Barbara Cloonan is the new owner of Sole Sisters in Mairangi Bay, a boutique-style shop well known for its wonderful selection of fashion shoes and handbags. Barb was a long-time Sole Sisters customer and has a background is in education, after a long and rewarding career she decided to make a complete change. Barb has always loved shoes and was chatting to the previous owner of Sole Sisters one day when one thing led to another…. Barb talks to Channel Mag about where she finds her inspiration and who she follows on Insta.
Channel Mag: Tell Channel readers a little bit about Sole Sisters…
Barbara Cloonan: The original owners of Sole Sisters were flight attendants together and the best of friends, hence the name. The shop has been in Mairangi Bay for approximately 17 years. While I'm now the ‘Sole’ owner, I consider all of my lovely customers as my sole sisters!
Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you?
I love Instagram but I do try to limit my time on it because it's far too easy to go down rabbit holes and wind up chewing up big chunks of your day that you didn't anticipate!
Who do you recommend following and why?
I have a few that I follow but my favourites are probably @Caitlintaylor.stylist who has great style tips that are easy to recreate with items you likely already own and @shredhappens offers healthy, great tasting recipe ideas that are generally quick to make, and include readily available ingredients. I have to confess... Michael McIntyre gets a fair bit of viewing time from me as well, love his comedy!
Which other local businesses do social media well?
Captivate Interiors does a great job of showcasing its product as well as giving you ideas on how you can titivate your home. The colours they use are amazing! Sarah's Boutique does a great job of keeping us all informed about new styles arriving.
Any specific products that you’d like to promote to our readers?
We sell great leather handbags as well as boots, shoes, sneakers and sandals from a wide range of suppliers. We support Kiwi designers such as Bresley, Cassini, Gelato, as well as Australian (EOS, Django & Juliette, Hinako) and European (Chrissie Brazil, Rilassare, Cabello, Rieker, Fly London...), endless options!
solesisters.co.nz • @solesistersnz (Instagram)
Green Gables, Shop 6/376 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay 0630
This Mairangi Bay skin clinic is open six days with two late nights, it’s much loved and for good reason, great products and treatments.
@aboutfacenz
We love the winter jackets and pics shared on Hartley's account. Visit the Mairangi Bay store at 419 Beach Road for more winter fashion inspo.
@hartleysnz
Love this wall paper and all the room reveals that Captivate does!
@captivate.interiors
