Melanie-Jane Smith is the owner and creative director of The Poi Room, with two stores in Ponsonby and Newmarket. Her husband, Clayton (co-owner and financial director), and two daughters, Frankie (13) and Milana (9), live in “a deliciously comfortable home filled to the brim with contemporary New Zealand art”. The house will soon be undergoing its second renovation to accommodate a new office, second living area and a pool. (“Extremely exciting!”)
Gardener
Our lawn-mowing guy was our wonderful next door neighbour’s grandson, Kirwan. He did a gorgeous job, but as he grew older we found someone new to help out - Marco Bosman, from Stryde Landscapes. We love his expertise in planting and that he is able to assist with landscaping around our renovations. A beautiful garden is so restful and grounding!
Pests
Every year we get the fabulous team from De-Bug in. They manage to get rid of all those creepy crawlies who live in our garden, but who would rather spend the night in the house.
Cleaner
We did have a cleaner for a while when we were desperately busy with The Poi Room and working every waking hour. Now that our girls are older, we have decided that they needed to understand what it takes to run a household, so we all dip in and help with housework.
Electrician
Every time we need some work done around the house we call on Chad from Oceans Electrical - he and his team are amazing. He does both commercial and residential electrical works. Always on time, always amazing! Electrifying!
Printing company
We love using Alan Wild from Super Print for our printing. Absolute perfection! Alan always goes that extra mile for us, even dropping work off on the way home.
Computer stuff
I am a bit of a techno-phobe, and get brain freeze when anything goes wrong with the computer. We were lucky to find Sean O’Connor from Fix I.T. at Home. He is our local guru. He’s the guy who is always doing the computer bits at our local Pt Chevalier School. Very giving and from an awesome family.
Architect
What a process! Even though Clayton has a construction background, getting the right design for our future has been both challenging and exciting. We have used wonderful Toa Architects to come up with a functional design that both encompasses our passion and how we live. We are about to finalise the design and are stoked with what has been achieved. We can’t wait to break ground!
Building
Steve from Calibre Builders is awesome. He has helped out with minor works for us
- things that Clayton hasn’t been able to sort out. Steve is being lined up for our upcoming extension works. He is so easy to deal with, and honest as the day is long.
Graphic design
The vision is seen and realised through our brother-in-law, Andrew from Nadas Design. Timely and professional, Andrew has helped us simplify our brand and assisted wisely with brand strategy. Thank you Andos!
THE POI ROOM, Shop 10, Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 378 4364,
www.thepoiroom.co.nz