Tell us about your role at Kathryn Wilson Footwear.

My role is Operations Manager which means no day is ever the same, which I love. I usually start my day by speaking to all the stores - checking in with their needs. We are working on a couple of exciting initiatives at the moment so they need a bit of time in the day, and then I like to head out to the stores - to check in with them and help where I can instore. Running retail stores is a constant business as there are always a fair amount of moving parts, from people to stock and everything in between. 

Modern, sophisticated, comfortable

Well my first official job in the footwear industry was actually in Kathryn Wilson’s shoebox in Britomart. But shoes is really in my blood, my dad founded a footwear company so I have been surrounded by footwear my entire life, talking about it around the dinner table and eventually working in that company for many years. The footwear industry is very dynamic and selling shoes is almost always a good time.

You have worked with a lot of international brands prior to Kathryn Wilson Footwear. What do you love the most about working for a New Zealand designer?

The control and influence you can have, and the fast pace nature of being close to the decisions. Working with international brands is fantastic but you can feel very far away from the action - I think although NZ is “down under” we have some amazing talent and people doing great things. In many ways we punch above our weight and it’s exciting to be a part of something that is actually being generated here in NZ.

Tell us about your favourite shoe and accessory this season and how you style it?

I am loving the classic leather belt - with the wide leg pant look taking centre stage at the moment I am enjoying tucking in tops and adding a belt. Shoe of choice is definitely all loafers this season, they are elevated, comfortable and pair well with pants. 

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired primarily by those I surround myself with - family, friends, and work colleagues. I find hearing about other's successes and/or failures inspires me to be better and go further. Surrounding myself with likeminded interesting people that want to make good stuff happen is what drives me and I am learning more and more that who you surround yourself with is so important. 

Heels, flats or sneakers?

Sneakers for sure, you’ll more often than not find me in sneakers, they are generally comfortable yet practical and elevated.  

If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or living, who would it be?

To be honest, I feel like I should choose someone hugely influential here, but I would probably choose 3 out of 4 of my grandparents, I never got to meet any of them while they were still “with it” and I’d love to have got to know them.