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Meet our small
but mighty team . . .
Based in the heart of Waikanae
Juli
Founder and Director
Creativity is the essence of who I am — I’ve always been drawn to creating, whether it's through fashion, crafts, or discovering overlooked materials to transform them into something beautiful. This passion has been with me since I can remember.
My journey began with a deep dive into fashion, studying in Whanganui before honing my skills while working with Starfish, a renowned clothing designer in Wellington. After traveling and gaining new perspectives, I founded my own brand. Now, I’m based in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast, where our store, workroom, and studio come together as the heart of my creative process.
I like to think of myself as a hunter and collector of beauty in all its forms. I’m always on the lookout for unique fabrics, buttons, and linens in garage sales and second-hand shops, with a passion for giving new life to preloved materials. Sustainability is at the core of my work — I specialize in recycling, upcycling, and saving textiles from landfill, using all these “found” materials to craft eco-friendly creations that are meant to be worn, used, and loved.
I’m proud to be a Living Wage employer, fostering a workplace that values both people and the planet.
Marion
Workroom Manager
With a mother who was a dress-maker and a grandmother who was a tailor, one could say Marion is continuing a family tradition. Originally from Wellington, at the age of just 15 she began a coveted apprenticeship with renown Wellington fashion designer Ashley Fogel at Ninon Modes. Marion eventually moved on to work for Roland Wimmers followed by work with Uta Griffon before deciding to work from home while raising her family.
Marion joined team at in early 2016. Coming from an established life-long passion for supporting made-in-New Zealand designs and clothing, Marion’s approach blends seamlessly with the eco-friendly philosophy here at Juli Hunter's!
Holly
Manufacturing Cutter
Holly is our manufacturing cutter. She expertly lays out fabrics and cuts them to our patterns so that each piece can be perfectly sewn together. Holly also makes squabs and cushion covers, alters curtains, and does everything of the like. Our small runs of clothing are also made by Holly, alongside curtains for our customers. She enjoys working with chunky pieces like upholstery and soft furnishing, as well as upcycling existing garments. Holly has been working with us for 9 years.
Robyn
Receptionist Extraordinaire
Robyn is best known for Hoodscarf, her small business that makes hooded scarves, beanies, and headbands from merino wool. She is also our receptionist extraordinaire. Robyn is usually the first person you’ll see when you walk in the door and is always ready to greet you with a smile. She does fittings, answers every question, and does many odd jobs around the store like making brooches, unpicking seams, and finding matching buttons.
Robyn learned to sew as a child, making clothes for her Cabbage Patch doll. She got a sewing machine and overlocker as a teenager and soon began making her own clothes. Robyn studied fashion design at Massey University, before working at Levana Textiles for five years where she dove into learning about knit fabrics and textile manufacturing. Today, Robyn cleverly juggles working with us here at Juli Hunter, her small business, and being a busy mum of two.
Leanna
Knitting Teacher
Leanna is not only my dear sister, but also an incredibly skilled and experienced knitter! She began knitting at the age of seven, taught by our mum, and by her teenage years, she was already knitting from patterns, starting with a jersey and booties. As her nieces, nephews, and children arrived, she eagerly embraced knitting for them, tackling more advanced techniques like cabling and intricate patterns.
Over the years, Leana has honed her craft to create cherished heirloom pieces, such as baby blankets, cardigans, and jerseys, for her beloved grandchildren. This keeps her busy throughout the year, creating something special for each of their birthdays.
Leanna lives rurally on a slice of paradise in Horowhenua. When she's not busy running the IT business with her husband, you can find her creating the garden of her dreams and delving into the occasional crochet project on the side.
