I was born in Chatto Creek in 1953, my parents were Russian/Ukranian refugees who arrived in New Zealand in 1952. We moved to Dunedin when I was two years old and have lived here all my life.
What has been your career path?
From an early age I have always been obsessed with fashion, my mother taught me a love of fabrics and quality clothing and after working in an office for seven years after leaving King Edward Technical College, I opened my first boutique style store in Moray Place, stocking garments that were unique and individual. That was 1975! Several years later and after a couple of different locations in Dunedin we started designing and manufacturing our own brand NOM*d and housed it alongside other unique New Zealand and international brands at PLUME.
What drives you?
The love of what I do and the pleasure it gives to so many of our clients.
Advice for young women starting their careers?
If you have strong ideas about what you consider reflects your personal style, don't waiver from that ideal.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It's wonderful that women can be identified as having their unique style and be successful in life without having to conform to the establishment.
