Sue Millar
10 YEARS TOGETHER
SUE MILLAR
Staff Member, Merchandiser and Entertainer Extraordinaire
For the past five years, Sue Millar has been one of Maman’s most treasured constants. A true stalwart of New Zealand’s fashion and beauty industry with decades of experience as both a buyer and visual merchandiser, Sue brings an innate eye for style and presentation that has helped shape Maman’s signature aesthetic.
Her family has also left their mark on the boutique with her daughter Aislyn and sister Rose having both worked at Maman, making the Millar name almost woven into the store’s fabric.
Sue’s influence goes far beyond clothing. She was a driving force behind Maman Maison, curating its homewares with the same precision and taste she brings to fashion. Her passion for entertaining shines in her ability to create tablescapes that feel both effortless and unforgettable, blending texture, colour, and mood in a way that makes every gathering feel special. Her impeccable gift wrapping is a finishing touch Maman customers have come to love: always beautiful, always thoughtful, always Sue.
She’s not just part of the team, Sue is part of the experience. Whether she’s hosting in-store events with calm grace, styling a window display to perfection, or helping a customer find just the right piece, Sue brings a quiet authority and a warmth that makes Maman feel like home.
In our Ten Years Together campaign, Sue is effortlessly poised. It’s a scene that reflects
her essence, stylish, welcoming, and utterly timeless.
What’s your first memory of working at Maman?
Not the most glamorous memory, working on stocktake for the store. I was tasked with checking American Vintage tee shirts, sounds easy but you would be amazed at how many styles and colours there are!
Do you remember your very first day, what stood out most?
On the first day I worked through the collections becoming familiar with all the brands we stock and thinking how will my bank account cope.
What’s your proudest moment working at Maman?
For me it is the support Maman gives back to the community. From The Gift of Giving Back at Christmas time for the Women’s Refuge to help women and children in need, to the New Zealand Breast Cancer breakfast we held achieving our fundraising goal of $10,000 are some of the events that have taken place in recent years.
If you had to describe Maman’s style in three words, what would they be?
Effortless, stylish and accessible
Is there a customer story or interaction that has stayed with you over the years?
We have so many wonderful customers that have come along on our journey over the years. Our customers become our friends. I love it when a customer buys the garments I am wearing.
What’s your favourite Maman event or campaign to have been part of?
We recently ran a Favourite Daughter campaign during the lead up to Mother’s Day. We had lots of lovely and amusing stories sent in. Mothers, daughters and sisters choosing items to wear to say 'Yes, they are the favourite'! Lots of fun.
What piece or brand from Maman has been your personal favourite to wear or style?
Zadig et Voltaire is one of my personal favourite brands. It combines classic pieces with a playful and resolutely rock n roll twist.
What makes working at Maman feel special compared to other places?
There is a sense that everyone is part of the Maman team. We are a team of women all with different strengths, we all work together to ensure the success of Maman and have plenty of laughs along
the way.
If Maman were a person, how would you describe her personality?
Driven, inspirational, fun, and a bit flirty with a big heart.
What do you hope Maman achieves in the next 10 years?
I hope Maman continues to keep the essence of who we are and always evolving bringing the best collections and customer experience for our customers.
Photographer - Olivia Kirkpatrick
