LOVING A PIZZA THE ACTION ON STAGE OR OFF
THE world is a stage.
I think this could be the mantra of Anthony Blaffan.
His life of street performing, magic, illusion and hypnotherapy now includes pizzas made with heart.
How awesome are the twists and turns that keep us agile in one lifetime?
Anthony’s passion was palpable when we met at his pizzeria Cara Mia. Here is his story:
“I dropped out of uni and joined a circus at 20. Mum cried but it was right for me.
“I loved it all … juggling, magic, the unicycle.
“I actually became a street performer and part of the Illusion Show at Dreamworld for years.
“I was also intrigued with hypnosis so I studied clinical hypnotherapy. After learning of its benefits, I set up a clinic and later became a stage hypnotist.
“When I explored the science and genuine power to help people confront their fears at the clinic, I felt great about the shows.
“I’ve spent the best part of the past 10 years on cruise ships around the world performing, until Covid made an impact.
“It’s funny really. Here I am at 54 and have never had a ‘real’ job.
“I split my time now between my position as head of entertainment
for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) and here at our Italian adventure in Labrador.
“A friend taught me to make pizzas and it’s an art to get it right. We’ve researched everything.
“No experience but loads of passion. “Cara Mia actually means ‘my beloved’ so it’s a true labour of love, a full Italian experience, right down to the water, beers, wine, even the crockery.
“Italians say the first two ingredients
should always be love and passion.
“My dream? Definitely more family time with my kids and beautiful wife.
“The hours are tough, so we’ll see where it goes. I think I’d love to get back on the ships at some point. I think performing is who I am.
“Strangely, it’s similar in the pizzeria for now. We’re still pleasing people. Just a different audience.”