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 Mel Radford-Brown is one of NZ’s top model agents and most prominent entrepreneurs. As the Executive Director of Portfolio Models + Management, she has put Canterbury on the map with arguably the most formidable agency in the south island. Her talent is sought out by top brands and businesses including Ballantynes, New Zealand Fashion Week, NZ, Tourism New Zealand, Swanndri, Macpac to name a few.

Cantabrian Magazine exclusively uses models from the agency for our editorial spreads with brands like Working Style and Dark Hampton in 2023.

Since taking the helm of the iconic agency over 20 years ago, Brown has transformed Portfolio into a world-class talent hub.

1. When did you take over Portfolio?

Upon arriving back from London with some firm Agency/booking skills under my belt, I made the approach to purchase Portfolio in 2007, so 17 years this year which is incredibly exciting and something I think about often and my journey to this day. I have been in the industry for a total of 30 years overall. I am very proud of this longevity, it’s the reason for my passion accumulating a lot of knowledge along the way. I often enjoy reflecting on what I have achieved over these many years within this industry, it gives me a great sense of security in what I do & momentum as well as confidence for the future as a business woman.

2. Give us a bit of your modeling history.

I was first scouted in my young teens by a well known Makeup Artist, she suggested I gave modelling a go, Portfolio had just opened it's doors at that stage, I saw it as a great opportunity, and was offered a contract. It was all very foreign to me, however after a few years of developing and maturing into my look and body, and gaining experience within the industry, I then secured my first professional booking with Ballantynes for their Lingerie shoot, it was all a bit daunting at the time, however I moved on over the years to become one of our busiest lingerie models in CHCH during my younger years, working for some key Australasian brands. During my 20s, I worked often within our market for brands like Country Road, Paula Ryan, Barbara Lee, Postie Plus, launched the Wonder Bra in NZ which was showcased on TV3 News. I modelled for Ballantynes in particular on a regular basis doing their shoots and shows over a 15 year period. I was grateful for all these opportunities, and I studied hard at my craft, and how to offer a great service being a model and perfecting my skills to camera etc. It took me quite some time to gain the confidence required, however with time, and repetition I started to excel and really exude in this profession which I found really exciting and enjoyable.

During my mid 20s after a successful time working often in the CHCH market, I then moved to London to pursue a model booking career as well as some commercial modelling. That sure was a testing time, I had to really dig deep and chase any lead/opportunity that I could, or create them for myself obviously being in a big global market, you really need to be self assured and hungry with great determination and also manage set backs effectively. I knew what I wanted to achieve, and didn't stop until I had reached my goal of working in a Model Agency as a booker, after a few hurdles I conquered this and worked incredibly hard to ensure I learned as much as I could within my role, to grow my knowledge. I then returned to CHCH after a few years in London, Portfolio happened to be for sale at the time, so I guess I have gone full circle then purchasing the same Agency I started out with. Portfolio had such an established name and was highly reputable, something I have continued to nourish and maintain, strengthen over all these years.

3. What is the best part about your job?

My zest and desire, enjoyment to see other people succeed under my guidance.

Meeting so many dynamic people from all walks of life, many countries and many talent abilities, how we can put together a plan and look to facilitate their modelling ability really drives, motivates and excites me.

Spending a lot of quality time with the youngsters within the Agency is incredibly fulfilling for me, listening to their desires and vision, can be very inspiring and not losing sight of the fact they are our future, I am very focused also on how the future of my business may look, and how I may need to adapt, facilitate this, which excites me immensely, it is all about moving forward together and being united, progressive within our industry. We host our modelling and confidence Teenage Workshops every school holidays, this in particular is always a highlight within my role and a very special time to motivate and inspire this age group, I really relish this time spent with the teens installing a platform and encouraging them on this course.

It is always exciting to be working on some hugely exciting and often confidential talent briefs, shoots and TVC's locally, nationally as well as internationally, I really love this about my role, and you never know what exciting brief is going to come through to us next! I love providing our team with these awesome opportunities and potential roles, they also really thrive from this.

4. Why do you love Canterbury?

Familiarity of the people, growing up over the years meeting so many people and now seeing what they are accomplishing and bringing to the table, and the youth, their drive and desire for the city of CHCH.

Accessibility of our landscape, social scene is continuing to develop. We have all certainly had an unprecedented event with the 2011 Earthquakes, I really feel it is important for us to reflect and savour how well we have adapted and grown into a very new city! Not too many people actually get to experience a major natural disaster and the significant impact it has. For so many of us, a grand sense of unity has been established after the dreaded 2011 EQs.

I love the International scene bringing youth and cultural flavour, growth to the Canty region.The demographics of population and diversity is really flourishing, I experience this within my meetings and signings within the Agency. 

The focus on moving the city forward is important to me, I am all about balance, so it is important to me that we continue with tradition, but also encompass the modern.

5. Give us some insight into your life outside of work.

I am an avid horse rider, I first started riding at the age of 6, have owned many horses over the years and enjoyed competing successfully in my younger days within the dressage, showing and eventing phases. I will always enjoy time in the saddle and the love of horses, this is really important to me and is a passion and hobby that truly makes my heart sing! I am an absolute animal lover, I would certainly love the time for many more pets, but with the business and amount of travel that my husband and I do, unfortunately this is not possible, however we do have a real character of a cat, a beautiful seal point Birman cat Henley that we just adore. 

I enjoy a casual game of golf and am starting to play more often, really enjoy getting out on the golf course. I work out daily, my fitness activities that I enjoy include inferno hot pilates, hot 60 yoga, ride/spin classes, reformer pilates and weekly meditation classes. I also enjoy paddle boarding. 

I am very fond of the outdoors and open spaces, best explored on horseback!

6. Most memorable campaigns/shoots

NZFW roadshow was a very memorable occasion for me, this was over a decade ago, all the key designer garments were showcased at each NZ city within the airport after NZFW had taken place in Auckland. We had our Portfolio team (about 10 - 12 models) fly to WLGtn, DUN and it was also hosted here at CHCH airport too. It was such a great vision by Pieter Stewart and her team, and awesome for NZ to enjoy a taste of NZ fashion without having to travel to Auckland.

We often provide our models and talent for international clients for their campaigns shooting in NZ, most recently from China, Japan, Germany, Australia and the USA.

Seoul - Last year we flew one of our top Models, Hannah Turner (who has been one of our busiest and most successful Portfolio Models, who I scouted at Addington Races many years ago), to South Korea for a 2 day shoot with the Acuvue Contact Lens Brand, that was an incredible experience for Hannah and also a major global brand for us to work with. We recently secured 2 x talent for the NZ and Australia Lazy Boy TV Commercial, recent film work in Canterbury for our talent has been strong, and we have enjoyed many location shoots within NZ, our team are often hopping on fights to exciting location shoots in beautiful locations around the country. Queenstown in particular is always a key shoot destination for our models. We often also work on some big tourism jobs showcasing beautiful NZ to the world which are always incredible experiences and locations too.

Honestly, there has been so many success stories and opportunities for my team that we have provided, and the exciting part is, what next? There are always great briefings coming through, Canterbury and the South Island certainly is thriving and we have so many professional and a high level of creatives within our industry, the future is continuously bright!

7. What are your hopes for 2024?

On a business level and perspective, maintaining a high level of professionalism, work ethics and continuing to deliver a premium business to premium clients and key opportunities for our valued models and talent that we manage. I am really eager to see my models and talent achieve some really fantastic bookings and modeling opportunities with Portfolio again this year, each year our market and nature of our briefings shifts, I always remind my team to enjoy every opportunity.

On a personal level, I am interested to bring in some more discipline into my lifestyle particularly with my fitness goals and continuity of how this may look, really achieving a lifestyle/work balance. I am intrigued and have been for a while about the 5am club! I am not generally an early morning person, but am currently starting my mornings at 6am, and starting to set goals early, and be accountable to fit more into my day. I want to maintain focus, discipline and consistency in all that I do this year. As we all move forward with age, life shifts as do our priorities, I am really enjoying this time in my life and embracing this.

8. What does it take to be a model beyond just looks and luck?

Luck seldom exists within my vocabulary, unless it is purely that......I don't use the word luck for business or the success formula for our team.

I’m looking for charisma, confidence, individuality & of course the right look and sizing, age demographic whether it be curve, petite and more ethnic diversity, but we are seeking a unique individual who has a story to tell and sell & most importantly, natural ability with natural confidence and self-esteem, it can be hard to find, but that’s what I am interested in fostering and representing. Every briefing and project that we receive is provide to us by our clients, so we are here to facilitate their requirements and provide the best professional service possible each and every time.

9. Finally, leave us with an motivational quote.

'Don't worry, it might never happen' is a mantra I use often. We can often spend too much time worrying about scenario's and the 'what if' aspect, most the time it doesn't eventuate to anything, worry is a waste of time, takes up too much space in our mind, and everything always seems to sort itself out in the end for the best, and with time!

Who is The Flower Press?

Floral designer Alexandra Valle is the owner, creative mind & artist behind The Flower Press. A Christchurch based boutique floral design business specialising in weddings & events. 

Alex works closely with her clients to create beautiful, artistic & emotive florals that will capture & convey a story. Inspired by the changing seasons Alex enjoys designing with fresh florals to create romantic & imaginative arrangements. Making sustainable choices & creating with earth friendly techniques is fundamental to The Flower Press’s ethos. 

Alex works from her home studio in Westmorland, Christchurch. This studio workspace is filled with natural light perfect for designing, a space for consultations, work benches for design and an ever-growing vase collection. Wedding consultations are by appointment only. 

Alex, have you always been a florist?

No, I haven’t, for many years I was a Registered Nurse. I trained and worked in Australia (mostly in the emergency department) and after moving to Christchurch (9 years ago) I continued nursing for a few more years. I met so many wonderful people and some of my closest friends in the world are nurses. However, after 10 years of nursing, I had reached a point of burn out, sadly this is something that is very common for nurses. My GP at the time aptly described my feelings as ‘compassion fatigue’. So, I requested 6 months unpaid leave to reassess my career & I enrolled in a floristry course to do something fun and stress-free. Within a few days of the course, I knew my life would take a different path and would be filled with flowers. Changing careers was one of the most terrifying things I have ever done but taking this risk gave me the courage to take more and over the past 6 years I have slowly built a successful floral design business. 

I am lucky enough to have a floral studio at home. We have converted on of the garage spaces to my studio & consultation space. 

What do you love most about being a wedding florist?

Firstly, I would say my design day. As a wedding florist, I usually only get 1-2 design days per week, the rest of my working week is taken up with admin, consultations, preparation & cleaning so when I actually get to design, I am 100% in my happy place. 

On the day of the wedding my favourite moment is delivering the bridal bouquet. I am always apprehensive about whether I have been able to design to exceed expectations but when I see the delight on my brides’ faces, I am filled with overwhelming joy to have played a part in their special day.  

What are the future plans for The Flower Press?

Currently we are taking wedding & event bookings for 2024 & 2025. We have a large inventory of vases that our clients can choose from, and we are regularly adding to this. Also, we are hoping to be able to provide our clients with candles to compliment the floral styling in the near future.

And in exciting news we are expanding our services to offer workshops. Our intention is to host 4 workshops a year, each showcasing how to design with the floral delights of that season. Our next workshop is 25th November 2023. 

Do you have any advice for future couples when looking for a wedding florist?

Yes, of course. 

· As well as word of mouth & a google search you can use wedding directories & Instagram to discover florists in your area. From there I recommend you have a good look at the work on their website & Instagram. If you like their floral style, then approach them. Floristry is very artistic and, in a sense, you are commissioning pieces of art for your day so best choose an artist that creates work that you love. 

· In Christchurch you need to start booking your vendors (florists included) about 12-18 months in advance. 

· You do not need to know which flowers you want or what will be in season but if have your heart set on having a particular flower, best find out which months these are seasonally available & book your wedding to align with this. 

· Trust the florist, speaking from experience my best work comes when my clients place their trust in me. Take time to convey your wishes, style, colours & vibe and then leave it up to the designer to create their magic for you. 

Do you have any predictions for wedding trends for the coming seasons?

Definitely don’t hold me to this but I feel we will see plenty of Mediterranean inspired long lunch style settings. I have a feeling couples will be keen to embrace an abundance of colour with florals, fruits & candles in their styling. I think we will see bolder colours such as orange and French navy alongside delicate pastels in stationary, linens, bridal party wear & of course florals. I love the current wedding gown trend with large silk organza sleeves and big abundant bows, so long may that trend last.

Now it is time for you to learn a few floral tricks of the trade. The Flower Press is hosting a floral workshop at The Welder on 25 November.  Get your tickets here.

To know Susi Meares is to love her. And her hats. Her Christchurch based brand Seventh & Figg has been making hats for over a decade, including a few big winners over the years, not to mention her most recent win at last year's Riccarton Park where she was sashed the overall winner by a panel of international judges. In addition to her custom made pieces, her annual offering exclusive to WORLD is a stunning collection of avant garde hats that are fit for the most discerning of clients.

Cantabrian Magazine sat down with the hat maker/mother/businesswoman to learn what her winning style is all about.

 WHERE DO YOU START IN THE STYLING PLAN? 

Planning a suitable outfit for Fashion in the Field, can seem like a daunting task to some! Where to start? Races fashion, a hard one to define! What is races fashion? Simply put, best described as an entire, well planned outfit from head to toe! Keeping in mind modesty, and sometimes classic with a twist. 

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN PLANNING YOUR RACES OUTFIT?

Things to consider while choosing your outfit are, millinery, accessories like gloves and jewellery, colour, theme, shoes make-up and hair. All these considerations come into play to create the perfect finish and outfit, fit for the races. Fashion and trends are forever changing and this is also something to be mindful of, too. 

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR RACING STYLE CHOICES?

For me personally, I often start with a concept that I just love, and then the rest organically evolves. For example, the outfit I wore for the Riccarton Races 2022, started with the skirt and shirt found in Spain, this confirmed the theme for a Victorian look but with a modern twist. Little features such as the asymmetrical 

hem line and a classic headpiece kept everything in sync but still keeping the look modern enough so it would suit todays world. 

PROFESSIONAL PHOTS ARE A MUST IN TH E WORLD OF FASHION. TELL US ABOUT THIS PHOTOSHOOT?

The photos featured in this article are taken by international photograher Kia from IBK Photography. Kia is a talented, local Christchurch photographer and obviously the editor of Cantabrian Magazine! We worked closely together planning this shoot and had a lot of fun along the way. Kia was especially good at capturing the Victorian look with superb composition, poses and attention to detail. The perfect outcome to compliment the outfit. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROCESS.

My process for choosing what I wear is probably not particularly traditional. My concept often begins by choosing something that is not typical traditional Fashion in the Field race-wear, but still fits the criteria. I like my outfit to be different and adventurous and do venture outside the box on these occasions. It’s knowing how much to peek outside the box which is the tricky part. I like fresh ideas and interesting concepts which, 

when done well, can be pulled off. This is when accessories, hair, millinery, make-up, shoes etc. all play a vital role in pulling off the final look. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FUTURE CONTESTANTS?

My thoughts would be to be brave, and do a little something different that no one has seen before, keeping in mind the rule:” A well planned outfit from head to toe”! Everybody loves to admire someone refreshing walking the catwalk, and who has put together something amazing that hasn’t been done or seen before. Be brave and adventures with your headwear. I have had the advantage of making my own hats, but I always make something that is not typical races headwear, as I think this is a strong area for a point of difference. If this is done in a clever manner, I believe it can make you stand out, but remembering to stay just inside the lines/rules.

ANY FINAL WORDS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO ENTER?

Have fun branching out and creating something fabulous! Most importantly, just enjoy the day.

Paige Sullivan is not only a winner but she is truly a living legacy.  Her recent win at Ms. Canterbury 2024 hosted at Papa Hou saw the reigning queen making history as the first contestant to have both her grandmother and great aunty as former winners. 

Under the new  management of pageant expert and former winner Meghan Kenney, this year's Ms. Canterbury events had winners focusing on philanthropy as a key component to the competition and giving back by raising money for individually chosen causes. The incredible combined efforts of all the contestants helped raise over $20,000 for I Am Hope. 

With a busy career in the legal sector, a devoted  partner and a few fur babies at home, it's an amazing life for Paige. Before she's headed off to compete in the esteemed Ms. New Zealand Pageant 2025, we caught up with this year's winner in her exclusive first interview since capturing the crown. 

What was life like growing up?

I spent many school holidays as a child out on my Nana and Grandad’s boat in Picton fishing and swimming in the ocean – I used to love catching the train up to Picton, although the main reason why we didn’t drive was because of my terrible motion sickness and many, many stops along the way. I have also always been very close to my Grandma and Grandad, and I used to spend every Tuesday evening having dinner with them while my parents went to Rotary Club meetings. They often used to pick me up from school and I spent many afternoons building DIY cricket bats, playing soccer and catch with my Grandad. I recently helped them adopt their beautiful cat Mr. Winston, who is now my honorary “God Son”.

When we moved out to Rolleston, my parents joined the local Rotary Club to make some new friends and get involved in our new community. As an only child (and aged 10), I often got dragged along to Rotary events ranging from stacking firewood, blood pressure testing and charity collecting to setting up marquees and being a “personal assistant” at community events. Many of our Rotarians took me under their wing and eventually, I was going along to more things than my parents were! I truly believe that it was the positive influence of the Lincoln Rotary members that turned me to the path I am now on.

That year, I decided to finally come back full circle and became a Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Lincoln. I have now been a Rotarian for five years, holding a number of roles within the Club, and in 2022 I became one of the youngest Rotary Club Presidents in the world, leading the South Island’s largest club and gaining a seat on the South Island Board. I am beyond passionate about community service, and Rotary is the perfect way to give back while learning from some incredible and dedicated leaders. One of our club members has been in the club for over 50 years, and I think that speaks to the value of what we do. In my year as President, I raised $31,000.00 from every club in the greater Christchurch area to purchase a car for Te Tahi Youth, a local charity who provide free wraparound support to rangatahi including doctors and counsellors.

You had an historic win with your grandmother being a previous winner. Can you tell us more about this?

My beautiful Nana was Miss Canterbury in 1958. I actually found out recently that her sister was also Miss Canterbury a few years prior! Nana was an incredible woman and role model, and she passed away in April 2013. When I saw the opportunity to enter Miss Canterbury, I thought it would be a special way for me to honour her legacy.

Tell us about yourself:

I am a Law Clerk at Lane Neave in Christchurch. I started out at Lane Neave in the summer of 2022 as a Summer Clerk, after which I accepted a part-time role within the Commercial Property team while I finished my University studies. I am now working full time as I wait to be admitted to the roll of Barrister and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand in June, after which I will become a lawyer. I absolutely love my job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What are your hobbies?

I am currently working on a luxury false lash company, Pss Beauty. This will be launching in the coming months! I have been working on this venture for the past few years in my spare time and I am excited to see it come to life. I also enjoy spending time with my amazing partner Will and hanging out with our three dogs (Angel, Theo and Luna). We love cooking together and going to the gym, I think it is a great way to clear my mind after the workday (although I do find myself checking work emails on the treadmill sometimes…). I also love exploring new places with my friends and I do enjoy a cheeky cocktail every now and again. Did I mention that I am a HUGE Swiftie? 

As previously mentioned, my Philanthropy is s huge part of who I am. I met one of my best friends through my role with Te Tahi Youth, as we started on the Board at the same time together. She was an incredible, passionate, and so beyond dedicated to improving outcomes for our young people. She passed away in 2019, and I miss her every day. Sometimes, when I get really stressed and wonder why I do everything, I think of her unwavering persistence and work ethic, and it sparks my fire again. 

Along the way of my journey, I became a Member of the Institute of Directors, and accepted a number of board roles including as a Trustee of Arts Access Aotearoa, the Empowerment Trust and Te Tahi Youth. I also completed by Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) at the University of Canterbury at the end of 2023, before completing my Legal Professional Studies in March 2024.

What are you looking forward to as the reigning Ms. Canterbury?

I am excited to be a role model for young women and to break the historical stereotype of what comes to mind for many people when they think of a beauty pageant. These days, it is who you are inside and out that is important. Your values, passions and ambition are what truly matter.  Rather than solely focusing on appearances, I am excited to use my platform to emphasise the importance of integrity, compassion, and drive. 

I am also very excited to continue to give back to I Am Hope and Brave, two phenomenal causes, while also championing the charities I already support and spreading awareness about the work they do.

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to One Agency Real Estate Specialists (in Rolleston) who backed me for Miss Canterbury as my Primary Sponsor – they are such an incredible business and I am so grateful for their support.

STATS:

Player: MJ Walker

Team: Canterbury Rams

Position: SG

Schooling: Florida State University

Experience: 3rd Professional Season (previously played in the NBA G League, Canadian CEBL, French Jeep Elite)

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up on the south side of Atlanta, Georgia in a town called Riverdale. Clayco is what it’s known as. My parents, James And Jackie Walker are from Virginia and moved to Atlanta when they decided to have my sister, Amoni, and me. Both of my parents played basketball in call so both me and my sister were playing basketball and other sports at a really young age. They’re my biggest influence for sure and why I continue to push myself and never stop. 

When did you first pick up a basketball?

I first played basketball when I was 7-8 years old. Both of my parents played basketball in college, Dad went to Norfolk State Uni and my mom went to Hampton Uni so basketball was introduced to me at a young age and I loved it as soon as I touched a ball. 

You grew up and attended school in America. How are you finding life in New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. I love it there, the beaches are one of my favorites, The food is great, I can’t complain. I might get a house out here in the future lol.

How important is diet to you? 

Diet is something I’ve learned to continue challenge myself with over the years. I think it’s important to know your body, the same diet for someone else may not work for you. So figuring that out for you is important. Fruits and veggies are daily medicine for the body, that’s something that I’m trying to keep consistent the most in my diet. 

What is the best thing about being on a team?

The best thing about being on a team is the relationships you build for a lifetime together. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, have different perspectives on life, the game, it’s just interesting to listen and learn something new from each other while competing together at a high level to win. It’s fun, especially with these group of guys in play with here and Christchurch. The energy and togetherness we have is contagious. It’s hard to have a bad day. We all have each others back and ready to go to war at any given time. Everyone is fearless and wants to get better, I love it. 

What advice would you give to upcoming athletes?

Advice I would give to upcoming athletes would be to never compare your process to the next person. Keep God first and give yourself grace. The work you put in will show exponentially. Be patient with your process , but believe in it more. Your confidence comes from how much work you put in. Get your rest!!Life is delicate , so be present wherever you are and smile because you’re blessed! 

What is your training schedule like? 

My training schedule right now consist of morning weight lift , get shots up after & some individual skill work. Lift again in the afternoon , ball handling before practice. Practice, and then get more shots up after . 

Thank you for talking with Cantabrian Magazine. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Outside of who I've grown up with, Basketball has helped me establish some of the best friendships I’ve had in my life so far and some I have pretty close relationships with I still until this day. I feel like the biggest trial I’ve went through was probably loosing my Grandma my first year as a professional. It one something it took a while for me to recover from. I loved her so much and she supported even while she wasn’t in the best health, and that meant everything to me. It was tough for me and my family. That following year I had my first major injury, partially tearing my groin. 

Even though I went through these things I’ve always believed in storms don’t last forever, there is always a lesson and a blessing in everything that happens to us in life. Those experiences for me have allowed me to learn more about myself and grow as a person. Those times altered my perspective on life and allow me to step into purpose. 

I’m so blessed and thankful to have the support system I have. Without it wouldn’t be where I am & I thank God for that daily.

The words mid-life spark an array of emotions and memories to one’s psyche. Questions can start to haunt one’s mind as we recap our current standings in life. Am I in a profession I find joy in trading my time for?  Am I living in the location and environment best for me? Are my intimate and external family relationships as strong as I would like?   Have I experienced adventures which are on my life list?

Through the decades of life as we age, our senses become more in tune. Our life experiences act as a backdrop for our decision making and problem solving skills. The hormones of our bodies evolve, and our heart desires rise to the forefront for our remaining years.  To know oneself, you ask yourself what do I  really want?  

Meet Gina Park who has transitioned from the fast paced, elite lifestyle of fashion journalism to owning Pebbles, the popular patisserie in Riccarton. Her resume is full. First at Paris Vogue then Esquire Korea and Allure Korea, and her final three years as the fashion director of Heren.

Gina was born in Korea and migrated to New Zealand when she was ten years old as her father was looking for a more natural, pastoral environment than the big city they lived in. Christchurch ticked his box so she and her parents moved. It was at Burnside High School that she developed a genuine fascination for all things creative. Gina was inspired and prompted by her amazing art teachers who gave her access to state of the art equipment that students could explore and her imagination took flight.  

She graduated and went directly to Massey University to major in Fashion Design. She dropped out after two years as it wasn't what she was looking for. She had always been a fashion magazine kid as she had collected more than 500 international fashion magazines and her love of fashion instilled a calling in her to go where the fashion was. She took a gap year, got out her French language books, and worked on portfolios and applied to three fashion schools in France. She was accepted to all three and  chose Studio Berçot Paris.  A small private fashion school which focused more on "Le Stylisme" or the styling and conceptual brand building of fashion, rather than the production of actual garments. It was this quintessentially Parisian culture at Studio Berçot that really shaped her sense of her own aesthetics and truly developed her eye for detail. Her fashion school years in Paris were inspiring.   

In her third year at Berçot, the school sent her to Vogue Paris to become their full-time intern at the Headquarters. She assisted in many fashion shoots directed by legendary editors like Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt and saw master photographers and super models in action. Every day was glamorous and she instantly fell in love with the fashion magazine industry. 

After a year at Vogue, she was offered the position as the Junior Fashion Editor for Esquire Korea magazine. She moved back to Korea, and that's where her professional career exploded. The fast-paced, non-stop Korean environment had her writing 6~7 articles a month plus directing 3~4 fashion shoots. After spending 3 years of hard training in journalism, she moved onto Allure Korea magazine as their Senior Fashion Editor. Then as Fashion Director at Heren, which was a membership-only magazine for the elite. Here she was in charge of all the top-tier luxury brands and high-end jewelry/watchmakers. 

Then her world came crashing down as her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and she immediately came back to New Zealand to spend time with him and assist her mother as she worked remotely. However, she got married and had her first child two months before her father passed away. Her little family was thinking of going back to Korea, but she couldn’t leave her mother, besides by the end of her fashion career she had become pretty tired of the industry, as she found it harder and harder to stay grounded when surrounded by luxury items, celebrities, and ridiculously rich, powerful people, all the time. 

This clean break and time, was perfect for her to concentrate on what she liked, wanted, and needed. As mid-life approached, she innately shifted from being a consumer to being a producer. Pastry never came across her mind until very recently and it never was her passion. She didn't know how to bake at all and was not even a very good cook, although her mother is an excellent one. Because of the pandemic she and her husband were separated as he was running a business in Korea to support the family. This long distance family life was extremely hard on them and as the pandemic continued, they found it ridiculous continually going through the tedious process of obtaining visas and spending loads of money on repatriate flights and MIQ. By the end of 2021 they decided to end that life and wrapped everything up in Seoul. In March 2022 and her husband came home to NZ permanently.  

At first they didn't know what to do with their container full of stuff they had sent from Korea, so they hired a storage/lock up space in Bromley and set up a studio. She and her husband were both unemployed, and they were expecting their second child. As they were trying to figure out what sort of business they wanted to do, she had a vision of a boutique patisserie that sells designed pastries only using natural ingredients. The only problem was, she didn't know how to bake. She started buying equipment and set up a test kitchen, subscribed to some online courses and really started training herself in June 2022.

She was really focusing and starting to have fun when she had to take a step back in August 2022, when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 8 months pregnant. It was the darkest days of her life, and she hoped every day to give birth to their baby girl in the coming 2 months. She did and one month after giving birth, she had neck surgery to remove her entire thyroid and 72 lymph nodes. She also had to go through some radioactive iodine therapy which took a big chunk out of her  life, but at the same time she was thinking that she had nothing to lose, because she might not have forever to make that "perfect" patisserie. She became driven and  pushed on and opened the doors of Pebbles in July 2023, a boutique patisserie. 

Business is thriving. She has a stall every Saturday at the Riccarton Market.  She is hosting high teas at the Majestic Mayfair, catering events around the city and was just featured in Avenues Magazine for their Avenues Eates Wahine Toa event.

Everyone has a story of life experiences. Time to think about what makes you happy and live it.

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It was an early Saturday morning that I found myself driving to the country for a bit of floral immersion. Kate Williams of The After Hours Stylist was hostess on her rural property where guests were invited into one of the coolest creative spaces for a PYO (Pick Your Own) flower session. Her aptly titled book has become a mainstay of many modern Cantabrians who are looking to entertain with all of the details and be open to the creativity needed to execute a vision. I was going to the heart of The Stylist. Kate hosts tea parties, floral workshops, wreath workshops, arrangement classes and other events right in her own home. 

The location: A rustic barn turned floral studio. This was where beauty could blossom. Rows of recycled wood shelves full of pots, vases and holders of all sorts of decor. There were buckets full of a range of dahlias, roses, delphinium, bracteanthas, agapanthus and more. I was joined by a full audience and after a quick introduction, we took in Kate creating an arrangement from nothing just before our eyes and the finished florals were fit for any occasion with multi-colours of pinks, reds and roses popping out of decadent greens and long, lush tendrils.

We then traversed the property's flower fields, first led by Kate whose comfort in her own space is unmatched. Where she gets the stamina after working a full day of work to then come to care for your paddocks of gardens is beyond me. Her energy is as abundant as the flowers she cultivates along with her husband Phil who we see on our garden tour in the distance. He is watering the vast amounts of the new seasons crop yet he still manages to give us all a wave and a smile. This husband-and-wife team love their home, have cultivated a sustainable lifestyle and truly enjoy what they do. They also thrive in sharing their home with others through floral experiences, entertaining and expression.

We were up next to pick our own flowers to build our own arrangements. This list above doesn’t do justice to the vast availability and there is a slight feeling of over abundance in choice as we venture solo to select just the right flowers. Big and small. Tall and short. Flowering and buds. Draping greens and formal foliage. The options are ours quite literally for the picking as we are set free to find what we need to create greatness.

From the onset, we are encouraged to let the creative juices flow and some attendees have a colour theme in mind, a particular focus on a flower or a much-needed centre-piece for an upcoming event. We are all different and, upon chatting during the intermission with a stunning cake by Fulltime Tart, we find out that we all come from different walks of life, countries and careers. Despite these differences, we are all there to create a floral arrangement that suits the individual. Kate guides us through techniques of placement and gives us key tips like the need to turn your vase while arranging but most of all, she individually gives positive feedback as we are in the design process.

Finally, we finish. To add icing on the fantastic floral experience, each arrangement has its own photoshoot in a space that Kate, who takes many of her own professional marketing photos, has set up a floral stage for presentation. It seems rustic. It’s a recycled set that is comprised of an upside-down wooden crate covered with a coffee sack backed by a moody gray board. It’s surprisingly perfect and these images are art unto themselves as the colours are captured and the poise of the pieces we created are extended through the lens. Another element of the experience that is lasting and lovely. 

Words K. Sullivan

Gallery Images: Kate Williams