Natty

When Cat McKay’s child went off to school and she was juggling working along with her young family, she decided to scheme up her ‘dream job’. After plenty of hard work and time spent building her business, she was eventually ready to give up her previous job and focus solely on Natty. A busy mother as well as a creative means Natty doesn’t follow all the usual 9 – 5pm rules, and instead you’ll find it open on Tuesday through to Saturdays, 10am - 2pm. 

Part studio, part shop, this sweet space in Island Bay has come a long way from its previous life as a butchery. Although the meat fridge is still in situ (and makes for a perfect storage) the rest of the place has seen a thorough makeover. And if you’re wanting transparency in your shopping experience, Natty is the store for you. Stationery items, screen printed textiles, illustrated greeting cards and an ever-popular jewellery line now fill the warm interior, where Cat makes the latest goods right under the gaze of curious customers. With a focus on Kiwiana without being too kitsch, there’s a real authenticity in seeing the hand-crafted pieces make their way from work bench to window display in the space of one small shop.

With over 100 shops around the country stocking Natty , it’s easy to see how they are kept busy. In the store, you'll see Natty goods nestled alongside a range of goodies by other NZ makers including ceramics, soaps, candles, wooden kitchenware, baby onesies and  honeywraps.

Visit Natty to get a taste of what a studio looks like in action, and if you fancy tallying a while, or need a rest from deciding between all the beautiful things, there’s a comfy couch to kick back on too.