Candid conversations with inspiring women who are thriving in creative business. Join host Catie Dawson as she talks with her guests about creativity, strategy,...
Today on the podcast, I speak with Anahita Paul—a mixed media artist and photographer based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Grounded in visual storytelling and the intersection between content and art, Anahita works across photography, painting, and collage, often layering traditional editorial imagery with analog techniques. She’s created editorial content and commercial projects for brands like Mecca Beauty, Glasshouse Fragrances, Bronwyn, RUUSH, Stylerunner and Remix Magazine We talk about Anahita's creative journey, her self-initiated creative projects that caught the attention of her dream clients and the importance of putting your work out there. We talk in detail about her creative process and how she approaches new projects - I was fascinated. And of course, I had to ask her best tips on creating social media content that really connects (and maybe even goes viral). I loved this conversation with Anahita, not only was just lovely to chat with and so open, I find her work so unique, clever and refreshing and I came away feeling so inspired. I know you’ll love this kōrero with Anahita as much as I did. After listening, be sure to visit her website anahitapaul.com but more importantly make sure you find her on Instagram or Tiktok @anahitapaul and if you are anything like me you will spend a long time being completely mesmerized seeing her beautiful mixed media creations come to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:14:33
Liv Patience - Material Creative
Today on the podcast, I speak with Liv Patience —interior architect and co-founder of Material Creative, an interior design studio creating unexpected residential and commercial interiors that bring people together and command attention.Material Creative was founded by Liv and her business partner Toni Brandso on the slopes of the French Alps, with a shared dream of creating a studio that designed spaces that scout beyond the scope of convention to deliver a sense of freedom, spirit and creativity. Over the past 17 years, they have built a highly regarded, industry-leading studio, designing award-winning hospitality, retail, residential and commercial spaces across New Zealand.In this conversation we talk about:The early days—saying “yes” to every opportunityLanding their first major retail rollout and growing an award-winning design studio The realities of business—navigating a pandemic, recession & burnoutRedefining success and reconnecting with meaningful workThe business today and the future for Material Creative.This is an incredibly honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation about design, resilience, and the realities of running a business. I’m so proud of Liv for coming on, being so vulnerable and sharing so honestly about the challenges the business has faced over the last few years. I’m also so excited about the future ahead, – throughout all the challenges, the work just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what MC does next.I hope you enjoy my kōrero with my friend Liv as much as I did.If you aren’t already, make sure you follow @materialcreative on Instagram and visit materialcreative.co.nz for unexpected, material-led interiors that are crafted for connection._A big thank you to our wonderful podcast sponsor, Iris Store and Studio - an experiential beauty destination, with a retail store in Wellington and an online store. Iris stocks internationally renowned, hard-to-find skincare makeup and fragrance brands and offers beauty services. Visit iris-beauty.co.nz for all your skin and beauty needs. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie DawsonBought to you by Somewhere CreativeFind us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2:00:43
Helen Paul-Smith - ŌKU
Today on the podcast, I speak with Helen Paul-Smith — co-founder of ŌKU, harnessing the power of Aotearoa’s native plants to create organic herbal teas, health tonics, and skincare.Helen founded ŌKU alongside her husband, medical herbalist and naturopath Scott Smith, in 2010. At ŌKU they are conscious of Maori Tikanga, ‘doing things the right way’, and this helps guide their decision-making processes. Sustainability is at the front and centre of their kaupapa, a deep connection to the whenua, and a belief in giving back to the environment that provides for them. Through planting initiatives, ethical harvesting, and donating a portion of every sale towards land restoration, Helen and Scott are ensuring that ŌKU remains a business that treads lightly while making a meaningful impact.In this conversation, we talk about the quiet but steady growth of ŌKU, the importance of educating people on the incredible healing properties of Aotearoa’s native plants, staying true to your vision, navigating growth, and keeping the foundations strong through hard work, persistence, and heart.I know you’ll love this kōrero with Helen as much as I did.After listening, be sure to check out @oku_nz on Instagram and visit oku.co.nz to learn more about their incredible range of teas, elixirs, and balms—and the kaupapa that drives the business._A big thank you to our wonderful podcast sponsor, Iris Store and Studio - an experiential beauty destination, with a retail store in Wellington and an online store. Iris stocks internationally renowned, hard-to-find skincare makeup and fragrance brands and offers beauty services. Visit iris-beauty.co.nz for all your skin and beauty needs. For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie DawsonBought to you by Somewhere CreativeFind us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:20:00
Gemma Gillett - Studio Gemma + The Joinery Edit
Today on the podcast, I speak with Gemma Gillett — interior architect, founder of Studio Gemma, and creator of The Joinery Edit, an online education platform bridging the gap between designers and joiners.After graduating from Massey University, Gemma spent nine years forging her career in London - working for several highly regarded interior design studios including Godrich Interiors. In 2014 Gemma relocated to Sydney and after the birth of her second son, she launched her solo venture, Studio Gemma, her own design practice specialising in interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful.But Gemma’s passion for design extends beyond her own projects. The Joinery Edit started as a side project—an Instagram account dedicated to celebrating the art of joinery—and has since evolved into a thriving resource for interior designers, home renovators and design enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge and collaborate more effectively with trades.In this conversation, we chat about Gemma’s journey from fresh design graduate to running her own studio, why she finds joinery sexy, how she’s built a platform that’s changing the way designers and trades collaborate. This chat is very conversational, it feels like Gemma is an old friend! She’s funny, sharp, so bloody talented and a little bit outrageous. I know you will enjoy my kōrero with Gemma as much as I did.After listening, make sure you check out @_studiogemma_ on Instagram — it’s an absolute goldmine of inspiration and insights for design lovers. And then visit thejoineryedit.com for a deep dive into the sexy world of joinery and for her interior design work – studiogemma.comFor more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie DawsonBought to you by Somewhere CreativeFind us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:54:45
Becs Caughey - Cook & Nelson + Good Sh*t Soda
Today on the podcast, I speak with Becs Caughey—co-founder of Cook & Nelson and Poptimist, the creators of Good Sh*t Soda.Becs has never followed a conventional career path. She started out managing some of New Zealand's biggest musicians, including Shapeshifter and Ladi6, which took her all over the world. But when touring life became less sustainable, she pivoted into the world of food and, alongside her husband Nick, started Cook & Nelson, a company that brings trailblazing international food brands to New Zealand—think McClure's Pickles, Seedlip, and Tony's Chocolonely.Then, during Covid, Becs, Nick and a few business partners set out to create a product of their own and co-founded Poptimist, the company behind Good Sh*t Soda*—the world's first pre- and pro-biotic soda, made right here in New Zealand. In this conversation, Becs shares her journey— how she's built businesses that align with her lifestyle, the lessons she's learned along the way, and how she approaches life with big-picture thinking and infectious enthusiasm. I loved this chat! Becs is sharp, funny, and this episode is full of brilliant business insights. I know you will enjoy my kōrero with Becs as much as I did.After this episode, make sure you head to cookandnelson.com and goodshitsoda.com. And you can follow both brands on Instagram @cookandnelson and @goodshitsoda~A big thank you to our wonderful podcast sponsor, Iris Store and Studio - an experiential beauty destination, with a retail store in Wellington and an online store. Iris stock internationally renowned, hard to find skincare makeup and fragrance brands, as well as offering beauty services. Visit iris-beauty.co.nz for all your skin and beauty needs.For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com Hosted by Catie DawsonBought to you by Somewhere CreativeFind us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Candid conversations with inspiring women who are thriving in creative business. Join host Catie Dawson as she talks with her guests about creativity, strategy, productivity, marketing, success, failure, fulfilment, health, happiness, and everything-in-between. This is a behind the scenes look at the clever women who make a living being creative, and how they do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand