The world of fashion retail is often characterised by fierce competition and fast-paced trends, but some stories stand out for their unique blend of creativity, passion, and strong familial bonds. For this special Mother’s Day edition of Maman Women we sat down with our co-founders, Emma Main and Kate Boyden and delve into the inspiring journey of two sisters who embarked on an adventure together, establishing their own successful fashion retail boutique. From humble beginnings to a thriving business both in-store and now online, their story is a testament to the power of sisterhood, motherhood and a shared vision.
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'.
