Meet Leanne Martell who loves sourcing beautiful things for customers and has created a gift boutique in Browns Bay that sings to the senses.

When and why you did you start this business?

We opened Bath Boutique on 3rd October 2016, but we really began it a year earlier than that as our skincare manufacturing business was getting too big for our home, and we needed a place to manufacture, but when I think back, I have wanted my own shop for YEARS, maybe 10 years ago the dream to have a boutique began!

How would you describe what is special and unique about it?

I love finding quality New Zealand made products and introducing my customers to the amazing talent here in New Zealand. I do have products here from all over the world, but I aim for different, and ethical there as well. The atmosphere in the boutique is also unique - we like to offer a gentle shopping experience, and while we are happy to suggest things, and we are passionate about sharing our knowledge, we also just want people to feel nurtured when they come in.

What gives you the greatest buzz?

Two things come to mind immediately. First, finding the perfect thing for a customer, and hearing them say “I KNEW I would find something here” - that makes me so happy! I see it as being more than a place to buy gifts, I am privileged to be a very small part of important times in my customers’ lives; the birth of a new baby, a special birthday, a thank you, a little something to honour grief, or celebrate a wedding.

The other is watching people discover a local talent. I love having small businesses represented here at the boutique, and love telling my customers about someone local that is doing amazing things!

What is your number one tip for anyone starting a business?

Research the area to see if your business will fill a need, and if you can have a point of difference to the businesses who are already there. Really get a handle on the actual cost of starting up.

What do you love about Browns Bay?

The people are so supportive! I love that when the sun shines, everyone comes out, and you can hear a change in tone of voice, people walk and chat, and really make use of the flat access to most things here. There is a real sense of community.

Tell us what’s happening in store during October.

October is exciting for the boutique. We celebrate our second birthday on 3rd October! So as I write this I am gearing up for that, and by the time this goes to print, we might still be partying! We also have new ranges we are launching in October, and of course there is all the decorations and gifts for the Christmas Holiday season that is starting to gather momentum near the end of the month. So we are getting new stock in throughout October!

Please sum up your business in one sentence.

Bath Boutique’s focus is on supporting ethical designers and craftspeople from New Zealand and around the world, who create products and art that fills a need, lifts a mood, and encourages contemplation.