In a world where self-care and holistic well-being have become paramount, there emerges a remarkable individual whose journey has seamlessly intertwined the realms of wellness, sound healing, and organic food. Meet Sarah Tanner, a trailblazing woman whose passion and dedication has not only transformed her own life but also touched the lives of countless others seeking a path to balance and vitality.
Sarah’s unique blend of expertise in sound healing and organic nutrition, coupled with her knack for creating engaging content, has set her apart as a true influencer in the world of well-being. Her belief that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey but rather a combination of practices that encompass the mind, body, and spirit is both inspiring and transformative.
On her social media channels (@sarahtannernz), Sarah shares her passion for organic recipes, from mouth-watering salads to her now iconic bliss balls. She believes that food should be a source of nourishment and joy, and her delightful dishes inspire others to embark on their own culinary adventures. In addition to her culinary talents, Sarah is deeply involved in the world of sound healing. She recognises the profound impact that sound can have on our overall well-being. Using crystal singing bowls, the frame drum, Native American flute and the shruti box, Sarah curates sound experiences that promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Regularly organising both wellness evenings and weekend retreats, Sarah combines her organic cooking expertise and sound healing sessions to offer participants a complete holistic experience. As we head into the busiest time of the year here at Maman, Sarah recently hosted an evening of relaxation and enlightenment for the team, providing tips for calm and reset alongside nourishing food and elixirs. In collaboration with Sarah, over the coming weeks we are excited to share with you some mindful tips and tricks to combat the approaching ‘silly season’.
In a world filled with constant noise, Sarah's commitment to promoting organic food and sound experiences is a reminder that wellness can be achieved through simple, natural, and joyful practices. Whether you're looking to find peace through sound, embark on a holistic wellness journey or redefine your boundaries, Sarah is the influencer to watch for inspiration and guidance… one soothing note and wholesome bite at a time!
Introducing Sarah Tanner
Holistic Wellness Ambassador
]]>Our founders Kate and Emma met Biddy back at school. She was always outgoing, friendly and had that ability, even back then, to manage everything with a level head; a true leader. A proud supporter of Maman since day one, Biddy is a constant cheerleader in her friends and families worlds so when Biddy was diagnosed in 2021 with breast cancer it was time for her community to rally around her. Managing her job as the then Marketing Director for Xero New Zealand, medical appointments and long days of treatment alongside her husband Ben and three gorgeous children Tommy, Jemima and Tallulah in the COVID-19 era was incredible and humbling to watch.
Last week Maman hosted a Wellness Morning with Biddy as our guest speaker, where she spoke to a room of our wonderful Maman community about her top tips for self care and what her breast cancer diagnosis has taught her. Such an inspiration, she helped to drive the room to successfully raise $10,000 for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Biddy's ability to maintain a work-life balance reminds us of the importance of prioritising our loved ones. Her professional success demonstrates the power of determination, hard work and innovation. Biddy's journey through breast cancer serves as a reminder to cherish our health, stay positive in the face of adversity and above all to support those around us in sickness and in health. We are so proud to have Biddy as our latest Maman Woman and remain in absolute awe of everything she does, everything she is, and everything she stands for. #TeamBiddy
Every great venture begins with a dream, and for these two sisters it was a collective vision between them and their beloved mum Deb. Growing up, they were immersed in an environment where creativity thrived, as Deb was a fashion enthusiast who owned a retail store in Benson Road Remuera called The Camomile Lawn. A boutique full of exclusive international fashions including her own designs of bags and skivvies. Their father, Rod Dixon, was a professional athlete who travelled the world exposing the girls to incredible people, places and experiences. As kids, Kate and Em loved nothing more than playing shops ‘We would turn my bedroom into a store’ says Kate. ‘ There were clothes displayed around the room and a collection of bags our dad would bring us home from his travels to bag up the purchases’. ‘I was always the customer’ laughs Emma ‘eventually I would run a side hustle taking my old toys and books around the neighbourhood and offer complimentary oddfellows with each purchase. I remember loving all the conversations with the people in my street’.
‘As we got older Em, Mum and I always talked about owning our own boutique together' says Kate. 'It was always something that simmered away in the background for the three of us, it was just the timing had never been right. We were either in other jobs, getting married or having our babies.’ Emma adds, ‘Sadly, when Mum passed away, and quite suddenly, it really shifted us and we knew something good had to come out of adversity. Kate and I knew it was time to start and get our idea off the ground; create something long lasting in honour of her'.
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A career in fashion has always been written in the stars for now fashion stylist and personal shopper Lou Heller. Even when the idea was just a mere twinkle in her eye, Lou’s understanding of how to dress and knowledge of fabrication, fit and style has separated her from the rest. Her warm approach and relaxed manner has seen her client base grow tremendously over that last two and a half years with Lou now working full time in the industry she once saw as only as a dream.
As a working solo mother of three children and with clients all over New Zealand and Australia, the juggle is real. Any given week can see her managing family with career, regularly flying to see clients when needed and creating fresh, new and different content for her Style Journal, clients and brands she works alongside, as well as her own social media accounts.
Maman and Lou’s paths first crossed through a spontaneous visit she and her sister made to the boutique back when it was at its original Clonbern Road location. With her sister back from the US for a visit, Lou took her shopping in Auckland and came across Maman. ‘I just remember the store being a lovely place with lots of cool things you couldn’t get anywhere else. At the time a career in fashion was merely a dream and I remember meeting Emma on the boutique floor and chatting with her about the store and what I wanted to do in the future’. From that first conversation the support for each other has continued with Kate, Emma and Lou regularly working together to provide their communities with different and unique approaches to fashion.
On a recent client visit to Auckland we had the pleasure to photograph Lou in-store and in the surrounding refurbished Remuera Precinct. Always smiling and full of laughs, it was refreshing to see her live her ‘fashion can be fun’ philosophy first hand. A whirlwind in the store, we got to witness in real time how Lou puts an outfit together and the endless options she can come up with for a single item.
To read more about Lou’s style and her up-to-date take on fashion, head over to her Style Journal or tune in to her bi-weekly Facebook lives https://louhellerstylist.com/style-journal
Introducing Lou Heller
Fashion Stylist and Personal Shopper
Jaimie Webster Haines is a name synonymous with fashion and music both here in New Zealand and abroad. From her eponymous fashion label to her sound design, DJing and playlist curation, Jaimie brings new meaning to the term powerhouse. Her zest for life and the creative possibilities that surround it are unrivalled. In recent years the re-launch of her Jaimie fashion brand and her in demand house and disco DJ career has seen this busy mother of one (her son Zoot will be eight on Christmas Eve) take on both industries with a renewed passion.
The lens in which Jaimie sees moments, objects and opportunity is one full of creativity and since graduating from Elam with a Bachelor of fine art, has become the unique and highly successful backbone to her career. ‘To me music and clothing are interconnected in the way that wearing something or just listening to something can make you feel. I am blessed to be able to work in both mediums everyday’.
Our Maman Women team met with Jaimie at her home studio and were welcomed by her infectious smile, open arms and of course music! Married to jazz legend Nathan Haines, their house is a creative hive of colour, art, personal knick-knacks that each come with a special story and records… oh so many records! Jaimie’s comfort behind the camera comes from her years modelling internationally as both a fashion editorial and brand model. With every look she styled for our Maman Women shoot there was a story or iconic reference that came with the ‘look’ ensuring the clothes were bought to life rather than just worn.
Maman is extremely proud and excited to announce our collaboration with Jaimie called ‘Kind of Bleu’. The collaboration was born out of a respect and admiration for each other’s fashion brands. Our co-founders Kate and Emma have long been a fan of Jaimie’s design and aesthetic, originally frequenting her Ponsonby boutique some years ago to purchase some of the most covetable pieces made by Jaimie and sourced from around the world. For Jaimie she loves walking into Maman and getting lost in the clothes and books, admiring what Kate and Emma have created in the Remuera boutique.
The Maman x Jaimie collaboration centre’s around the iconic Jaimie BELLE shirt which is one of Kate and Emma’s all-time favourite shapes as it works so well in your wardrobe. The girls took the time to choose the fabrics together making for a really beautiful ‘blue’ hue offering of a limited range of shirts for the Maman customer.
In between fits of laughter and sporadic dance offs we spoke with Jaimie about her journey, inspiration, fashion moments she wished she could forget and that one thing she cannot live without.
Introducing Jaimie Webster Haines
DJ and Designer
Maman was established as a contemporary space for the sophisticated stylish woman. A place where carefully curated fashion sit alongside beautiful objects for your home and lifestyle including art which has become a significant part of the Maman story. At the top of the art game is Julz Donald, a multi-media artist who creates large format resin artworks here in New Zealand. Our founders Kate and Emma have both long been lovers of art and a chance meeting at school pick up one day led them to Julz. Over the years the three of them have forged a friendship that has become a mutual support of each other’s family, passions and work, leading them to successfully partner and collaborate.
Julz is self-taught and like all of us starting out in business, she began small by making earrings for her friends and family. Julz had always loved creating; played the cello throughout school years, and enjoying the art direction side of her early career in advertising and graphic design. Growing up in Tasmania, it wasn’t until Julz had her kids (she is the proud mum of three gorgeous girls) that she moved to New Zealand and began to explore her artistry. She now loves creating large-scale resin pieces. “I love how ethereal resin is, how it flows and how it has a wild and unpredictable element which can’t always be controlled.” Often inspired by nature and the colour, vitality and atmosphere of her travels, her pieces are striking yet whimsical due to the multiple layers of acrylic, gold foil and collage materials which subtly appear beneath the resin layers.
Our Maman Women team met Julz at her Remuera Studio and just like her artwork, she makes you feel welcome with an ease that makes you believe you have known her a lifetime. Her studio is a hive of activity with stunning works in progress and finished pieces ready to find their new homes sitting proud on the walls. You can feel the inspiration in her art; the places she has seen in her earlier life. From exciting, bustling cities to tranquil, dreamy rainforests, it is all there in the layers of resin. It gives us such joy to share Julz’s story and work with you. We are so proud to have her artworks on the walls of Maman and to give our community the avenues to purchase one of her pieces for themselves.
** To enquire about Julz current available artworks, please call the boutique on (09) 520 1020
Introducing Julz Donald
Artist
They don't come more inspirational and iconic than our dear friend and Maman Woman, Marilyn Whelan. Marilyn's dedication to her friends and family, her industry and her loyal customers is respected and admired by everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her.
1977 was the year that Marilyn opened her first salon, Marilyn's Hairdressing. As a brilliant stylist, Marilyn worked tirelessly to build a brand that has now become an institution, both in the local Remuera area and in the hairdressing industry. Whilst she is no longer on the floor, her focus remains on the future of Marilyn's and the training of young hairdressers and stylists.
We caught up with Marilyn before the end of the current Auckland Level 3 lockdown, 48 hours before the salon opened it's doors again to her beloved customers. She is upbeat, positive and excited about it, welcoming us into her haven where you can't help but get caught up in her passion for what she does and her overall lust for life and love of people. As a fellow business woman, her outlook on running a business over the last couple of COVID effected years is refreshing and lacking in negativity, a truly aspirational approach to business in the current climate.
Marilyn wears clothes, they don't wear her. Here at Maman we have a love for styling and pulling together outfits, but Marilyn is truly in her own league! We stood in awe as she took a scarf and turned it into the perfect hair accessory in less than a minute! Pushing the boundaries of colour, texture and fabric was so much fun to watch as she mixed her new purchases from Maman with pieces from her amazing back catalogue of products from our store.
We wanted to support Marilyn as much as she continues to support us and our Maman team, so we hope you enjoy reading the below and finding out more about the wonderful woman that is Marilyn Whelan.
Introducing Marilyn Whelan
Company Director Marilyn's Hairstyling
Born in Prishtina, Kosovo, Blerta Rakovica first came to New Zealand in 2000 with her family. Speaking no english and knowing few people, she overcame many obstacles, seeing them only as stepping stones to her future success.,
After studying fine arts at the Whitecliff College of Arts Blerta set up her first business, a graphic design studio, but a chance meeting with an old friend changed the trajectory from a career in graphic design to one in hospitality. Given the opportunity to take over a struggling restaurant in the suburb of Remuera, Blerta went to work building an empire that has now spanned the ownership of three successful hospitality experiences and driven her to open Tosca Espresso Bar, her latest industry foray.
With a passion for people, the move into hospitality was the right fit, and the potential that Blerta saw was too much to pass up. With her latest venture at Tosca, you can really feel her love for all elements of hospitality coming through. It is warm and inviting and fast becoming a destination for locals to meet, sit and enjoy the experience beyond just coffee.
To meet Blerta is to love her. Her smile is infectious, her service impeccable and her coffee hits the spot, every time. A true self-made woman, she has taught us here at Maman so many lessons in perseverance, staying true to your goals and never giving up in the face of adversary. As a mother of three children her daily juggle is one she carries with such ease and poise, a lesson in composure, even when Tosca is a constant stream of customers, she is unflappable and assured, always with that infamous smile on her face.
Introducing Blerta Rakovica
Hospitality and Graphic Design
We first met Laura when she relocated her Wild Pilates studio into the newly revamped Remuera Precinct. A beautiful light and airy space full of charm and sophistication, the Maman team visited Laura in studio just before a class and instantly fell in love with her space and sense of empowerment.
Laura is one of those people you are instantly drawn to. An overwhelming friendly and approachable woman, she has the ability to make you feel comfortable and capable when you step into her studio. Her knowledge and passion for Pilates shines through and after one class we guarantee you will be as hooked as we are.
Laura inspires us to be better and do better. As a fellow woman in business, she is constantly evolving and has adapted her Wild Pilates brand to include an Online Studio with the desire to support her clients’ busy lives and make Wild Pilates classes more accessible and effective.
Introducing Laura Mohi
Wild Pilates Studio Owner and Pilates Instructor
For many of us, one of the most important women in that network is our Mum.
That’s why, with today being Mothers’ Day, this issue of Maman Women profiles the special relationship of three of our beautiful customers – Clare Turner and her two daughters, Felicity Turner and Natalie Norman.
Introducing Clare Turner, Natalie Norman and Felicity Turner
If you love a top-level dining experience in Auckland, chances are you have been to one of Clare and Joost van den Bergs restaurants. From the iconic Odettes Eatery to Hugo’s Bistro, Zus & Zo through to their latest venture, Daphne’s Taverna in Ponsonby, this talented husband and wife duo continuously raise the bar in the hospitality scene.
Here at Maman we have long been inspired by Clare as a restaurateur, interior designer and mother. Her impeccable curation of spaces across hospitality, commercial and residential amaze us with their uniqueness and charm. Clare’s ability to combine textures, timelessness and luxury into a space has us in awe at every turn. No more so than at Daphnes Taverna, a modern Greek Bar Taverna recently opened in the heart of Ponsonby.
As a Mum of two, Harvey Rush (6) and Marni Rae (1), Clare seamlessly moves between managing family life with her current businesses and future ventures. Truly a family woman, it is no surprise that her support network is her dearest and nearest who constantly support her with love, wisdom and the odd school pick up!
The Maman team visited Clare at Daphne’s on its third day of opening and were privileged to shoot Clare in all her working mum, business owner, interior designer glory! Clare’s ability to juggle everything so calmly and thoughtfully is inspiring to watch. We truly believe it is as much Clare’s personality as the beautiful hospitality experiences she creates that have people coming back time and time again.
Introducing Clare van den Berg
Restaurateur and Interior Designer
At Maman, to say we are big fans of Olivia is an understatement. From our inception, we have always weaved her work into the Maman brand. Our very first staff portraits were shot by her, over the years she has been at the helm of several of our lookbooks, and for 2021 Olivia will be the lady behind the lens for our first Maman Campaign Shoot.
As a mother of three young children (Maggie, Florence and Jimmy), Olivia seamlessly juggles motherhood with a photography career and her business venture BamBam Kids. Launched in 2017 with her business partner Rachel, BamBam are contemporary, cool and individually styled portraits of children and we are obsessed.
Fashionable both behind and in front of the camera, a walk in her wardrobe was a dream come true for the Maman Team when we visited Olivia at home. We loved how she self-styled all her favourite Maman pieces, old and new, so perfectly together for the shoot.
Forever a Maman Woman, even before our boutique doors first opened, we have loved having Olivia along for the ride. Stay tuned for our next collaboration with Olivia coming later this year.
Introducing Olivia Kirkpatrick
Photographer
Marg first came into the lives of our founders, Kate and Emma, in mid 2013 when their mother, Deb (the inspiration behind Maman) was her patient.
She recalls meeting the girls when Deb was awaiting a lung transplant – and everyone’s joy when it was granted.
“It was such a race to get everything lined up for Deb’s transplant, and we were all so happy when the operation went well. I remember visiting her afterwards, and she was sitting up in bed looking just as pleased as punch!” says Marg.
“It was a rollercoaster,” adds Kate. “We had these little moments of absolute triumph when something went right, but there were many, many battles as well. No matter what we were facing, Marg was right by our side… We felt very safe in her care.”
While an acute rejection meant that Deb later passed away, Emma and Kate remained in touch with Marg. As a fellow fashion-lover and Remuera local, the girls were delighted when Marg became a regular Maman customer after the boutique opened.
Emma adds, “Through Mum’s treatment, Marg became a real part of our family history… Always supporting and encouraging us in her warm way. The fact that we are still able to catch up with her – and in a setting that mum would have adored – is very special to Kate and I.”
With this time of the year particularly hard for Kate and Emma, we thought it poignant to have Marg as our December Maman Women and celebrate such an incredible and humble woman.
Introducing Dr Margaret Wilsher
Chief Medical Officer at Auckland District Health Board (ADHB)
One of the things we cherish the most here at Maman, is the relationships we build with our beautiful customers. Leecia is one of our Maman Women who we met when our doors first opened and who has undoubtedly become an inspiration to us as fellow business owners, fashion lovers, mothers, wives and sisters.
With over 20 years in the commercial sales world, Leecia's love of fashion has been intertwined in her life from the word go. Owning a styling business cemented that it was people Leecia valued the most. Working with her clients to wardrobe cleanse and style for events, it was new season shopping that made her tick. For us, whenever Leecia comes into Maman to visit, her ability to peruse the racks and pull together outfits is amazing! Always impeccably dressed, she has a certain style that we love.
Similar to our Maman founders, Kate and Emma, it was over a conversation with her sister that saw Leecia change career pathways and together they joined forces to start an Insurance business. The rest is history, and today Leecia Burford Financial Services is one of the top insurance advisors in the greater Auckland region.
Insurance has allowed Leecia to continue her passion of working with people. Being able to work, assist and make a difference when her clients need it the most is what gets her out of bed in the morning. The old saying of 'do what you love and you will never work a day in your life' rings true for Leecia.
Family is at the forefront of everything Leecia does, and it has been her husband of over 25 years who has been her biggest support, driving her to find that successful business that makes her happy.
Thank you Leecia for being one of OUR biggest supports and inspiration.
Introducing Leecia Burford
With over 20 years in the industry, Philly is well known for both her design and interior passion, mixed with an understanding and love for the real estate market. Her ability to provide uniqueness to each project, bringing her clients briefs to life, is what makes her such a successful and sought after designer.
Maman co-founders Kate and Emma first met Philly when they were children through their mums. As the years passed, they found themselves starting their own families at similar times, leaning on each other for support just as their mothers had before them.
A love for fashion runs strong in Philly's veins. An avid fan of Maman brands Ulla Johnson and Philippe Model, we always enjoy when she comes in-store as her ability to mix fabrics, textures and colour always makes for a fun shopping experience!
Introducing Philly Lyus
Interior Designer
]]>When Kate and Emma founded Maman in 2015, it was with one very special woman in mind – their beautiful mum, Deb Dixon.
An exceptionally stylish woman, her lifelong love of fashion was passed down to her daughters, and her talent for pulling together classic ensembles (always with a twist!) was what inspired them to create Maman.
While Deb passed away before Maman opened, the value she placed on looking gorgeous, having fun and being a vibrant part of her local community lives on in the brand.
Deb is also the inspiration for Maman Women – a celebration of the gorgeous women who have become part of the Maman community.
The following is a collaboration between Emma and Kate to celebrate both her memory and the impact she made on their fashion journey.
Introducing Deb Dixon
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Women who balance it all.
Real Women.
These are the women we created Maman for.
Over the coming months we will be profiling our incredible Maman Women. A diverse collective of women from a breadth of industries and backgrounds, who personify the ethos of Maman.