Wooden ladders, sheepskin rugs Moroccan pouffes and upside down hanging plants are all in an eclectic mix of furnishings at lifestyle store Superette, which Jess Sands helps to curate. The 26-year-old homeware buyer works with owners Rickie Dee and James Ridgen sourcing products from New Zealand and Australia for the store, as well as a range of manchester and art designed in-house under the Superette name.
Sands says she was inspired to pursue a career in homeware by her mother, who owned an all-in-one homeware, garden and coffee shop Verde, in Takapuna.
“I have grown up surrounded by the most beautiful homeware and my love for it continues to grow,” says the Devonport local. “Whenever I purchase something new for the home I always say that it brings happiness to my eyes. It truly does. I love that everything in the home is special in its own way and has a little story behind it.”
When finding new products for Superette, Sands includes only items she would buy for herself.
“We are always on the hunt for new brands. Instagram is an amazing research tool that I use a lot, and I find myself coming across possible new brands daily.”
These homewares, as well as clothing brands such as Sass and Bide, Deadly Ponies, Bassike and Rag and Bone, will be included in Superette’s fourth brick-and-mortar store, which opens in Takapuna this weekend.
“We have worked on the interiors with the amazing team at Material Creative, who have kept the aesthetic similar to our other stores, with bright white and flashes of gold, although we have added a slight natural or beach feel to this store given the location.”
MY FAVOURITE THINGS
1. Antique mirror
I fell in love with my mother-in-law's mirror, and when my husband and I moved into our new place she gifted it to me. I still can't believe it is now mine. It is so beautiful and sentimental.
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Advertise with NZME.2. Kanuka Collective butterfly chair
Kanuka Collective is an extra-special brand as the creators are good friends of mine. This is my newest, and favourite piece of furniture. It is an incredible piece with fine detail and beautiful craftsmanship.
3. Rob Tucker painting
My husband bought this painting for us in 2009 at one of Rob's exhibitions held at my mum's cafe. It is the perfect piece of art to have in our kitchen.
4. Crystal and shell collection
I collect shells and crystals. Each one has its own little story about how it became mine. Some of my crystals were gifts from friends and family, some my nephew chose. He also has his own little collection. I would take him to the crystal shop every school holidays and there were always ones that had to come home with us. My husband, David, finds a lot of shells for me.
5. Marble bowl
Marble Basics is a brand we stock at Superette. All their pieces are original, with different veining and patterning, which makes each piece uniquely beautiful. This bowl in particular had to be mine. I love it and it's a "forever" piece.
• Superette's new store is at 486 Lake Rd, Takapuna.
