to is a large oat milk flat white with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I also absolutely love our mochas. The real chocolate makes such a difference, and they’re honestly some of the best I’ve ever had.
Outside of work, Neza is passionate about holistic health, psychology, personal growth and the mind-body connection. Naturally curious about people and how our experiences shape us, she also has a soft spot for kids, animals and plants — a people-oriented person at heart, which is exactly why connection sits at the centre of everything she does.
A Warm Welcome Awaits on Hastings Street
With Neza at the helm, our new Hastings Street store is set to become a genuine community gathering spot – the kind of place where a coffee catch-up turns into a chat with a friendly face who remembers your order. As we count down to opening, follow along for updates, or drop into Hastings Street once our doors open to say hello to Neza and the team in person.
Read more about our new store & cafe coming to Hastings Street.