How did you come to be a retail salesperson?
Retail is in my blood. I grew up with grandparents who owned a successful retail store in Christchurch, and parents run a thriving wholesale and retail group. Working in retail came naturally from a very young age. I started as the Christmas gift wrapping 'guru' at Quinns Christchurch at the age of nine and have been involved in retail ever since. Having worked for other brands during university, I migrated back to the family business here at Dyrberg/Kern. What can I say? Selling beautiful Danish, hand-crafted jewellery is the best nine to five job anyone could ask for!
What do you love about your store?
The Auckland store is the newest Dyrberg/Kern concept store to open in New Zealand. The architectural style of the building’s exterior is the perfect fit for Dyrberg/Kern’s modern Danish aesthetic. I love the grand 6 metre high stud, which makes it feel very spacious and light.
What makes a standout retail salesperson?
A standout retail person is someone who is approachable, relatable and a down to earth, fun person. They treat their customers like a friend - not as a shopper.
Tell us about a memorable sale you've made this year...
I love helping girls choose jewellery for a special occasion, be it their wedding or an evening event. I had a gorgeous lady in the store recently looking for jewellery for her daughter’s wedding. She decided to break the traditional mother of the bride rules and rock a gorgeous jumpsuit, cuff bangles and a beautiful pair of statement earrings. When you get a hug from your customer at the end of the sale - you know it’s one to remember.
If you could wave your wand and have anyone in the world walk into your store right now, who would it be?
It would have to be my gorgeous late Nana Margaret. Seeing her bounce into the store in her skinny black pants, Sass & Bide T with a cappuccino in hand would be incredible. Nana had an amazing ability to connect with people, something I strive to achieve when selling. She also lived her life at 150 miles per hour, using fashion to always feel fabulous.
If you could wave your wand and have anyone in greater Ponsonby walk into your store right now, who would it be?
We are new kids on the block and looking forward to getting to know all the Ponsonby locals, so come on in and make yourself known. We see plenty of gorgeous style-hungry girls and guys and would love to meet them all.
Where do you enjoy shopping?
Without a doubt, The Shelter is my favourite store in Ponsonby. I feel right at home every time I walk in the door. The staff are friendly, I absolutely love their products and it is such a bonus to get my flat white there too. I love shopping at moochi, too: good quality, easy to wear fashion.
Name whom you think is a great greater Ponsonby store...
I love our spot on Mackelvie Street for the mix of imports and homegrown brands and our end of Ponsonby Road also has everything a girl could need. It’s too hard to choose a favourite from Sass & Bide, Mecca Cosmetica, M.A.C, Deadly Ponies, Karen Walker, Workshop, The Shelter... the list just goes on and on.
DYRBERG/KERN, 65 Mackelvie Street, T: (09) 376 9989, www.dyrbergkern.co.nz