Bulli resident Julia Murray studied at the University of Wollongong and worked for years in housing advocacy. Now she's a sharpness facilitator, running Sublime Point Knife Sharpening, a pick-up and delivery service for homes you can see from the Sublime Point Lookout.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I majored in English for my undergrad and did Industrial Relations for my postgrad. This gave me well rounded skills, notably in communication, which I have used every day since.

After spending 19 or so years in the community sector in housing advocacy I decided to make a change, and a pretty big one. I recently opened a business – Sublime Point Knife Sharpening.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I was troubled to find during Covid lockdowns that there didn't seem to be anywhere locally we could get our recently acquired Japanese knives sharpened.

I had become pretty hooked on the joy of using a sharp knife, and I started researching and learning more about the art of knife sharpening. That research and practice ultimately led me to want to make everyone's knives sharp!

Best part of your job?

The awesome feedback from people who are super excited by the sharpness of their knives after they get them back and start using them.

Most challenging?

Our knife culture. It can be really challenging to motivate people to get their knives sharpened in the first place – most people can't even remember using a properly sharp knife. In contrast, it is extremely easy to convince people to do it again, once they have experienced the results.

Highlights of your career?

There were plenty of times in my 'old' career when I tangibly prevented homelessness, so those occasions were pretty major.

My new career is young, but when our local butcher, Dave, told me the knives I had sharpened for them were the sharpest he had ever used – including when new – that was pretty sweet.

What's your favourite local way to relax?

Getting in the ocean.

Contact

Julia Murray on 0402 652 229 or sublimepointknifesharpening@gmail.com. Visit www.sublimepointknifesharpening.com.au