I would encourage young Women and Girls to embrace their unique strengths and voices.
Never underestimate the power of your ideas and the impact you can make in the world.
Remember, the path to success is rarely linear; embrace the journey with all its challenges and opportunities for growth. Seek out communities and networks that support your growth and never be afraid to ask for help or mentorship.
Your perspective is valuable and needed, so boldly pursue your passions and contribute to the world in ways only you can. I’m all about women supporting women. Make sure you’re surrounding yourself with the right people that will support you as it can be a lonely journey. I’m lucky I have an amazing group of inspiring women around me that uplift me everyday.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and invaluable insights that shaped my career. It's through the support of mentors that I've been able to navigate challenges and seize opportunities I might otherwise have overlooked.
To strengthen mentorship networks for Women, we need to prioritise creating spaces where Women feel safe and supported to share their experiences and learn from each other.
This includes formal programs in workplaces and educational institutions, as well as informal networks that encourage cross-generational sharing of wisdom and experiences. Encouraging more women to become mentors by recognising and celebrating their contributions can also inspire others to give back.
The 'She Means Business' event, organised by my team and Golden Brands, stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering Women in the business world. Our vision was to create an event where inspirational women could share their journeys, challenges, and successes in business. We aimed to foster an environment of motivation, inspiration, and support—a space where women could come together, learn from each other, and leave feeling empowered to tackle their own professional endeavours.
Understanding the financial barriers that often limit access to such empowering events, we decided to make 'She Means Business' a non-profit initiative. We set the ticket prices only to cover the costs of food, drinks and mirage ensuring the event was more accessible to a wider range of women. This decision was crucial in democratising access to the invaluable insights and networking opportunities the event offered.
Our hope with 'She Means Business' was not just to hold another networking event, but to truly make a difference in the lives of women who aspire to grow and succeed in their business careers.
We wanted to send a clear message: that women are vital contributors to the business world, deserving of recognition, support, and opportunities to shine. By bringing together a diverse group of speakers and attendees, we aimed to highlight the richness of perspectives Women bring to business, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. We hope that our 'She Means Business' event starts important conversations and builds connections that will continue to support women's growth and success in the business realm.
As we look to the future, our team and Golden Brands are motivated to continue this work, exploring new ways to support and uplift women in business. 'She Means Business' has shown us the power of community and the impact of providing a platform for women's voices in the business world. We are committed to building on this foundation, creating more opportunities for women to connect, learn, and lead in their respective fields.
To create a more inclusive and equitable world, we must start with education and awareness. This means not only promoting gender equality but actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder women's and girls' progress. We need policies that support work-life balance, access to education, and economic opportunities for women. It's also crucial to amplify women's voices in decision-making processes across all sectors.
Additionally, we must challenge and change societal norms and stereotypes that limit what women and girls can achieve. Everyone has a role to play in this transformation, from individuals to corporations.
For those of us who don't naturally gravitate towards organisation, the prospect of managing daily life can be daunting. But fear not, because getting organised is a skill that can be developed and honed. Unlock the art of organisation even if it's not your forte! From the power of to-do lists to mastering your time. Ready to reduce stress and boost productivity? Read below our top tips for a more organised you!
To-do lists are your best friends when it comes to organisation. They serve as visual reminders of your goals and intentions. Writing down your tasks is like creating a roadmap for your day or week. It allows you to prioritise effectively and reduces stress and overwhelm. Segment your to-do list into sections, ranking tasks from high to low priority. Prioritisation ensures efficient allocation of your time and energy.
If it's worth your attention, it's worth writing down. Cultivate the habit of recording tasks, events, and important details in your preferred medium, be it a digital calendar, physical planner, or notebook. This practice not only prevents things from falling through the cracks but also provides you with a comprehensive overview of your responsibilities.
Understanding how long tasks take is crucial for effective time management. Learn to gauge the time required for specific activities. Once you have a sense of task duration, you can create more realistic to-do lists and manage your day efficiently. This skill helps you avoid the stress of rushing through tasks or constantly feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations.
An organised space leads to an organised mind. Regularly declutter your physical environment by removing unnecessary items and creating designated spaces for essentials. A clutter-free space reduces distractions and enhances focus, making it easier to tackle your to-do lists with a clear mind.
Choose a calendar system that suits your needs, whether it's a digital app, a physical planner, or a combination of both. A dependable calendar enables you to plan ahead, avoid overcommitting, and eliminate scheduling conflicts. It's your key tool for staying on top of appointments, meetings, and important dates.
Becoming more organised, even if it doesn't come naturally, is an attainable goal. By embracing lists, consistently documenting tasks, mastering your time, respecting your time and that of others, establishing a reliable calendar system, and decluttering your surroundings, you can regain control over your life and pursue your goals with confidence. With practice and commitment, you'll find that organisation becomes second nature, leading to a more structured, stress-free, and productive life.
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The Science of writing a To-Do List: Simplify, Prioritise, Achieve! In today's fast-paced world, staying organised and managing our daily tasks efficiently can be quite challenging. That's where the simple yet powerful tool of a to-do list comes into play. Writing down your top tasks in a segmented list helps manage time, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Break each task into achievable milestones, focus on one at a time, and celebrate those satisfying checkmarks! Here are our top tips for writing the perfect to-do list and our favourite Papier to-do list essentials...
A to-do list isn't meant to overwhelm you but to provide clarity and direction. By keeping your list simple, you prevent the feeling of being burdened by an extensive list of tasks. Reducing complexity helps lower stress levels and fosters a sense of control, making it easier to stay focused. Limit your list to a few essential tasks at a time, prioritise them based on importance, and tackle them one by one. This makes each task feel more achievable.
Segment your to-do list into sections, ranking tasks from most important to least important. Prioritisation ensures you allocate your time and energy efficiently. Prioritising tasks helps you focus on what matters most, ensuring that critical work is completed before less important items. Identify the most crucial tasks that need your immediate attention. Consider deadlines, importance, and urgency when ranking tasks, then focus on completing high-priority items first.
Instead of listing broad tasks, break them down into smaller, actionable steps or milestones. Breaking tasks into smaller parts makes them less daunting and provides a clear roadmap for completion. For each task on your list, dissect it into specific, manageable subtasks or milestones. This not only makes the overall task seem more attainable but also allows you to track progress more effectively.
Psychologically, writing down your tasks offloads the burden from your working memory. Trying to remember everything you need to do can consume mental energy and reduce cognitive performance. With a to-do list, your brain can relax, knowing that the information is safely recorded, allowing you to think more clearly and make better decisions.
A to-do list is not a rigid plan but a flexible guide. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected tasks or emergencies may arise. However, having a to-do list in place enables you to adapt quickly. You can reassess priorities, reschedule tasks, and ensure that even in the face of unexpected challenges, you stay on track.
Welcome to our To-Do List Toolkit, your go-to resource for mastering productivity, organisation and the perfect to do list
Our 'Daily Notes' are the ideal companion for anyone looking to stay organised on a day-to-day basis. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, these notepads are perfect for quickly jotting down important notes and creating to-do lists. Whether you're managing work tasks or personal errands, 'Daily Notes' make it effortless to stay on top of your daily agenda. Keep your thoughts organised and your tasks prioritised with this essential tool
Introducing our 'Curved Daily Notes,' the ultimate solution for those seeking a more structured approach to task management. Designed to enhance productivity, these notepads offer dedicated sections for daily goals, tasks, and reflections. Perfect for busy days when you need a clear and concise to-do list. 'Curved Daily Notes' allow you to break up your tasks, set achievable goals, and take a moment to reflect on your progress. Streamline your daily routine and tackle your to-dos with confidence
When your week demands a higher level of planning and organisation, our 'Weekly Planner' has you covered. This versatile planner offers the flexibility to break down each day individually or create an overview of your entire week. Whether you're managing work projects, school assignments, or personal goals, the 'Weekly Planner' provides the space you need to lay out your tasks and priorities. Stay ahead of your schedule, minimise stress, and achieve your weekly goals with ease
Introducing 'The Brass Pen,' the quintessential tool for crafting your to-do list in style. Crafted from the finest quality brass, this reusable pen combines form and function effortlessly. What sets 'The Brass Pen' apart is its versatility - it can be refilled with ink, making it a sustainable addition to your office or home. Elevate your writing experience and task management with our brass pen.
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Our interview series is all about powerhouse women and men who inspire us through their work, creativity, business and passion. At Papier hq we are all about supporting and uplifting one another. These amazing individuals are here to share some of their expertise. Introducing Jena Winter...
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with family owned Danske Mobler's Digital Marketing Manager, Jena Winter. We caught up with Jena to talk about her home style and her business journey!
I love that I get to be creative everyday, from creating our online content, organising photoshoots, designing new showrooms, picking new fabrics for NZ made sofas, helping with our buying team with new designers from our overseas suppliers or moving the showroom around to showcase our new products.
My grandparents immigrated to NZ in the 1950, my grandad was an upholstery by trade and started his own business called Ken Winter Limited in 1958 selling to small independent furniture stores throughout Auckland out of a small shed in Titirangi. My grandparents opened there first Danske Mobler store on Symonds street in 1962, as there designs and Danish inspired furniture became increasingly popular they moved to 246 Queens Street. They outgrew there manufacturing facilities and moved to Dornwall road which was both manufacturing and a showroom. The late twentieth century saw thousands of New Zealand homes furnished with Danske Møbler original designs. It also saw the company enter a new phase of expansion. In 1995, Danske Møbler moved into its current premises at the purpose built manufacturing and retail store at 983 Mt Eden Road, Three Kings, Auckland. In 1986 we opened our first store in Hamilton and 1990 Wairau Park and Botany in 1998. In 2010 we opened our Wellington store followed by Hastings in 2011, Palmerston North in 2012, Albany in 2018 and Tauriko in 2023 as well as moving stores in Palmerston North in 2023. Danske Mobler continues to be a big part of our family chats with my grandma as well as having myself, my partner and twin sister working in the business she loves knowing the third generation of her family will continue on the family business.
I love working with my family and my partner yes we who started at Danske at the start of 2023, we don’t work together everyday as we focus on very different areas of the business but this gives us the opportunity to learn, my sister looks after our upholstery factory organising our NZ made manufacturing, Mum looks after all our retail stores and is our general manager she is also queen of our stock, she can find anything in our warehouse. And Dad looks after our factories woodwork and upholstery as well as our imported side of the business.
Back in 2016 my dad got diagnosed with throat cancer stage 4, my mum was still so busy working and I had just started working at Bauer Media after graduating at AUT, I suddenly worried I would never get the chance to learn from my dad who has had 35 years of experience in the business so I stayed home to look after him and when he started back at work I started going in with him and now im 7 years in.
Scandi Minimal
I love the art I have at home from you and all your travertine pieces.
Stop worrying about what other people think they care more about themselves then they do you
I get lots of inspo from Kelly Wearstler she is a famous hotel interior designer and the way she mixes colours, texture and furniture is amazing, I also scroll Pinterest daily and Instagram as well.
I love keeping the colour scheme in my house neutral, all the cushions in my house are from the same colour pallet which means when I have a big spring clean I usually put all my accessories and cushions in the same spot and re organise them throughout the house, by having all similar colour homewares and cushions it allows me to mix and match them throughout the house when I move them around.
Our nz made Nordic sofa which I have at home, so well made and the style is timeless
Felt fabrics are making a come back and I love the look and they feel of them which is so cosy. I also love how these days not everything in your home has to perfectly match I think mixing styles, wood colours, marbles and chrome textures.
]]>Our interview series is all about powerhouse women and men who inspire us through their work, creativity, business and passion. At Papier hq we are all about supporting and uplifting one another. These amazing individuals are here to share some of their expertise. Introducing Lara Henderson...
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the gorgeous Lara Henderson. Lara has created the absolute highest calibre of naturally derived skincare to match the needs of pregnant woman and new mothers. We caught up with Lara to talk about her home style and her business journey!
Sure thing, my name is Lara Henderson (still sounds weird to be as we only recently just got married). I am originally from Rotorua but now live in Papamoa. I spent a large portion of my twenties in the hustle and grind of corporate life in Wellington and Auckland before getting pregnant in 2018, and then, well…. everything changed. I now have 2 beautiful children and a business that I like to call my third baby.
PURE MAMA prides itself on providing the highest calibre, naturally derived skincare products matched with the needs of pregnant women and new mothers. Ultimately delivering targeted, deeply nourishing, and high-quality products to support women on their pregnancy and post-partum journey.
As someone that was newly pregnant and entering a whole new chapter of my life, I felt really overwhelmed and confused as to what to use on my body during pregnancy. I found myself inspecting the back of bottles trying to navigate the safety and efficacy of ingredients. I soon realised there wasn’t a lot out there that used the ingredients I was looking for, and what was out there lacked appeal to the modern women. I ended up buying a product that really didn’t smell that nice, and it screamed stretch marks at me every time I looked it. I thought to myself, what a horrible way to connect with my body. As a result, I didn’t take care of my skin as well as I could have during my first pregnancy.
Yes, absolutely! People are so often focused on the baby before it even arrives. The mother is doing so much hard work and she is going through a lot, both physically and mentally. Pregnancy may be a breeze for some, but for so many women it comes with a myriad of challenges. Everything from sickness, aches, pains, insomnia, diabetes, not to mention the mention the hormonal and emotional rollercoaster.
Less traffic, friends, and family close by, plus the beach. It really is that simple. I still need to go to Auckland quite a bit, and likely more international travel coming up, but basing myself here gives our family the lifestyle we want. I have 2 small children (16 month old and a 4 year old) so finding ways to make the most of our time is important. Simply taking the long commute out of my day in Auckland has given me close to 2 extra hours a day, which is great as a mother and for my business.
It starts with the morning juggle. Getting 2 small children and yourself ready for the day is absolutely no joke. Usually once the kids have been dropped at daycare, I do a quick once over of the house and then head to my office down in Papamoa, with a quick coffee stop at one of my locals. My days are always different but generally I have a couple of meetings and just hustle hard to get through my never-ending to-do list before leaving to get the kids around 3:30pm. I sometimes, and I mean sometimes go to the gym haha. I would like to go more but I am a sucker for always putting work first. Its then all go from about 4pm until 7pm, until kids are down in bed. My husband and I always make an effort to eat together and have a glass a wine. I usually then do some more work (until I get told off), and sometimes I have conference calls at night with people overseas.
I am also starting to travel a bit more now that the kids are older. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with travelling, but I am starting to lean into it more. Plus, my rockstar husband at home doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to looking after both the kids on his own and my parents live just round the corner. I honestly could not have built this business without the support of everyone around me. Very grateful.
I think it’s the fact that PURE MAMA encompasses a part of my life that was so important to me and that allows me to connect with our customers in community in a really real way. I get to show up as I am, live and breathe a brand I love, and work on creating beautiful, effective products. Plus, I LOVE my team. They challenge me and make me laugh every day.
It has changed a lot of the years. Now I buy more considered pieces and try to incorporate more colour into my spaces. I like to home to feel clam and inviting, even though its usually not with out 2 hectic toddlers running around. I really like using natural fibres for textures and finishings, and I have learnt to invest in quality pieces that aren’t just on trend. If I buy something, it’s because I love it and hopefully will love it for years to come. I also have a small cushion/pillow obsession much to my husband’s horror, but these are the things that can change a space and are relatively low cost compared to buying a whole new couch.
Oh everywhere. I am always looking at design online, in magazines and in stores. On thing I love is going into amazing retail and fashion store (not necessarily furniture stores) that bring to life the retail environment in a different way. Commercial Bay has some amazing stores and so does the NewMarket 277 precinct.
Well, I am ready for winter to end and to enjoy some longer days. We live right by the beach so I cant wait to spend a little more time down there now that my kids are a bit older. We also have a lot on the go with PURE MAMA including a trip to Indonesia, setting up a new space at our office for community events, and starting our journey in to North America. It’s all go but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love my travertine book ends. I’ve had these for a couple of years now and love them. https://papierhq.co.nz/collections/travertine/products/travertine-bookends
I also love the Gucci Flower Market print Khaki and would love a giant one of these at our new PURE MAMA HQ. https://papierhq.co.nz/collections/best-sellers-1/products/gucci-flower-market-print-khaki
To discover more follow Lara Henderson on Instagram
]]>This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with Sophie, the owner and founder of New Zealand brand Honest Wolf.
Sophie and her husband Sam have been shearing and caring for sheep ever since they can remember. Their 3,300 hectare property has been thriving for more than 80 years. Their Papanui Estate Wool is well looked after and sustainably farmed. They have over 25,000 happy, healthy sheep who graciously let them remove over 170 tonnes of wool every year. That’s why they decided to design and craft the range of Honest Wolf fashion and accessories. An ethical line of Papanui Estate Woollen pieces that’ll tie into every wardrobe and every occasion.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Sophie to talk about what her business journey, design process and what she's looking forward to most in 2022.
Each day is different for me as I juggle working from home with two wee one's. Most days I would get work done early morning and in the evenings when they are asleep, and fit in what I can during the day. It would involve a mixture of production planning and design, logistics of stock movement and chatting with our customers.
As we live in a remote area, the challenge for women to find a job and continue their career can be tough. So a highlight has definitely been that in the last two years since launching we have not only created a job for myself but also two other girls who live up our valley. I love that we are creating roles for them and hope to add a few more to the team over the next few years!
This is hard to measure, but I hope a message we are sharing about the amazing natural fibre that is wool is getting shared across New Zealand to people that may have never known much about the fibre before coming across us. We hope to share this message far and wide about not only our products but other wool products as well and that more wool is used in more people's day to day lives!
My husband Sam and I design all our range (and have had no previous design experience at all, so you could say initially we were winging it)! We are very selective about what products and colours we bring into our range. Only bringing in colours that are natural to our environment where the wool is grown for example. The products we bring in are not for a specific time in one's life where you would use it - we have made lifetime pieces that you can take through each stage of your life. For example, we haven't made a 'nappy bag' but a bag that can be used as a Nappy Bag with convenient pockets for all the things needed but you can also use this bag for the next stages in your life when you no longer need to carry all the Mummin things!
Still trying to work this one out with two wee ones and a business I run from home on the farm! But I do try my best to keep work separate from family life where I can, as a main reason to start Honest Wolf was to be able to work from home amongst family life so I never want to lose sight of that no matter how crazy things can get! At the end of a long day, I try to get out on the farm for a walk as this always helps to put life into perspective!
We have just had our baby daughter, so we are soaking family life as a team of four over the next few months! I also cannot wait to open up our retail shop. The renovation stage we are in at the moment is so exciting - the transformation of the building has been a big process but now we are nearly open its so cool to see it all come together!
I love your custom design pieces for family/kids bedrooms! To be able to personalise art makes it even more special and I have a few items on my wishlist!
Follow Honest Wolf on instagram or visit his website www.honestwolf.co.nz
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It’s hard to believe looking back at how much I’ve learnt from our IVF journey. When we first started Papier hq, kids were not something we really thought about as all of our energy was going into building Papier. Three years ago I was surprised to learn that I wasn't going to be able to have kids 'naturally.'
Like most people, I had always thought that when we were ready to start our family, we would just...start our family. Five rounds of OI (monitored ovulation induction cycle) and two rounds of IVF later we have our beautiful little Margot. It was exhausting, emotionally draining and expensive but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
I'm going to get real with you guys, I'm writing this one handed, rocking Margot with the other hand, still wearing my milk covered pyjamas at 3 o'clock in the afternoon with one of the team on speaker phone so we can talk through our new wedding stationery range. Life has changed so much from 8 weeks ago and it's crazy chaotic but I wouldn't change a thing.
What I've come to appreciate from the past few years is that nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes life can be a little uncertain. Sometimes it feels like it's nothing but uncertain. Going through IVF during the pandemic really tested us - trying to navigate our business through numerous lockdowns whilst going through IVF treatment where some weeks we were allowed a support person and some weeks we weren't...it was a trying time for Jarrod and me. Many Saturdays were spent lining up in the rain and freezing cold to have blood taken. I should have bought shares in First Response for the number of pregnancy tests we went through!
IVF starts out as a huge unknown for couples. I'm reluctant to offer advise, as everyone finds themselves in a subtly different situation. However I wasn't ready for a few things and I think these are worth knowing in advance.
IVF is an emotional rollercoaster where your control is completely taken away from you. I had the pressure of feeling like time was marching on and I was making no progress which adds even more stress.
While IVF has become more common, most couples conceive naturally and so most couples don't really know what is involved in IVF or how hard it is emotionally and financially. I would suggest that couples going through the process should try to build a support network up around them, especially if they know someone who has been through it before. Reaching out to people who went through a similar experience made me feel less alone and less like I was failing. I found when people talked about their journey it really helped. I hope by writing about my experience it will help someone else going through the same thing.
Some extras...I will never ask someone when they will be having kids - because they might be trying, or they might already be going through IVF. I will never tell someone to "relax and it will happen." I will always be considerate with things I post on social media because you never know who is going through something. If you know someone going through IVF, or you are yourself and need to coach your friends and family - "hey how did your transfer go?" is not the question to ask. Stay general, "how are you feeling" or "how are you?" is more than enough of an open door - sometimes you want to talk about it and sometimes you really, really don't.
The day I found out I was pregnant was the day I was going in to get my bloods done. I decided to do a test so that I could receive the bad news at home rather than crying on the phone to the nurse. It felt like I was taking some control back. Much to my surprise it was positive! The next few weeks felt like it dragged on forever as I waited for my first scan. Hearing Margot's heartbeat for the first time (as Jarrod waited in the car on video call due to Covid restrictions) was an incredible and surreal moment. I really wanted to share my news to my family in a special way as they had been on the journey with us. I gifted them a special Custom Print that I designed especially for this occasion.
I don't think it really sunk in that I was having a baby until about a month before my due date. I was sitting in our nursery looking around at everything I had put together and I thought - I can't believe it's actually my turn.
When it came to putting together a nursery I really wanted it to reflect our style whilst also taking into consideration that babies probably don't want a room that is completely white and beige!! I decided on a blush, white, nude and gold colour palette. I designed the room around our Gucci Flowers Print which was the focal point of the room. I then filled it with treasures I had collected during my pregnancy. Blush linen bedding, a white and rattan dresser, a boucle nursing chair, a hand embroidered pillow, dried blush flowers made by a friend, a shelf filled with books we had collected finished off with a Custom Initial Print in blush (which I designed when I found out I was pregnant).
Though it was a challenging journey it taught me that I had a deeper reserve of strength than I thought, and really needed all of it at times. But it's doable. Our friends and family really did show us how incredibly loved we were. To anyone going through something similar, I hear you and I feel you. Keep positive and never give up hope.
Custom Alphabet print here
Gucci Flowers print here
Custom Birth Announcement print here
Finally, a thought from Jarrod. Guys, you're passengers through this whole process. You can and should support your other half as much as humanly possible, but there's no getting around the fact that neither of you have any control and you have less than your partner. The whole thing is a rollercoaster - big highs, huge anticipation but also dark days and disappointment - it's part of the process, trust it. Keeping the long term goal in mind helped me smooth out the ups and downs along the way. The best thing you can be is a rock. If you need a vent or a download, pick a mate and tell them because your other half is already handling their own emotional load.
Lastly, a couple of useful bits: If you're doing the IVF injections, it's called a jab for a reason. Don't try and gently sneak the needle in - I thought it was a great idea, turns out, not so much. Just a quick, deliberate jab. Numbing with an icecube for 30 seconds beforehand works too.
Also, controversially, domes > zips and in-built feet > socks. Have fun, go well.
]]>Our interview series is all about powerhouse women and men who inspire us through their work, creativity, business and passion. At Papier hq we are all about supporting and uplifting one another. These amazing individuals are here to share some of their expertise. Introducing Wynn Hamlyn..
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with Wynn, owner and founder of clothing brand Wynn Hamlyn. Auckland designer Wynn established his label in 2014. His beautiful clothing brand strikes a balance of playful palettes and relaxed textiles, coupled with feminine elegance. Showing intimate attention to shape and silhouette, he has quickly become famous for his polished separates and modern tailoring. His latest collection featured a collaboration with jewellery designer Hera Saabi.
We caught up with Wynn to talk about what inspires him, his business journey and what he's looking forward to most in 2021.
In a time of Global confinement, Wynn Hamlyn Pre Fall '21 Collection 'New Craft' is a connection to the work of the hand, the artist and the craftsperson.
Wynn Hamlym reminisces of an era pre-internet, and pre-mass production. In unifying elements of technical innovation, Wynn brings us back to the present. Performance sportswear detailing and fabrications are used in unity with old craft - telling a story that beauty and utility need not be mutually exclusive.
The collection references the Arts and Craft movement in transcribing Morris' Little Flower through jacquard machine knit. It's central medallion is pierced by a cyanotype-blue, heat-sealed sportswear zip. A classic moss stitch is present too - reminiscent of the age-old rhythm knit one, purl one (repeat); replicated by machine. Wynn's own touch enters the collection a bit closer to home, through the eyes of his own workroom. Wooden beads are hand turned, and twigs from the Aotearoa - native kowhai tree are plucked, cast in bronze by artisan Maeve Woodhouse of Hera Sabi, and affixed - part toggle, part embellishment.
Coffee, getting to work before most of the staff arrive so I have quiet time to think about the day.
We live in a late 80's / Early nineties townhouse - There are lots of wood and chrome fixtures. Our furniture is made of neutral colours and we get our colour by our artwork on the walls.
Work-life balance - I'm sure this is the same for every business owner! Making the most of time with friends and family is very important.
The Notebooks and the daily to-do lists. Good to stay organised!
Right now looking forward to seeing this lockdown through, and seeing what New Zealand will look like with COVID for next year. Im looking forward to starting on PF22, that's a season we work on men's and women collections!
Follow Wynn Hamlyn on Instagram or visit his website www.wynnhamlyn.com
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As creatives it was important for us to have a relaxed space to be able to work in. We knew we needed warehouse space to stock all of our products so the office needed to be a place that inspired us. We chose ghost chairs and a custom made meeting table big enough to be able to sit around for our meetings. Our favourite feature is a boucle arm chair for our brides-to-be to sit in when they come for a consultation!
We wanted to be able to easily display our art in our office but the space was small so we designed a set of floating shelves to easily display them. We also have the ability to swap prints in and out as we release new ranges.
A big part of our business is using local suppliers when we can. For our New Zealand and Australian customers we use materials that are locally sourced and only use the best frames. They are designed and made with high quality materials to be long lasting.
I used to think that running my own business came by accident, but now that I look back, I’m sure it was my subconscious forcing me to create what I really needed, which was the flexibility to slow down, and take a break when necessary.
I found that the demands of being a lawyer (both physically, doing long hours, and mentally, living with a constant level of high stress) were taking a real toll on my well-being. Like Gabby, my husband is a pilot, and I also found it hard to see us having a family with both of us in such tiring and inflexible jobs.
The highlights are the feedback. My business is built the two most memorable and important journeys in most couples' lives - getting married, and starting a family. To hear from my customers how either my advice or my journals has genuinely helped them is worth more than anything. The biggest challenge is doing it on my own. I miss my colleagues - being able to take half an hour to head out for coffee and mentally unload when you’re having a hard day. I think that’s probably one of the reasons my online community is so important to me - you’ll often find me having a somewhat random mental unload (or rant) online. Oh, and now I’m a Mum to 2 under 2, one being a 6 week old - that’s makes it especially challenging to run a business too!
It was what I needed at the time! I didn’t feel that our journey was particularly catered to by the big wedding magazines, and I felt pressured by them to have all the "bells and whistles" for our wedding which weren’t important to us. I started a blog about this, writing wedding planning advice with a determination to never make any couple feel like I was trying to persuade them to spend more money, book more vendors or follow more traditions that didn’t speak to them.
Shortly after our wedding, I created the wedding planner book which became the core of the business, and since then, the business has essentially just grown with our lives - I started writing the wedding anniversary diary on our first anniversary, and created the pregnancy journal during my first trimester!
I know everyone says this, but with a newborn, a toddler, and a husband doing shift work, every day is very different - they all start with coffee though! We spend most mornings doing ‘fun’ things with our toddler: walking to the beach, heading to a playground, a cafe, the Museum or other activity, and then I cram in as much work as I possibly can during his afternoon nap. Orders come first, followed by emails and admin, and then I usually have a chat on social media, or upload videos of what we did earlier that day. I have a few international stockists, and I’m always trying to grow those, or work on new projects, such as collaborations with other businesses, or I write an article if something has inspired me!
Right now I’m getting a lot less done than usual work-wise, but the newborn time is so special and not something I want to regret passing me by while I worked.
I love colour and texture! Though sometimes I wish my home was more neutral, minimalist (and tidy!) for the ‘gram, I actually love all the colour we have throughout our house - a pink wall in the bedroom, a huge blue wall downstairs, and of course, lots of colourful prints. For the next few years at least, our home is also going to be full of colourful children’s toys, and our colourful, eclectic style embraces that.
Over the last few years (during both of my pregnancies, which I don’t recommend!) we renovated our kitchen and bathrooms, and though we went with mostly white and marble as a base, I style them with colourful homewares. I also love what we’ve done with gold accents in our kitchen, and can’t wait to have Papier Hq print some photos for the main wall.
I’ve always been a Pinterest user, and if I’m looking to renovate or style a new space, I’ll head there to see different colours, tiles and painting combinations. I’ve also seen some incredible instagram reels on home-styling though, and see huge space for growth there.
Absolutely! We have a Papier hq feature wall which encompasses art we’ve picked up around the world, and our fav Papier hq pieces. We had a lot of colour already, but the blue and pink tones seen in the Pink Cacti, Cali Print and Palm Trees tie in perfectly. We don’t have the Basketball print in our home (yet) but that’s one of my favourites of your new art.
Remember what your wedding priorities were to begin with, and try not to be tempted to stray from those as you get wrapped up in the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come. After such a long time planning, towards the end of the ‘countdown’ it’s common to second-guess your choices and go overboard, blowing out your wedding budget.
It’s so easy to compare your own wedding to those you see on social media, and feel like yours may be ‘less than’ if you don’t have X, Y and Z. As with everything else, it’s important to remember that you’re looking at someone else’s highlight reel, and their priorities won’t be the same as yours. Also, what lasts for a few days on an instagram feed will take a lot longer to pay off, I’d never recommend anyone start their marriage with unnecessary debt.
Yes! I could talk about this for days and days, but I would say “Start now” and “Done is better than perfect”. Building a business is constant - you’ll never be “finished” and it may never be “perfect”, but you’ll never regret starting sooner. I’m glad I started when I did, because now, 6 years on, I’ve got a great foundation upon which to continue to build on.
I’ve only created three journals, there’s so much more I’d like to get done, so many other projects, so much more I could write, post, say, create and do, but at least I’ve made a start. As much as I would never wish away the years of my children being tiny, I do look forward to one day when I may finally have the time to do more. However, if I waited until I had ‘enough time’, I wouldn’t have anything.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you, make friends with other entrepreneurs - in the same field, and who do completely different things. I find that I’m most inspired after talking to other like-minded people, and as I said above, I do miss my colleagues, so being able to talk to others with a similar outlook is massively valuable.
Finally, record your journey! Whether you just take lots of photos, keep a journal or share your progress on social media, you can remind yourself of how far you’ve come by looking back on where you started.
Follow Megan Hutchinson on Instagram or visit her website shesaidyes.co.nz
Image references:
Wedding photos: https://www.
Family photos: http://stefyn.com
]]>Having a career in modelling is no easy feat, but one that Chantelle Stanton (formerly known as Chantelle Price) has successfully managed to navigate. One of those faces you’ve probably come across at some point in her career. Signed with Chadwick Models and Chic Management, She has appeared in campaigns with Eleven Australia, Mariana Hardwick, Mimco, Lorna Jane and Seafolly to name a few.
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the gorgeous Chantelle to talk about her home style, an insight into her modelling career and any advice she has for our bride to be's!
My advice would be to just to enjoy the process and the big lead up. Trust that things will fall into place and to take a moment to soak it all in as it goes so fast! Have FUN! That's the most important thing.
He proposed on a weekend away at Polperro Winery in Red Hill. It was super special and pulled it off very well! Haha we were over the moon!
I love meeting new people and the creative side of shoots. There’s always something new and fun coming up!
I am for sure a home body!!! My favourite evening would be a night in watching a movie with my favourite Thai take away.
Everyday is different! From meetings to photo shoots to shooting content for brands, doing house work to pilates and catching up with friends! No day is the same which is what I love the most about my job!
You are not for everyone and that’s ok! Don’t change yourself to suit other people!
I find doing something to help clear my mind like pilates or a big walk, speaking to Tanner or a friend about why I am doubting something always helps!
Just seeing what’s in store! A few big exciting things coming up (stay tuned) and hopefully some more travelling around Australia Covid permitted!!
Expect nothing, appreciate everything. What is meant to be will be. Everything happens for a reason.
Coastal without being a beach house! Pinterest & Instagram are my go to’s for style inspiration. I also love three bird renovations, their styling is amazing and always on trend. This is where I have got a lot of design inspiration from.
Ooo my fav is my Gucci flowers print that we hung in our master with the timber frame! It's a gorgeous statement piece that suits my homes aesthetic perfectly.
To see more of Chantelle's journey follow her on Instagram
Photography by Lost in Love. Follow her on Instagram
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The highlights are watching the incredible team we have built do what they do best. Our customers' faces light up when they finally get the piece they have dreamed of and to know that you formed a part of that process is exhilarating. It is such an honour to be creating a piece of jewellery that will be treasured, passed down and tell stories for lifetimes to come. Of course any business will come with its challenges and having to always be future-proofing can become exhausting. Being your own boss adds an immense pressure to always be present and personally, I find taking time away very hard at times.
When Covid hit New Zealand we were a business that didn't own a functioning e-commerce platform and all of our sales were driven inside our physical store, so lockdown presented a huge challenge and so many unknowns for us, as it did for many businesses. The biggest standout achievement was the phenomenal amount of sales that we managed to generate through my personal instagram while in lockdown. This taught us SO much about our business and our customers. It has shaped who we are today for the better. We consider ourselves so incredibly lucky and look back on this as one of our biggest achievements.
The most vital component is finding a reputable jewellery boutique that can offer the service of bespoke designs, handcrafted jewellery and ready-to-wear jewellery. The more experienced the team is that you work with, the better the outcomes will be for you. It is their job to be the experts and ensure that their clients are getting the absolute best value for money. Working with an experienced team will mean that they are able to study the designs you like, and put together a piece that incorporates all the elements of the design that you love as well as wearability. A lifetime guarantee of craftsmanship and free jewellery cleaning are also musts.
I wear so many different hats while I am in the store but the majority of my day is filled with designing and quoting bespoke engagement rings, sourcing and buying in our stock of diamonds and gemstones, as well as managing the business from a financial and operational level.
It is absolutely a challenge and I am so lucky to have a supportive family that I often have to call on to help out. I try to be kind to myself and remember that I am working hard for the future of my family, but at the same time making family a priority is a must because life really is too short - especially with how fast kids grow up. Sometimes this works better than other times, and that is OK too. My biggest rule is, unless it is absolutely urgent, once I get home I switch off from work and I give my family my full attention.
Almost everything you experience offers you a lesson, so never regret accepting an opportunity, starting up a business or just following your heart. It can take years for you to realise what you did learn, or how that experience paved the path for your next venture, but there will come a time that you can look back and have an "ahhh" moment. Try it, just do it, and have zero regrets. It'll make sense one day.
Minimalist and classic. I adore romantic neutral tones, natural textiles and stone. I enjoy creating features to each room using silhouettes like a feature coffee table, a headboard or a comfortable occasional chair.
Instagram and Pinterest - I love that the algorithm automatically curates and builds moodboards specific to your style.
I am so excited to be curating and launching further designs from my new collection, and seeing these come to life on our new e-commerce website which we will be launching in the coming months. On a personal note, adding to our family the birth of our son at the end of the year will certainly be the highlight.
I have so many it is hard to choose but certainly the custom baby illustration print holds so much sentiment, the framed photo option for displaying family pictures and I have a massive weakness for the Silhouette artwork.
This week for our interview series we feature our very own Gabrielle Kirk, founder and owner of Papier hq. We sat down to have a chat about her business journey, balancing work life, as well as advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs. Check out our journal to read more about her journey and what's next for Papier hq...
We have encountered many challenges over the past 4 years in business. From the start up phase of having to wear about 10 different hats. I was customer service, social media manager, accounts, order fulfilment, HR, packaging, account manager, stocktaker… To not having enough money when we first launched to buy pre made boxes so every box had to be made by hand. This is definitely something we can laugh about now (not so much at the time). When we first launched we decided to send PR parcels out and every single one of them broke. We ended up having to spend a day in the car driving around Auckland delivering replacements. We realised quite quickly our home made boxes weren’t going to cut it..We had no idea what we were in for!
Papier hq started out by designing prints for friends and family as gifts or custom pieces. I reached a point in my career where I felt like I had learnt everything I could in that position and it was time to take a risk and start my own business. I had always wanted to do it and it felt like the timing was finally right. I went from resigning from my job to 4 months later launching our website. It was a crazy whirlwind experience and I couldn’t have done it without the help and support from my husband.
My background is Textile Design. I completed a 4 year Textile Design degree following my gap year in the UK. When I gradated I worked in a homewares and apparel company developing ranges and designing textiles for a variety of brands. My products were sold in Australia and New Zealand. My work was varied and helped me develop my skills which I was able to apply to my own business.
I’m not sure I can define one moment specifically. When I started Papier hq I wasn’t sure where it was going to go or what it was going to look like in 4 years time. It’s a proud feeling looking around at our little team working hard to help us achieve our dreams. Our team rides the waves with us as we grow as not only as a business but as individuals. As long as we can continue to design ranges for our customers that they love then we are doing it right.
My husband and I just bought our first home together. It’s a renovation project with so much potential. I would describe my style as clean, modern with Scandinavian influences. I love natural lines, concrete, marble accents, natural wood and linens. Our home is filled with Papier hq pieces which I like to change up when I can but my favourites are Homebodii, Imperfectly Imperfect, Shape Abstract and Gucci Flowers.
We just released our first ever stationery range. It was a really proud moment for us. Blood, sweat and a lot of tears were poured into the development of our range. During lockdown we managed to design a range of Greeting cards too which is growing every season. We love that everything we do is designed in house by us.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from people that have walked in your shoes previously. Most people will be happy to help if you reach out and ask. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by some amazing mentors during my journey. Take calculated risks and develop a product you are truly passionate about. If you create something that is unique and important to you, it will shine through in everything you do.
From the beginning we knew we wanted to tap into local suppliers. For our New Zealand customers we use locally made frames made from New Zealand timber and glass and for Australian friends we have found a great framer that uses Australian timber made frames. This also means everything is made to order ensuring the best possible quality for our customers. Every single piece of art and stationery we sell is designed by our small team of 3 in-house. We love that we can keep our ranges fresh with the ability to do custom art.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules and take risks. I believe that the experience of art hits each of us so differently and that's part of its beauty. I hope our pieces bring each of our customers happiness and help to reflect their personalities through their homes. As for a tip, I would say there are some really strong trends out there that we love at the moment but you should also try to inject your personality and your history or experiences into your home decor. Art or photographs that help tell your unique story are my favourite go-to’s and will really add to beautiful interior design.
On the weekends I try to switch off and spend time with my loved ones. The weeks can be intense with long hours so I like to leave my weekends free for time to chill out and take a break. It’s important to allow yourself ‘me’ time or you’ll just burn out! During the week I like to fit in a few pilates classes and netball to keep me sane. It can definitely be a battle sometimes to balance it but I’m lucky I have lots of supportive friends and family that understand my vision and determination. I’m definitely not perfect but if you surround yourself with people who love and support you, you can’t go wrong.
We have lots of exciting product ranges in the works. With the launch of our first stationery range we are really excited to grow this category whilst still delivering on trend wall art ranges to our customers. This year is our first year wholesaling and we hope to grow this dramatically so our customers can have the ability to go into a store and have a look at our products in the flesh!
OMG where do I start. When we first started Papier hq we were running it out of our small spare bedroom (picture a room that only fits a double bed). This quickly grew to taking over our kitchen and living area until it got to the point where desperation called and we decided to rent a little cabin on the front lawn. I think our neighbours thought we’d finally lost the plot. I pulled up to our house to see my husband cutting down our front fence for a truck to lift the cabin through. It was then that we realised we needed to rent a space. When we did, on the day we moved in, a truck arrived with 4 palettes of new stock. It was all hands on deck, which meant us 3 girls in dresses unloading palettes and wondering what we would have done it it had arrived one day earlier!
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the lovely Kathryn Wilson, New Zealand's premier footwear designer. Leading in her industry, Kathryn has run her own shoe label since 2003. We caught up with Kathryn to have a chat about her business journey, balancing mum and work life, as well as advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs.
I launched the brand in 2003 after winning an AMP scholarship for shoe design, I was 22 years old and LOVED shoes and wanted to make a career out of doing something I loved. We started with seven styles and sold them into seven wholesale accounts. We now sell to over 80 stores throughout NZ and produce 30-40 new styles each season.
There have been several challenges over the last 18 years in business, most of them around logistics. It can be complicated working with a supply chain outside of NZ and relying on all parties to meet deadlines and clearance requirements to avoid delays and added costs . We have had large shipments arrive into NZ and not clear customs due to regulations around fumigation of the containers that had been trans-shipped etc which meant orders have had to be re-made urgently and at our cost to not let down our retailers. It’s a balancing act making sure all cogs in the wheel are turning across all suppliers!!
A career highlight for me personally was hosting an event in NZ for Dato Jimmy Choo and spending a few days introducing him to my team and visiting my stores. Another highlight was when Beyonce posted a pair of my shoes onto her Instagram account to 100mil followers.
2021 brings the launch of our new ‘climate friendly’ collection of footwear named KIND by Kathryn Wilson. These styles are made from recycled leather or textile uppers and sustainably considered components that will be delivered into stores next week. We will donate $10 from each pair sold to Carbon Click who are regenerating NZ native forest in Kaikoura to help off-set our carbon emissions. We are hoping this is the beginning of our sustainability journey as a brand and look forward to doing more styles each season to expand our offering of footwear with a KINDER footprint.
Get started now, be brave, focused and open-minded to learn from those around you. Surround yourself with passionate, excited, optimistic people to come along the journey with you and involve them in your decision-making and shared successes.
Classic, clean lines, bright and light, calm.
Invest in timeless pieces that you will cherish and keep, things that will last and not date. Own less but buy quality items.
That’s a tricky one, I have a lot of favourites. One of my first designs was a classic ballet shoe that we still have in production today. I wear these a lot as they are a classic style that suits many occasions. I also live in our seasonal trainers which are released each season with new upper detailing. The infamous ‘Jimmy Boot’ was an all time favourite ‘biker style’ boot that can be worn all year around with dresses, jeans or to the office.
I don’t have a magic answer, life is busy at work and at home. Our family has had great support from nannies at home who help with the kids and awesome team members at work who help to share the load in the business when you can’t be there. One of the most important things is to remember to make time for yourself so you can be a better mum and better boss / colleague. You need to have your own cup full to have the energy to support others. Go for that bush walk, read a great book, book in yoga or pilates for some quiet time to yourself and make sure to see your friends or loved ones as often as possible to share the journey / ups and downs with you.
I love the marble trays for the office and home… and the leather pouches, pencil cases.
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Before rushing into a full-on day take a moment to curate a to-do list. Determine what your top three priorities are or simply bullet point the tasks you need to get done. Make sure your list is realistic. Keep on top of your workload by breaking projects down into smaller tasks. Our Daily Notes pad has 100 tear-off pages so you can jot down ideas and reminders all day long. For those who prefer a more structured way of list-making our Papier lined notebooks are the perfect solution.
Our Weekly Planner is the perfect tool for tackling a busy week. Note down everything you need to accomplish in the checklist section. Work commitments and social events can be listed underneath the weekday headings. Make sure to put aside time for self-care too!
Goals are always an excellent motivator. Set a range of goals for your personal life, fitness, career ambitions and finances. Writing goals down is the first step to achieving them. Keep them on your desk in a spot where you can always see them.
Life can easily become a little too high speed. Remember what's most important and prioritise. It’s okay to say no sometimes.
Make time at the start of your week to plan your meals. Our Bon Appétit Menu Planner helps you create a thorough shopping list and takes the stress out of brainstorming dinner plans every day. With 100 perforated sheets it is super easy to tear off your shopping list for your trip to the supermarket.
A tidy desk makes for a tidy mind. Our Leopard Organiser will help you get your desk in order without having to sacrifice on style. With different sections for all you might have lying around on your desk, your organisation skills will be the envy of the office or the home. In the Papier studio we have used ours to store loose pins, paper clips and business cards.
Organise everything in your laptop bag each evening so it's ready to go. Pack our laptop sleeve with your laptop, charger, notebooks all prepared for the morning. You may also like to check the weather forecast and plan your outfit for the day ahead.
Store your pens in style with our selection of pen holders. Our ceramic Boobie Pen Cup makes for the perfect feature piece and can hold rulers and scissors as well as pens.
Now that you’ve organised your physical desktop, make sure your computer is also kept in order. Use the stacks feature to clear your screen of screenshots and loose files. Choose a wallpaper that inspires you.
Journalling is a great way to process your thoughts and reflect on events from the day. Grab a pen, open your notebook and take a moment to face your feelings head on and reset for what's to come. The inside pages of all of our notebooks are lined and made from recycled coffee cups.
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This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the lovely Trish Peng. Trish is the founder of Trish Peng, a world-class luxury Bridal and Evening wear brand renowned for creating custom made masterpieces. We caught up with Trish to have a chat about her business ventures, what she is looking forward to most in 2021 and some advice to brides who are about to tie the knot!
I was born and raised in Auckland. I knew when I was 7 that I wanted to be a designer. I was inspired by all things beautiful. I would dress up in my Mum’s wardrobe any chance I could. My Mum purchased a little sewing machine and I taught myself the basics of how to sew. I started creating custom dresses for clients when I was studying at Whitecliffe College and women started asking for custom Bridal gowns. I started my brand whilst studying at Whitecliffe and then never looked back, here we are 7 years later.
I've somehow created a couple of world firsts, which was surprising as I didn't set out with that intention. It includes our record-breaking longest train on a catwalk and our world's first reversible bridal collection.
Daily Mail article - red dress
Marie Claire - reversible dress
It depends if I'm designing for a client or for my collections. When designing for a bride, I combine what they want with my aesthetic. If I design for a collection, it depends on what inspires me at the time but it is usually feminine, romantic, flattering silhouettes for women.
Everything we do has a personalised touch. We only take one appointment at a time so from the moment the bride walks in the door they get a one on one time. We even offer a deluxe consultation which includes a mini high tea from Bluebells Cakery and Laurent Perrier Champagne. I sketch their dress in front of them and at their final fitting, they get a copy of the sketch as well as their name embroidered on their garment bag. We also make our dresses in our workroom right behind our Grey Lynn flagship store.
A lot of brides are still after the classic, plain look, this can be styled up with a pearl veil or even a detachable top to give two different looks.
I would say to not stress about the little things, the wedding planning should be fun!
I would say to them that you can’t trade anything for experience, I would recommend getting work experience in the particular industry you want to start the business in. If you already have the experience, then go for it and take risks, make the most of every opportunity as you never know where it will lead.
We have just launched our sister brand Yours Truly (yourstrulybridal.co.nz) which sell new, pre-loved and sample wedding dresses from any designer. This shop has just opened right behind my current store in Grey Lynn. The new venture is a way to provide Kiwi women with more options when it comes to choosing what to wear on their special day, and to play a part in helping reduce fashion waste by encouraging the re-use of gowns that still have life left in them yet, a great alternative for those conscious about sustainability.
We are also committed to donating $10 from every sale to charity, offering a selection of deserving causes that buyers can choose from including Women’s Refuge, Starship Foundation and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Start by measuring the wall you’d like the gallery on. Mark that space out on the floor with painter’s tape. This will give you a space to plan your layout in. Always start in the middle, usually with the largest piece, and work out from there to keep it balanced.
Before you begin, we think it’s easiest to decide on your layout first. Lay your frames out on the floor and play around with the layout until you’re happy. Don’t be afraid to mix it up, it doesn’t have to have perfectly symmetrical to look beautiful. See our example images below. Each layout is unique to each home.
If you haven’t purchased your frames yet, try laying out pieces of paper on the floor that are sized to the frames you're planning to have in your gallery wall.
When creating a gallery wall we think it looks best to use a variety of prints and photographs in different sizes as it creates visual interest as well as tells a story.
Your gallery wall can be an interesting mix of genres and techniques. For instance, figures, landscapes, abstracts in the form of drawings, photography and paintings.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match frame colours to suit each print. This will help to tie in all of the different tones in your artwork and photographs. Choose some images with borders and some images without.
Hanging a gallery wall doesn’t come without it’s complications, but it's totally worth the effort. To make it easier we swear by Command Picture hanging velcro strips. Make sure you follow the instructions - we don’t use them for frames bigger than A1 or on textured wallpapers!
https://www.mitre10.co.nz/
https://www.bunnings.co.nz/
For a little inspiration, these are some curated gallery walls we have put together - there are different looks to suit a variety of homes and styles. See more at the following link: https://www.papierhq.co.nz/
Alternatively we are always here to offer advice on prints that would suit your home! Contact us at hello@papierhq.co.nz with any questions you may have. Remember to have fun! A gallery wall is all about telling your story. It doesn't have to be perfectly matched. Have fun with it!
]]>Our interview series is all about powerhouse women and men who inspire us through their work, creativity, business and passion. At Papier hq we are all about supporting and uplifting one another. These amazing individuals are here to share some of their expertise. Introducing Tiff, CEO of Yealands wine...
This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the lovely Tiff, the CEO of Yealands wine. A powerhouse business woman who has managed to to navigate her way through a challenging 12 months with the covid pandemic. We caught up with Tiff to have a chat about her business ventures, what she is looking forward to most in 2021 and any advice she may have for future and current entrepreneurs.
For us at Yealands, sustainability is more than just how we farm or make wine. It’s an ethos that runs throughout all parts of our business – we call it Think Boldly, Tread Lightly. This can be interpreted in many ways from how we care for the land and protect our environment, to the values that underpin our culture and how we approach business challenges and opportunities.
Facing a global pandemic and NZ lockdown during harvest and only 6 months into my first CEO role – it was definitely baptism by fire! It forced us to think outside the box in terms of how we could safely operate through harvest, whilst adhering to the new COVID guidelines that were introduced by the Ministry of Health. Thankfully the Yealands team are a resilient bunch and we’re renown for doing things differently so the team adapted quickly and I’m incredibly proud of how everyone rallied around to support each other. In terms of personal growth from this, it just reinforces how people are your greatest asset in business and in times of crisis, our people, their families and our community are the foremost priority.
It’s a cliché but genuinely my three kids are my greatest achievement and I couldn’t do my job without the phenomenal support of my husband Todd and my mum, Val. I honestly get such a buzz from seeing my kids do well and be happy, balanced, normal kids. From a career perspective, the moments where I feel most proud are to do with my team achieving their goals - whether that’s their own professional development, career progression or just seeing the business strategy landing and the positive impact that has on the team and business. From a business point of view, I’m a real believer in momentum – that feeling when plans are being executed well and you’re starting to see it in the results and the team engagement behind the strategy…. That’s the stuff that gets me excited!
Well we’re right in the middle of harvest as I write this – the fruit quality is excellent and so far, the weather has been kind to us, so I think we’re in for some fantastic quality vintage ’21 wines in a few months’ time!
Take some risks and don’t be afraid to break a few category rules (just not all of them). Create a genuine brand story that will endure. Seek advice from people who have done it before (learn from their mistakes so you don’t make the same ones). Create a strategy with your target consumers and customers at the heart of your plan. Get good financial advice.
Me too! Yes, I’m loving our Yealands Single Block L5 Sauvignon Blanc. Even if you’re not a savvy fan, you’ll love this drop! Also, a good dry Riesling can always be found in my fridge and Champagne of course.
It seems we’re all challenged at some stage in our careers with needing to reset or rebalance work/life. There’s a few things I set in place years ago now which have helped me. I exercise in the morning because even though sometimes I’d love that extra hours’ sleep, I love the kick-start that it gives my day. I work from home on a Friday so that I have one day where I’m not tackling traffic into town or to the airport and it’s also allowed me to do the school drop off and pick up, meaning I get to see all the cool stuff my daughter is doing at school. And of course, later in the week, sharing a glass of wine or two with my husband helps keep us both real!
I love the silhouette prints and the gorgeous notebooks! Beautiful stationery helps the creative juices flow!
Visit Yealands Wines on Instagram or visit their website yealands.co.nz
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]]>Here at Papier hq we are very excited about trends that are coming through this year. Here are a few design influences we are loving and can’t wait to incorporate in our home.
Heavy textures
Lime stone, Fossil, marble, plaster, boucle, and concrete are textures which are heavily influencing design this year. Incorporating heavy textures is one of our favourite ways of bringing a space to life. It brings a new dimension to a space.
It’s all about the curves
You will see furniture with substantial rounded proportions with a focus on curvy modular form coming through in furniture design this year.
Curved elements in architecture are seen in furniture for example curved back chairs, rounded leg coffee tables, curved doors.
One designer we are obsessing over is Australian furniture designer Sarah Ellison. Her work is the epitome of style. Her use of curvy and almost futuristic shapes are what we can imagine will be a strong trend for years to come. Check out her incredible pieces at https://sarahellison.com.au
Calming neutrals
Rattan furniture was huge in 2020 and it’s not going anywhere in 2021. With more of a sophisticated spin by contrasting the rattan with black or brass, we are moving away from boho and moving towards a more modern spin on this trend. Linen and natural colour palettes are all about creating a sense of calm without the clutter. Simple style and soothing colour palettes are what we will be seeing lots of this year.
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References:
https://www.curatedspaces.com.
Being chosen to go on The Block ultimately gave us the stepping stone to where we are now with our houses and renovating interior design business Studio Reno. There isn’t really a ‘behind the scenes’ scoop when it comes to The Block because every moment is captured for what it is, which is terrifying but has also given us the blessing of hindsight which is a wonderful thing. I think reflecting back there’s a lot of really proud moments for us as a couple. We really were given the chance of a lifetime.
Kitchens with dimension! I have recently fallen in love with the idea of profiled cabinetry. It is done a lot overseas but in New Zealand, I think we are all minimalists at heart and like to choose modern, flat profiled doors. This is interesting as the majority of our homes are character weatherboard exteriors. I also think a huge shift is moving away from all white everything as people start to experiment with mixing warm and cool shades together as well as introducing texture and pattern.
I am all about the power of transformation because it’s so addicting and creating high-end interior design for my clients, but for a lot of us high-end luxury isn’t an affordable option. My style has to be centred around creating people’s dream homes but on a realistic budget. I love taking inspiration from people’s homes and the cues I see when I go through for a consult. There are a lot of areas where you can save and others where it pays to splurge. Knowing the difference between them is my job at the end of the day.
When renovating, there can be a lack of appreciation for the smaller details which is something I learned at design school - such as switchgear for example. What we’ve decided to do is use PDL by Schneider gear in House 02 because although often left to the sparky to figure out, switchgear is something you touch every single day. The same goes for door handles. You can instantly tell the era of a home from passage doors if they haven’t been updated. You have often then had your first impression before even walking into the room. I really believe the devil is in the detail. It is easy for me to become engrossed in finding the perfect height for the vanity which then impacts the switchgear height, mirror height and then, of course, wall lights. I think the harder you work for something the luckier you get with the outcome.
Social media is a really great tool for brand awareness and recognition, I’ve been really fortunate to have partnered up with some of New Zealand’s leading and most trusted brands which is a surreal feeling I’m very grateful for. I think the biggest misconception about social media is that it’s easy. People may think that the work just presents itself to you, where in fact there are countless hours spent planning, styling, shooting and editing content. It’s a real art making something look effortless, like home staging. It is not the easiest career path, but because I am a creative it really is a fun, upbeat and positive outlet for me. I absolutely adore the people I’ve met on social media. I’ve met some of my best friends on there.
Cake tasting! Haha - wedding cake tasting that is. As well as all the joys that come with planning a wedding, I couldn’t be more excited to marry Adam!
Gosh - how much time do we have? I think Papier hq is one in a million. The quality can’t be paralleled here in New Zealand and I know Gabby and her team go the extra mile every time to ensure their products are nothing short of impeccable. We couldn’t believe our luck when they came on board Team Purple for The Block Firehouse. Our apartment wouldn’t have set the bar as high as it did if it weren’t for their tireless hours.
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Follow Stacy on Instagram or visit her website studioreno.co.nz
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