Powered by New Balance: A Walk & Talk with Ponsonby’s Women in Business

Q: Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it.
A: Little ‘Lato was built out of a pure love of gelato. One could say I’m a fanatic! In 2015 I received a scholarship to attend Carpigiani Gelato University in Italy, and that’s where the dream to bring authentic Italian gelato to New Zealand was first sparked. We launched in 2018 and now have parlours across the country, plus a range of pre-packaged tubs in boutique stores. All recipes are developed by me from scratch, and at any time we scoop up to 36 flavours in Ponsonby, half of them vegan.

Q: What do you love most about being a woman in business in Auckland?
A: There are so many female-led businesses stepping out and making a name for themselves, and it feels like a really supportive space.

Q: Why Ponsonby?
A: It’s personally one of my favourite spots in Auckland, especially if I'm heading out for dinner or drinks. It's iconic, busy and filled with so many epic offerings. It’s awesome that gelato gets to be a part of the dining scene here, with people often coming for dessert after dinner. 

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I'm often an early riser, getting into things while my brain is fresh. Everyday is so different, but generally I’ll be working on a mix of planning new gelato flavours, working on collaborations and marketing activations, taking photos, designing posters, and preparing communication plans.

Q: How important are sneakers for your day-to-day? And what do you love about them?
A: I have definitely learnt the importance of a good pair of shoes over the years. If they aren't comfortable, I end up never wearing them (it’s not worth the sore feet, knees or back). I sound like a definite Aucklander saying this, but I love a good white sneaker! White goes with most outfits and just keeps things simple.

Q: Why the New Balance 204L?
A: They felt really comfortable from the moment I tried them on. I love that they’re not too clunky and they’re easy to wear day-to-day. The beige and brown colourway works with so much of my wardrobe, which makes getting dressed simple. I also like the different lace options – it’s a nice way to switch things up.

Q: Tell us a little about your business and what inspired you to start it.
A: I've always loved fragrance, and with my interior design background, scented candles felt like a natural starting point. The problem was I couldn't find the fragrances I truly loved available for candle making so I travelled to Grasse in France, the perfume capital of the world, and studied perfumery. That trip changed everything.

Q: What do you love most about being a woman in business in Auckland?
A: The community of female founders here is genuinely incredible. What strikes me most is how collaborative everyone is, not competitive. That spirit has led to some of my favourite moments in business, like our collabs with Trish Peng, Tuesday the Label, and recently Warner Bros for "Wuthering Heights". When like-minded women back each other, something really special happens.

Q: Why Ponsonby?
A: It's a creative, independent neighbourhood that's central for all our customers but more than that, it feels like home for a brand like ours. Walking along Ponsonby Road is a treasure trove of brilliant businesses and eateries. There's a real sense that everyone here is doing something with intention, and I love being part of that.

Q: What do you love about the lifestyle and community in your neighbourhood?
A: The diversity, the creativity and the fact that it's so walkable. We have incredible brands as neighbours, the Ponsonby Market day, the Pride Parade, there's always something happening and it all feeds into a vibrant, welcoming energy that you can feel the moment you arrive.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: No two days are the same, which I love. Some days are deeply creative developing new fragrances, working on collaborations, building brand relationships. Other days are full-on operational: managing the team, running the store, being a mum. Having family involved in the business means there's always someone you truly trust in your corner, which makes all the difference.

Q: How often do you wear sneakers in your day-to-day life? What do you love about them?
A: Every single day... except for weddings. This year I had three, so there were exactly three days I wasn't in sneakers. That basically tells you everything you need to know. I love that they feel effortless but considered. 

Q: What do you like about the New Balance 204L?
They're hard to describe until you've actually worn them. There's this effortless retro feel, a real 70s vibe that I can almost remember. Once they're on, you forget you're wearing them, which is the highest compliment I can give. They fit the Ponsonby lifestyle perfectly: stylish but functional, relaxed but intentional. 

Q: Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it.
A: Nomu was born from equal parts obsession and rebellion. After seeing poorly made matcha giving it a bad name, my Mum and I set out to make great matcha accessible (and call out the shit). One night I sketched what would become the Nomu spoon, sent it to a friend to design the logo, and he said, “Yeah, it’s got legs.” Mum backed me immediately, and 14 months later we launched.

Q: What do you love most about being a woman in business in Auckland?
A: Auckland has this insane community of women who genuinely back each other. You don’t come by that often.

Q: Why Ponsonby?
A: We want to show up where our drinkers are. Partnering with Whisk & Brew lets them easily get their matcha fix and know it’s good quality. It was an easy yes to be their stockist, and we’re humbled they chose Nomu.

Q: What do you love about the lifestyle and community in your neighbourhood?
A: The bustle, the vibrancy, the options… Whether it’s matcha at Whisk & Brew, a wine at Bare, or something from Tatty’s. It’s understated but eccentric.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I start between 5am and 6am with surfing or yoga, breakfast and first matcha at 7:30, then straight into work – mapping launches, visiting stockists, shooting content or team tasks. Around 11am, there’s a non-negotiable second matcha, and by 6pm I’m logging off, heading for a beach walk, and usually calling my best friend or sister. Evenings are simple: dinner with my partner, deep into whatever Netflix series has us hooked, then planning the next day before winding down.

Q: How important is comfort when you’re on your feet all day?
A: It’s a non-negotiable for any business owner. Somehow New Balance seems to nail comfort and style. I spent 6 months travelling in my pair and there were no sore feet in sight. Whilst I live by the beach, and am often in slides, I'll always reach for my New Balance when I'm running errands, on a shoot or visiting stockists. 

Q: What do you like about the New Balance 204L?
A: They balance style, practicality and comfort. They’ve got that chic clean vibe, which works with my personal style, but it’s still comfortable enough to run around all day in. As my days are chaotic, and I’m bouncing between meetings, stockists, shoots and events, I need something that looks put together but can keep up. The 204L does that without trying too hard.

Q: Tell us a little about your business and what inspired you to start it.
A: Skin has always been so central to my life. I have grown up in this industry (quite literally, via a family-run business). I’m the Group CEO of Two Hundred Doors, which has been distributing Dermalogica in New Zealand for over 30 years. Through that, I’ve spent decades working closely with professional skin therapists and clients, seeing firsthand how transformative healthy skin can be.

Skintopia was born from a desire to create a space where people could feel truly supported on their skin journey – not just treated, but understood. I co‐founded Skintopia with my business partner and bestie Angie, combining deep professional expertise with a very human, personalised approach to skin health.

Q: What do you love most about being a woman in business in Auckland?
A: Auckland has an incredibly supportive and collaborative community of women in business. There’s a real willingness to share knowledge, champion each other, and build businesses with heart as well as ambition. I love that you can be both commercially driven and values‐led here; those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with brands like Saben and The Icehouse (alongside Dermalogica) to champion women in business over the years.

Q: Why Ponsonby?
A: It’s always been a dream area to open a business in. I love the mix of hospitality, retail, and neighbourhood charm. There’s a strong sense of identity in this area – it’s creative, independent, and deeply community‐focused, which aligns perfectly with how we operate as a business.

Q: What do you love about the lifestyle and community in your neighbourhood?
A: There’s a warmth and trust within the local community that’s really special. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and we often walk very personal journeys with them – whether that’s preparing their skin for a wedding or helping them manage a long‐term condition such as acne. Being part of those moments and helping people feel confident in their own skin is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: My time is split between strategic leadership across our group, supporting our teams, and staying closely connected to our studios and clients. I might start the day with meetings, spend time in‐studio, and finish with planning or mentoring. It’s dynamic, fast‐paced, and very people‐focused.

Q: How important is comfort when you’re on your feet all day?
When you’re moving between studios, meetings, and day‐to‐day life, you need footwear that supports you without slowing you down. Feeling comfortable allows you to stay present and focused, which is essential in my role.

Q: How often do you wear sneakers in your day-to-day life?
A: Most days. Sneakers have become a staple for me. They’re practical, versatile, and suit the pace of my lifestyle. Whether I’m working or off‐duty, they’re my go‐to. Gone are the days of crippling my feet in high heels! Looking back, I’m not sure how my feet survived my 20s.

Q: What do you like about the New Balance 204L?
A: They’re comfortable enough for long days on my feet, but still refined and timeless in design. They transition seamlessly from work to life outside the studio, which makes it an easy, natural fit for how I move through my day.

Shop the New Balance 204L here.