18/06/2026
Sophia Giokaris celebrates 41 years since taking over Stitchings - while this year also marks 56 years on Lithgow’s Main Street.
Sophia arrived in Australia from Athens, Greece in 1964 at just 23 years old, travelling by plane at a time when many migrants were still arriving by ship.
Trained as a hairdresser under Parisian stylists and technicians, she began working in a salon on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, the very next day.
Back then, Kings Cross was vibrant and eclectic - full of artists, performers, business people and nightlife. Sophia worked with fashionable Double Bay clients, created hairpieces for the famous Le Girls dancers and even did the hair of a young Maggie Tabberer before she became famous.
Working 12-hour days, she saved enough from tips alone within a year to buy a small unit in Eastlakes.
During this time, a very special client, Mary Joseph from Lithgow, insisted Sophia “come to Lithgow to meet the Greek boys.”
Mary persisted - and eventually Sophia met John Giokaris. They married in 1970.
From Celeste Hairdressing, to Tony’s/Astria Café and Milk Bar on the site now occupied by El Latte Café, to opening the Lithgow Steakhouse Restaurant in the late 1970s where Stitchings stands today - Sophia’s working life has been deeply tied to Main Street.
Then in June 1985, Mr Weiss offered Sophia the opportunity to take over Stitchings while he focused on his Surry Hills fashion wholesale business.
Over the decades she has seen fashion move from Australian-made to offshore production, built a successful bridal wear business, worked through the introduction of GST, COVID and a changing retail landscape, and watched many Main Street shops come and go.
Along the way, she and John quietly supported many local people and businesses, guided by a generous spirit and a belief in giving others a chance.
Since opening in 1954, Stitchings has had two owners.
John always told her they would only stay in Lithgow for six months.
56 years later… she’s still here