Chelsea Nikkel
Chelsea Nikkel, known as Princess Chelsea, is an internet pop sensation previously in the band The Brunettes. She had a rare New Zealand tour in October and November 2018, to celebrate the release of her upcoming third studio album The Loneliest Girl. The album was recorded between 2016 and 2017 in her home studio in West Auckland. Some of her inspirations are Nancy and Lee, Guns N Roses, Morrissey, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Eminem, and Enya to name a few. The New Zealand Herald described her having “angelic vocals and acerbic wit”.
Gosia Piatek
Gosia Piatek is the founder and creative director of Kowtow, a sustainable womenswear label based in Wellington. With a passion for doing something meaningful, ethical and sustainable, Kowtow was established in 2007. Kowtow has recently launched a swimwear collection, using recycled fishing nets. The conscious decision to use only renewable and sustainable fibres and ethical manufacturing makes Kowtow one of the top ethical fashion brands. The sustainable fibres are renewable, biodegradable and regenerated.
Lucy Houghton
Lu Diamond Flowers was established in 2013 by Lucy Houghton in her hometown of Auckland. Lucy has previously worked in the fashion industry, and she combines her creativity with unique modern style. She has created a loyal following New Zealand-wide. Lu is inspired by seasonal floral, and has custom arrangements to suit each client’s needs. Lu creates custom made floral service specialising in events, weddings and luxe gift bouquets.
Tanya Barlow
Tanya Barlow is a hair, makeup and nail artist based in Auckland. She has worked as a make-up artist for almost 10 years, and trained in London based makeup school, Greasepaint and Monaco Nail Academy. Tanya has worked for the likes of feature films, countless music videos, short films, TV shows and several editorials for both print and online. She has done nails for celebrities including Rosie Hungtington-Whitely and Ruby Rose. Tanya’s business, Hello Tanya Nails, specialises in one of a kind gel-polish nail art, natural nail health, repair and growth.
Kendall Flutey
Kendall Flutey is the founder and CEO of Banqer, a tech entrepreneur, and is being heralded as a young Maori business leader. Launched in January 2015, Banqer was developed at a startup weekend. Banqer is an online platform for students aged 8-12 that allows students to learn about financial literacy and responsibility in an engaging and immersive way. Flutey also won the title of Young Maori Business Leader of the Year 2018. Her startup encourages students to better prepare for the financial world ahead.
Wendy Vermeulen
Wendy Vermeulen is an internationally qualified yoga and pilates instructor, personal trainer and life coach with 30 years’ experiences in wellness. Wendy’s Evolve Holistic Fitness runs retreats and workshops throughout the year. The main approach is yoga, with skills provided in fitness, breath awareness, mindfulness and more. She is also the founder of Pranabar, a modern meditation and yoga studio space located in Parnell.
Words — Katie Kuo