What were you going to be when you grew up?
A doctor like my dad.
How did you come to be a designer/writer?
Through incredible frustration in the corporate world and not being able to find a career that suited me.
If you weren’t a designer you’d be..?
I would have ended up doing something in the health sciences arena.
Which is your favourite Ponsonby cafe?
I can’t decide between Mary’s and Dear Jervois.
Your favourite Ponsonby restaurant?
Farina.
Favourite Ponsonby store?
Bob and Friends.
And your favourite Ponsonby fashion label?
Workshop.
Please share your best-kept Ponsonby secret?
A store called Wunderkammer. I picked up the most gorgeous pair of Costume National shoes from there a couple of years ago and they are still my faves. I love their eclectic mix of brands.
What’s inspired you recently?
Listening on National Radio to an interview with ‘The Kiwi Bushman’. His philosophy on life was awesome.
Name your desert island distractions:
Song – David Guetta – Titanium. Series – Offspring. I love that hilarious mad family. Book – A New Earth. Eckhart Tolle.
The house is on fire and your family is safe. What do you save?
My jewellery box. There are so many sentimental treasures in there.
“I’d be lost without my…
Family and amazing friends.
One thing you have learned about life is?
It might sound cliché but you have to trust in yourself. John Demartini said it perfectly. “When the voice and the vision on the inside is more profound, and more clear and loud than all opinions on the outside, you’ve begun to master your life.”
Your advice to Ponsonby people shopping for children’s books?
I personally love Novel on Jervois Road. Andrew is very passionate and knowledgeable about books and he has a great children’s section. He has a fantastic eye for those books with a unique point of difference and some of our favorite books are from Novel. There is also a personal element to the purchase as he genuinely loves the books he is selling. I also go to the Children’s Bookstore as they have a great selection of books and other paraphernalia for kids.
Your advice to Ponsonby people aspiring to write for publication?
In my case I did not go down the conventional publishing route and chose to self publish. I also wanted to print in New Zealand. I already had a distribution channel with my business i candy but the publication and distribution of a book was a new venture for me that came with some challenges. My advice would be to make sure you get an editor. There are many printing pitfalls so do your homework. Finally if you believe you have a great book with a message then back yourself. You will get negative feedback (along with the positive) but make sure you filter out what is not going to serve you.
