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Today on the podcast, I speak to former fashion designer turned ceramicist Deborah Sweeney. After a successful career in fashion that saw her working in New York and London, Deborah returned to New Zealand to establish her fashion label in 2002. Her collections were stocked in select boutiques around the world - including the UK, USA, Japan, Denmark, and Australia; her designs were featured in publications like British Vogue, Women's Wear Daily ID, Nylon, and Elle. However, after fifteen years of running her brand and looking for a change of pace, Deborah took a short sabbatical to spend time with her youngest before he started school. During this time, she completed a clay workshop and fell in love. She left fashion behind in 2017 and has been making ceramics ever since.  In the following years, Deborah established herself as a creative and innovative ceramicist. Her work is characterised by its simple yet beautiful aesthetic; her creations exude quiet beauty, reflecting thoughtfulness and consideration. As you listen to Deborah discuss her journey from fashion to clay, you'll see that her natural talent, hard work, and dedication have allowed her to master this new craft and build a thriving business on her own terms. I just loved this chat with Deb. Her thoughtful approach to life and her journey and work are truly inspiring. How cool that taking a break and embarking on a new creative adventure has evolved into a new vocation.  After this episode, head straight to @_deborahsweeney_ on Instagram to be mesmerised by Deborah's work, process, beautiful ceramics, and gorgeous studio. Then, visit deborahsweeney.com to view the full collection. I know you will love my kōrero with Deb as much as I did.   For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to artist and writer, Fleur Wickes. After a very successful twenty-year career in photographic portraiture, and with published short stories and poetry under her belt, in 2008 Fleur began drawing the words she wrote: the shape of the drawn words acting as an emotional landscape, adding depth and meaning to the poetry.  Since then, she’s made a career and a studio as an artist working in word and image, using photography, drawing and painting as her medium. Fleur is a long-time listener of this podcast and will regularly message me words of wonderful encouragement. When I asked her to come on the podcast, she mentioned it would be an honour but, in all honesty, I think you will agree after listening to this episode, the honour is all mine. I am beyond inspired – not only by Fleurs work which I adore but also by her strength, hard work, grit and determination to turn her true talent into a working business, despite all the curveballs life throws in your way. I was trying to write an intro to this podcast that would adequately describe Fleur's journey in art and in business, but I think it's just best if you just listen to her story in her own words. In our conversation Fleur is open, raw, funny, vulnerable, and honest – which is exactly like her work, an extension of herself. And also, I should mention that we recorded this chat in November 2023, towards the end of an extended period of creative leave and not long after this episode goes live, I think March 2024 (Fleur will confirm that!) she will be releasing some new work which I am excited about! After this episode visit fleurwickes.co.nz to learn more about Fleur and her work. And you must also connect on Instagram @fleurwickes where you will get a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes at Fleurs life as a working artist.    For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Kristy McGregor, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Shepherdess. From the Women, For the Land — Shepherdess is here to connect, empower and inspire women across rural Aotearoa. An organization passionate about creating vibrant rural communities through storytelling and events. Starting life as a blog and then launching as an independent printed publication in August 2020, Shepherdess was started around Kristy’s kitchen table on a dairy and beef farm in the Horowhenua. Shepherdess believes that telling stories is a great way to reduce social and geographical isolation, stimulate ideas and thinking, and foster connections. And over the past few years Kristy and the Shepherdess team have expanded their offering which now includes a tv series, an online social club, and as of next week the inaugural Shepherdess Muster will take place in Mōtū, Te Tairāwhiti. The Muster is a three-day rural festival and retreat gathering women from across rural Aotearoa. Kristy's story and the Shepherdess journey is a wonderful example of prioritising the needs of the community it serves, resulting in a thriving organisation. And, if you haven’t picked up a print issue of Shepherdess before now, no matter where you live, you will fall in love with this beautiful publication. Every aspect of this magazine is thoughtfully curated – from the inspiring storytelling to the incredible photography and everything in-between. We had a few technical difficulties with this episode – recorded over three sessions, I’ve stitched this wonderful story together but please bear with if you hear any glitchy edits! After this episode visit shepherdess.co.nz to learn more. And of course you can connect on Instagram @shepherdess.nz  For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Welcome to a special edition of Super Creative. In this episode, I'm thrilled to present our very first 'Holiday Spectacular'! This is an episode I've wanted to do for quite a while; a chance to share some of my recommendations, my quick-fire faves, and shows, books and podcasts I've been enjoying throughout the year. And rather than ramble on by myself for an hour, I've invited previous guest and friend of the pod, Mandy Myles from Bookety Book Books to join me. Mandy is the perfect person to recommend all of our holiday reading (of course), and she's got some great TV and podcast recommendations to share. We kick things off with an overdue business catch-up with Mandy. Our original episode went live in September 2020, and SO much has happened since then. It's lovely to hear how the business is going three years after we first spoke - as always, we cover the highlights, navigating challenges and everything in between. Enjoy!  x Catie  For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast I'm catching up with the wonderful Sarah Page - founder and CEO  of the Kindness Collective. I first interviewed Sarah this time last year and as we have just launched our second Kindness Collective Christmas Joy Store giveaway, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to check in with Sarah and see how the Kindness Collective is getting on a year later.  The Kindness Collective is such a special organisation, but as this is a podcast where I talk to creative Kiwi women in business, I still think there's also so much we can learn from Sarah in terms of how they run this non profit organisation, the challenges they face, the approach to business, and everything that that encompasses. So anyway, I hope you get something out of this short episode. And if you get a chance and you're listening to this in the right time, I'd love it if you would consider donating to my Kindness Collective Christmas Joy Store giveaway. Thanks. (You can find all the information on Insta!) You can listen to my original episode with Sarah on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Jane Allan, founder of Finery - a range of unique ready-to-pour low and no alcohol cocktails. Finery is here to voice moderation. Since 2019, Finery's mission is to reshape Australasia's drinking culture with low and non-alcohol alternatives. You’ll find Finery on shelves in New Zealand's largest supermarket chains and specialty liquor outlets as well as in their online store.  Jane’s background is in finance and commercial property. After going through a health and fitness journey in late 2018, Jane couldn’t find anything that ticked the boxes for what she wanted in a refreshing, but healthier cocktail and she found herself thinking more and more about creating a beverage of her own. With no previous experience in FMCG, Jane reached out to people in the industry and step-by-step – including a few setbacks – her vision started to gain traction.   What intrigued me about Jane's journey was the idea of starting a self-funded FMCG brand from scratch, family owned with no corporate backing. In a relatively short time, she has developed and launched a product that is now competing with big brands and going from strength to strength.   For more information about Finery and their delicious low and no alcohol cocktails visit finerycocktails.co.nz or follow along with the Finery journey on Instagram @finerycocktails I know you will love my kōrero with Jane as much as I did. _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Jessica Clarke, co-founder of Mother Made, a 100% all-natural, plant-based dietary supplement made from nothing but mushrooms. Using the benefits of natural fungus, Mother Made helps support the brain, body, skin and gut; they have a mushroom for everything. Mother Made's purpose is to shine a light on one of the planet's true minute marvels: the mushroom, nature's greatest healer. In 2021, Jessica co-founded Mother Made alongside her long-time best friend and fellow entrepreneur, Emily Blanchett. They had both tried medicinal mushrooms whilst living overseas. When they found themselves back in New Zealand during the pandemic, it was the perfect opportunity to start Mother Made. If the name Jessica Clarke is familiar, that's because she is one of our country's most in-demand models; first discovered at fifteen, by seventeen, Jess had walked the runways in Milan, Paris, New York and London. Since then, the London-based model and entrepreneur has featured in fashion campaigns and on runways for designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, and Mulberry, starred in countless magazine editorials and became the first New Zealand model to walk for Victoria's Secret in 2011. It only takes a quick scroll of Jess's Instagram to see that she lives a glamorous and international jet-set life that would be pretty different to most of us listening to this podcast. And yet, Jess is a down-to-earth Kiwi girl at heart, and this was a lovely conversation about two best friends, their love affair with medicinal mushrooms and turning the ultimate lockdown project into a business that has thrived since launch. I know you will become obsessed with mushrooms after this conversation! Make sure you head to mothermade.co.nz to check out the full range or visit @mothermade_mushrooms on Instagram for inspiring mushroom content.  I know you will love my kōrero with Jessica as much as I did. _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Miria Flavell, founder and owner of Hine Collection, a women's activewear and athleisure brand but also a community-led, purpose-driven movement built to inspire change. By women for women and indigenous-owned, Hine is leading the way as one of the world's most size-inclusive and diverse activewear brands. Currently stocking thirteen sizes (XXS - 8XL), it's safe to say that this brand truly champions body diversity. Miria's journey began in 2018 when she started Hine Collection in her garage. Fueled by her personal health and fitness journey, she embarked on a mission to create activewear that embraced all body types.  Over the past five years, alongside building the Hine brand, Miria opened (and has since sold) a gym called The Movement NZ, just re-launched her supplements range under the name Hine Body and, since we spoke, has also released a Hine Collection app. I have been in awe, watching from the sidelines (slash behind my phone) at not only the creation of this incredible brand but the part that has had the most impact on me is the genuine, active, engaged and passionate community that Miria and her team have cultivated that support and contribute in so many ways to the brand's success. I seriously took so much from this conversation with Miria; we discussed her business journey – in real talk - the highs, the challenges and everything in between, and I loved it. I cannot wait to see the continued growth and evolution of Hine Collection and where this brand is headed. You can visit hinecollection.com to see the full range of size-inclusive activewear or to get a real feel for this community-led, purpose-driven movement you can follow    @hinecollection on Insta, Facebook or TikTok . I know you will love my kōrero with Miria as much as I did. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Claire Hammon, co-founder and Creative Director of independent jewellery studio Meadowlark. The Meadowlark story is a love story between the creative minds of Claire and co-founders and partner Greg Fromont. Starting from a makeshift work bench in their Auckland home, the evolution of Meadowlark reflects their mutual passion for art, nature, travel and the magical craft of jewellery making. Established in 2006, Meadowlarks offering includes everyday essentials, experimental and enigmatic seasonal collections, and Ceremonial, for very special occasions. With few exceptions, Meadowlark jewellery is made-to-order at the studio in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by their team of talented jewellers. Meadowlark is designed to last, and always made in a way that’s mindful of the earth we share. To say I was thrilled to get the chance to talk to Claire about the Meadowlark journey is an understatement. This is another brand where I have been a long-time fan, consumer and admirer of the art-inspired, design-led ethos behind the brand. My most precious (material) item, my engagement ring, is from Meadowlark and I still look at it with the same delight I felt when I first put it on 7.5 years ago. After this chat you can visit meadowlark.co.nz to be inspired (and if you are like me, add some items to your wish list) and then head to @meadowlarkjewellery on Insta for even more temptation.  I know you will love my korero with Claire as much as I did.  _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Chloe Zara Munro – award-winning hairstylist and founder of Chloe Zara Hair – a mindfully curated, premium haircare collection that fuses the best of science with the wonder of nature. With two decades in the hair industry, Chloe has amassed a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to create healthy hair. Launching in 2020, Chloe Zara Hair is formulated and made in New Zealand with clean beauty principles and premium ingredients top of mind, the ever-growing range focuses on creating a simple, yet luxurious haircare routine for all that nourishes the scalp and the hair. Unsurprisingly the Chloe Zara Hair has quickly gathered a cult-following and in this chat we talk about Chloe’s journey as hairstylist, where the idea came from, the strong values and ethos behind her products, the launch and subsequent growth as well as all the challenges and realities of launching a business in the last few years alongside starting a family. I really enjoyed talking to Chloe, it felt like I was talking to an old friend, and I realized afterwards that that is the skill of someone that has built her career making strong connections with people, with lives being shared over the hairdressers and where more often than not loyal clients become long-time friends. I know you will love my kōrero with Chloe as much as I did. And after this chat make sure you head straight over to chloezara.com to check out the full range and learn more about the products – or you can follow the brand on instagram for a wealth of haircare education and styling tips @chloezarahair and follow Chloe herself at @chloezara_.  _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Meg Gallagher – visual artist and denim designer.   Meg has spent the past decade in Australia working in top design roles for some of the most recognisable brands in the fashion industry including Camila and Marc, Insight and Ksubi. After years of the intensive fashion loop she  started to feel the itch to create slower work with her hands so she translated everything she knew about denim, textiles and colour into creating art. She started selling pieces privately and demand swiftly grew into creating commissions and showing in galleries. Returning home to Aotearoa in March 2022, Meg lives in Ōtepoti Dunedin working from a shared studio space called the Crystal Ballroom. Megs ability to translate nature’s rugged beauty and shifting energy into incredible large-scale contemporary landscapes have attracted collectors across the globe. Her use of denim as a canvas and the textured treatments she applies speaks to her time in the fashion industry. I was so keen to chat with Meg about her creative journey, from the highs of the fashion world to stepping back, slowing down, moving to the bottom of the South Island and embarking on a career change as a working artist. She’s achieved such wonderful success in such a short time, and as with all of the artists I speak to, I love hearing how they are able to make a living turning a passion into a business. When I think of some of the high profile and glamourous brands Meg has worked with, it would be easy to be intimated but our conversation was an absolute delight, I’m sure we could have talked for much longer. Meg is an open book, down-to-earth, funny and happy to chat about all areas of her artist life. And after this chat, or perhaps even during, I suggest you head straight over to Megs Instagram @meggallaghercreative and prepare yourselves to be captivated by the beauty of her work. Then you can head to her website – meggallaghercreative.com and sign yourself up to receive her next catalogue. I know you will love my kōrero with Meg as much as I did. _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to Emilie Pullar – fashion designer and co-founder of womenswear label Maaike and the pasta chef behind the recipe website and instagram account Burnt Butter Table. This is such an interesting episode as I chat to Emilie right at the crossroads of her business journey.   In 2010, Emilie and her business partner Abby van Schreven founded their brand Maaike and have grown a loyal following in New Zealand and overseas, becoming known for their timeless and easy to wear pieces and their custom prints. In this conversation we talk about the early days of Maaike and all of the successes and challenges of running a fashion brand from their clothes being shown at New York Fashion Week and dressing Jacinda Ardern to being in business through two recessions, a global pandemic and an ever-changing industry.   As we recorded this episode, Emilie and Abby were getting ready to publicly announce that after fourteen years in business, they were closing the label – on their own terms. We talk about the journey that led to this decision and what the future looks like for Emilie.   Which is, one of original reasons that I approached Emilie to be on the podcast. I don’t know how I stumbled across the Burnt Butter Table Instagram account but from the moment I did, I was instantly captivated. I then realised that the person behind the account was a kiwi, and a fashion designer by day. The Burnt Butter Table Instagram account has (at the time of recording) 129k followers – and if you are thinking, I haven’t heard of it – that’s because most of Emilie’s audience is currently in North America.  Both the Burnt Butter Table instagram and website are a visual feast of the most incredible food photography and videos as well as delicious and easy-to-follow original recipes.  What started as a lockdown project, has now become Emilie Pullar’s second business chapter. To learn more about Maaike in its final few months, you can visit maaikeandco.com or @maaikeclothing on Instagram. And then you can open your Instagram world to a pasta-lovers heaven @burntbuttertable or find the most amazing recipes at burntbuttertable.com I know you will love my kōrero with Emilie as much as I did. _ Thank you to Bookety Book Books who are the sponsors of this episode and the first ever sponsors of this podcast. Thank you Mandy and Bookety for your support. Super Creative listeners can enjoy a 10% discount on their next order at www.booketybookbooks.co.nz – use the code SUPER2023 at checkout. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid for one purchase per customer. Code expires 30th of November 2023. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie Dawson Bought to you by Somewhere Creative Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast