Deb Smith

Deb Smith embodies everything Maman holds dear, community, creativity, and quiet continuity. As an early mentor to one of Maman’s founders, Deb’s influence stretches back to the roots of our story. Featuring her in our Ten Years Together campaign honours not just our creative beginnings, but also a life lived with integrity, compassion, and deep artistic purpose.

Deb’s journey began at Elam School of Fine Arts, where she studied on a prestigious Wattie’s Scholarship. Initially drawn to painting and sculpture, she eventually found her truest medium in photography, exhibiting work throughout New Zealand. Yet, her most profound impact has arguably come not through galleries, but in classrooms and community spaces.

Since the early 1990s, Deb has been a beloved photography teacher at St Cuthbert’s College and Unitec, inspiring generations of young creatives across Auckland. One of those students was a founder of Maman, making Deb an integral part of the boutique’s origin story.

In 2008, Deb co-founded Cloud Workshop, a free, art-based programme for children navigating bereavement in their families. Though not formally therapy, these sessions offer what Deb calls “accidental therapy”, a safe, expressive outlet grounded in compassion and creativity. As many families have shared, Deb offers something rare: creativity and solidarity in motion.

Maman has had the honour of collaborating with Cloud Workshop in the past, a partnership rooted in shared values of care, creativity, and community. Supporting Deb’s mission to foster healing through art is one of the many ways Maman has sought to give back to the people and causes that inspire us.

Her work, whether in the darkroom, the classroom, or the community, encourages children to create without pressure and explore without judgment. It’s a philosophy deeply aligned with Maman’s belief in authenticity, emotional connection, and timelessness.

In our campaign image, Deb stands proudly alongside other cherished members of our community, with her beloved dog Nina at her side. It’s a quiet, beautiful reflection of who she is: grounded, gentle, and always accompanied by love.

Deb has quietly shaped the cultural and emotional landscape of Auckland’s creative scene for decades. By honouring her in this milestone campaign, we acknowledge the powerful role that teachers, mentors, and artists play, not just in shaping individuals, but in building communities.