Springvale stalwarts the Taings are saying goodbye to their family business.
Kouy and Kieng Hor Lou started Colors of Life Kodak Express 33 years ago, making it one of the oldest businesses in Springvale.
The small photo processing business has operated from three different Springvale locations over the decades, the past 20 years in Springvale Shopping Centre.
Their daughter Leeven said closing down was “a bittersweet and very emotional time”.
She said her parents escaped Cambodia during one of the worst genocides in history and took their survival as a second chance at life, “giving every opportunity their absolute 100 per cent”.
“And in true Australian fashion they worked hard and took personal responsibility to be the best Australian citizens they could be and provided my brothers and I all they could but also continuously giving back to society,” she said.
They traded seven days a week, 365 days a year while raising three children.
“The business has really been the backbone of our lives and I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness, but I’m also really excited to see my folks finally enjoy the fruits of their hard work as they go into retirement.”
Leeven said she’d almost certainly crossed paths with all who grew up in the area.
“Whether it be your one-hour photos, passport photos, digital processing or perhaps even a tissue box purchase,” she said.
“To all of you – thank you for your support over the last three decades, it has truly been an Australian dream for my parents and it would not have been possible without the support of the local community.”
