Melissa Bowman and her husband Stuart, run their own brand called Apartmento. They design and manufacture high quality bespoke furniture and cabinetry. Designed and Handcrafted in New Zealand since 1996. It is a real family company with their three children working with them in the company.
What do you like the most about Ponsonby?
We have always thought of Ponsonby as our second home with our Showroom residing there for the last 18 years or so. And Prego of course.
How did you survived the pandemic with work and life in general?
I think it was hard for everybody... We had a really great lockdown crew which helped immensely. Lots of cooking and relaxing. I also took the opportunity to go grey, not life changing but very liberating!
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in the warm glow of the 1970s with my two older brothers. It really was pretty great. Very little supervision.
Your thoughts on, will die happy if?
I will die happy having loved and been loved.
What would be your dream holiday overseas?
Three months in a villa in Italy.
What was the last thing you bought that you regretted?
A bark collar for our dog - didn’t work, he’s still barking.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
It’s who you are that matters, not how you look.
What is a project you are really looking forward to?
We have recently sold our house so I am looking forward to our next reno project.
What do you love most about your age?
I can do anything I want!
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
I believe fashion is circular. Wear what you want when you want.
What is something ( just one thing ) that you really disapprove of?
Bad manners!
What has been your biggest disappointments?
Disappointments, I'm sure I’ve had a few. I’m not one to dwell, just put it down to experience.
Tell us something really motivates you?
A beautiful day.
What has inspired you recently?
The youth. I am lucky enough to work with a bunch of them. They are funny, smart and give me hope for the future.
If you could give your teenaged self some advice what would it be?
Just do it all because it goes real quick.
Tell us something you do to chill out and really relax?
I’m an active relaxer so I love pottering around the house alone doing bits and bobs and listening to the National programme.
Which item of clothing you can't you live without?
My dressing gown..
What is a movie that inspired you and why?
Recently ‘Poor Things’. Emma stone’s costumes...the power sleeve is just perfection.
What is your most treasured possession?
Well you can’t possess your children, so I guess it would be our pup PJ and our giant cat Major.
Is there anything that makes you insecure?
Not much these days.
Tell us something very few people know about you?
That I really love musicals.. A lot.
What is your greatest fear?
Something happening to any of my kids.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction and why?
Anne from Anne of Green Gables - She just has such spunk and is the sweetest thing.
What superpower do you wish you had?
Teleportation.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Definitely Cheerleading.
What cliché́ do you hate most?
‘To be honest with you’ or ‘With all due respect’.
What gizmo can you simply not live without?
A mini vacuum!
What is your greatest weakness/indulgence?
I really really love reality TV.
Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?
Hugs for sure.
What is your comfort food?
All things potato.
What is the best thing your parents taught you?
How to make friends for life and throw a good party.
How would your friends describe you?
You’d have to ask them.
Do you travel light or heavy?
I aim for light, but always heavy.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
NZ Firsts proposed ‘Fair access to bathrooms bill’. We need to stand up for our trans community.