A random little solo episode from me reflecting on the year that has just been, sharing some business lessons that I have l learnt from the women I have had on the podcast this year and looking ahead to 2026. Happy holidays! Thank you so much for listening to, and supporting, Super Creative. x Catie

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Something a little bit different this week. This episode of Super Creative is a 2025 Year in Review, recorded as a relaxed, end-of-year catch up with two women who have both been podcast guests and both become genuine friends.

I’m joined by Mandy Myles, founder of Bookety Book Books, and Emma Sage, founder of Sage Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on the year that was.

Both Mandy and Emma have had significant business moments over the past six to twelve months. Mandy shares the thinking behind her crowdfunding campaign and the evolution of Bookety Book Books, while Emma reflects on the launch of the first print edition of Sage Journal and what it took to bring that project to life.

Alongside the business reflections, this episode also doubles as a recommendations special. We chat about the books, podcasts and TV shows that have stood out this year and what we’re looking forward to reading, watching and listening to over summer.

This is a conversation that feels like sitting down with friends at the end of a big year. A chance to pause and reflect before heading into what’s next.

You can find Mandy at booketybookbooks.co.nz and Emma at thesagejournal.com

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Today on the podcast, I speak with Emma Hayes, founder of Emma Hayes Textiles, a design studio with a vision to create beautiful wall coverings for beautiful spaces. The brand works with residential and commercial interior designers and specifiers around the world. All of Emma’s designs start by hand - from paintings, drawings and mark-marking generated in response to the patterns and textures of the surrounding landscapes that inspire her. The Emma Hayes brand is represented in showrooms in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Emma established her studio back in 2011 and we first spoke on the podcast in June 2021, 4.5 years ago. Emma was episode 18.

And, after we spoke for the podcast, Emma became a client of mine and I’ve had the privilege of working with her since then which you will hear about in our conversation.

Emma is incredibly hardworking, deeply design-led and quietly focused. What she has achieved globally with a small team is so impressive and a true reflection of her vision and creativity. I have learnt so much from her over the years.

In this conversation we talk about the evolution of the studio, her design approach, the systems and structure behind building a global brand, the influence of her time living and travelling overseas, and the role of collaboration in expanding the brand into new markets and product categories. We also discuss the realities of scaling a creative studio, the value of customer experience and the values that guide Emma’s work.

I know you will love my kōrero with Emma as much as I did.

After this conversation, make sure you are following @emmahayestexiles on Instagram and of course, visit emmahayestextiles.com to explore the beautiful collection of wallpaper designs that Emma has created.

(The 100 Series is a collection of conversations revisiting previous podcast guests to celebrate the milestone of 100 Super Creative episodes.)

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In this episode, I speak with Morgan Maw, founder of Boring Oat Milk and Head of Brands at Apollo Foods, where she also oversees the newly relaunched juice and smoothie brand, Picky.

I first spoke to Morgan for Episode 32, back in June 2022 (3.5 years ago!).

In this conversation, we talk about what has changed since we last spoke: navigating international expansion, continuing to invest deeply in understanding the consumer, and the cultural considerations that come with building brands for new markets. We discuss the value of robust strategic groundwork, the power of being challenged by your team and collaborators, and creating brands that live beyond the product – through community, experiences, and meaningful real-world activations.

Once again, this is an insightful conversation that offers both practical wisdom and strategic perspective. Morgan is one of those people who is incredibly generous with her knowledge, and every time I speak with her, I hang off every word. I still get people referencing her original episode, and I have no doubt this one will be the same.

I loved my catch up kōrero with Morgan, and I know you will too.

After this conversation, make sure you are following @boringmilk and @weare_picky on Instagram. Then head to boringmilk.com and wearepicky.co.nz to learn more about the brands and shop delicious oat milk, juices and smoothies.

(The 100 Series is a collection of conversations revisiting previous podcast guests to celebrate the milestone of 100 Super Creative episodes.)

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Today on the podcast I speak with Hannah Souter – founder and creative director of Hannah Design Studio, a boutique design studio creating considered branding, packaging and design solutions for forward-thinking brands. Based in Mount Maunganui, with clients in both New Zealand and around the world, Hannah works with brands and business across fashion, hospitality, interiors, architecture, design and more.

Hannah first joined me on the podcast in Episode 5, back in November 2020, almost five years ago to the day we recorded this conversation.

In this episode, we talk about what’s changed in that time: relocating from Auckland to the Mount, rebuilding community, and discovering that career momentum doesn’t depend on a big city, it depends on relationships, reputation, and doing consistently great work. We talk about the value of creative relationships, and the idea that great work is defined by process and craft, and how five years on her original ethos – “Work Hard and Be Nice to People” – still stands.

Not only is this an insightful and honest conversation, as you will hear it is very much a conversation between friends with a few lols thrown in!

I know you’ll love this kōrero with Hannah as much as I did.

To see all of Hannah’s beautiful work make sure you follow @hannah_design_studio on Instagram and visit her website hannahdesign.co.nz

(The 100 series is a collection of conversations revisiting previous podcast guests to celebrate the milestone of 100 Super Creative episodes).

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Today on the podcast I speak with Alex Fulton, interior designer, artist and all-round creative force. Alex is someone who doesn’t like to be put in a box.

I first spoke to Alex in April 2021, in Episode 17 - about seven months into this podcast. That was 4.5 years ago.

In this conversation, Alex and I talk about the maturity and clarity that comes with time and experience, the evolution of her work and creative identity, her official shift into the art world, collaboration over competition, building a creative community, knowing your strengths, and finding joy and authenticity in the work you choose to do.

It’s reflective, energising, honest, and I know you will love this kōrero with Alex as much as I did.

(The 100 series is a collection of conversations revisiting previous podcast guests to celebrate the milestone of 100 Super Creative episodes).

And as you’ll hear, Alex is in the middle of her own rebrand, launching soon, so make sure you’re following @helloalexfulton on Instagram, and keep an eye on her website alexfultondesign.com.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

#supercreativepodcast #creativebusiness #murals #artistsoninstagram #womeninbusiness

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Today on the podcast, I speak with Bridget O’Sullivan, founder and co-owner of J'AIME – an artisan bakery best known for its exquisite French macarons and luxury confectionery.

Bridget established the business with her then-business partner in Christchurch in 2008. Seventeen years on, J’aime is a national brand admired for its craftsmanship, innovation and commitment to quality. What began as a small local venture at the Christchurch Farmers Market has evolved into a thriving business with two beautiful retail stores – in Christchurch and Auckland’s Commercial Bay – a strong e-commerce presence, boutique stockists and national distribution through supermarkets including New World and Pak’nSave.

In our conversation, Bridget shares her story from law to entrepreneurship, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. We talk about resilience through the Christchurch earthquakes, navigating commercial growth and change, and how a period of challenge led to a major rebrand and new partnership that marks an exciting next chapter for the business.

I really enjoyed this conversation with Bridget – she has such a great business story to share and does so with openness, honesty and vulnerability. I know you’ll love this kōrero with Bridget as much as I did.

So, no doubt after this conversation you will obviously want to head to jaimelesmacarons.co.nz and check out their delicious range of macarons and sweet treats. And of course, make sure you follow along with J’aime on Instagram @jaimelesmacarons_

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Today on the podcast I speak with Sophie Cooper, founder and Smile Director of Anihana – a New Zealand beauty brand creating solid body and haircare that is sustainable, cruelty free and made with clean, natural ingredients.

What began in 2016, when Sophie bought the soap business she was working in while pregnant with her daughter, has grown into a family-owned company producing joyful, affordable products now stocked in over 8,000 stores across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, including Target, Walmart and Amazon.com.

In this episode, Sophie shares the reality of scaling a handcrafted Kiwi business into global markets - from navigating a major rebrand to building supermarket partnerships, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the values that keep Anihana rooted in community, sustainability and joy.

I really enjoyed this conversation with Sophie – she is warm, open and such a quiet achiever. I’m so inspired by this clever brand doing incredible things on the world stage.

I know you’ll love this kōrero with Sophie as much as I did.

Once you’ve listened to this episode, head straight to @anihana_life on Instagram and be inspired by their vibrant, joyful products. And of course, visit anihanalife.com to explore the full range and learn more about their story.

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Today on the podcast I speak with Jasmine Kroeze - an artist based in Pāpāmoa Beach who wears many hats: mural artist, illustrator and surface designer, to name just a few!

With a background in fashion and textiles, Jaz has built a multifaceted creative practice spanning murals, paintings, brand partnerships, art licensing, surface patterns and illustration – all from her oceanside home studio. Known for her bold use of colour and playful compositions, her work sparks conversation, creates connection and injects joy into everyday spaces.

In this episode we talk about her journey from fashion into art, how textiles shaped her creative style, building a brand through social media, the three values she measures every project by and so much more…

I’ve followed Jaz’s work and progress for years, and one of the things that stands out is her incredible output (alongside her work, she is a content queen!). She exudes joy and passion for what she does, and her willingness to try new things, put herself out there, and share her process so openly is inspiring.

For any working artist, aspiring creative, or anyone dreaming of turning their passion into a full-time career, Jaz is proof that it’s possible – and she does it with honesty, energy and a whole lot of heart.

I know you’ll love this kōrero with Jaz as much as I did.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

✨ You can find Jaz at @jasmine.kroeze and jasminekroeze.com

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Something a little different for today’s episode! A few weeks back I had the honour of hosting a panel at Destination 159Design – an event that brought together some of New Zealand’s leading design creatives for an afternoon of conversation, optimism and future-focused inspiration.

On the panel with me were Tom Webster (architect + host of Grand Designs NZ), Amy Shaw (Creative Director of David Shaw Furniture), Emma Hayes (founder of Emma Hayes Textiles) and Nat Davis (founder of Folio magazine). It was an energetic, thoughtful, insightful and robust kōrero - and I’m so glad we get to share it here with the wider design community and of course, my Super Creative listeners.

This event was made possible by the businesses and brands behind 159Design – a trade focused, interior design centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland where a mix of trusted furnishing brands - textiles, furniture, flooring, rugs and hardware – are all under one convenient roof.

A shout out to those brands that continuously champion and support the New Zealand interiors industry:

→ James Dunlop Textiles

→ David Shaw Furniture

→ Haro Flooring

→ Kovacs Design Furniture

→ The Textile Company

→ Belgotex

→ The Ivy House

→ Porcelanosa

→ Montreux Furniture

→ Emma Hayes Textiles

→ Pocketspace Interiors

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