• Nicky Robinson and Kate Moffat.
  • Working Style has opened an outlet on Barrys Point Road just in time for Father’s Day. The perfect place to find a new shirt or tie for Dad. @workingstylenz
  • A new sandwich place has arrived on Hurstmere Road and we’re wanting to try the pork katsu sando! Open Monday – Saturday @iikosando.nz
  • How good does this modern take on the scotch egg look at Vondel in Devonport. They have a great selection of wines and beers with a difference too! @vondel_akl

#Gramworthy

Our round up of posts from local businesses on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Nicky Robinson from @marlo_nz

Nicky Robinson is a Devonport local who founded all weather boot brand, Marlo, with her business partner Kate Moffat in 2019. The friends originally met at Plunket when their eldest boys were babies and had the idea for Marlo while cheering their young kids on at the football field with cold feet and wet sneakers. Nicky grew up on the North Shore and now calls Devonport home with husband Pando and three kids, Brodie, Bonnie and Joni. Kate is originally from Canada and moved with her husband Derek in 2010. Kate’s family (including three kids, Lachlan, Raya and Blake) recently made the move from Narrow Neck to Whangamata. Nicky tells Channel about Marlo and the importance of social media to their business.

Channel Magazine: Tell us a little bit about your business and how it came about…
Nicky Robinson:
Over the winter months, standing on the side-line with wet feet and ruining yet another pair of white sneakers, we decided there had to be a better option.  We really wanted a waterproof boot that was warm and kept your feet dry, but also looked stylish. We started to sketch a few design options and realised we had something. Gumboots are all about getting outside and amongst it on the side-lines of the sports field, in the garden or jumping in puddles with (or without) your kids; being able to enjoy those moments, whatever the weather.

CM: Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you? Who do you recommend following and why?
NR:
Instagram has been huge for us; we have been able to reach a real base of very loyal followers that truly love and recommend our product.  We love seeing the direct feedback from our customers. It's also a space where we can collaborate with our retailers and it’s a place we often find like-minded people to work with, people who really appreciate your product and love promoting it as much as you do. We have been lucky to work with the likes of @tinyhousefamilynz, @hallweneed and @iamtarrydonaldson. Both of us also love design (fashion and interiors) and wholesome creatives. Some of our favourites in this area are Dehei, Jess Britton of
@hallweneed, Alice Lines (@alicelines) Tarryn Donaldson and her DIY inspo.

CM: Which other local businesses/artists do social media well?
NR:
We are constantly inspired by other brands doing great things in New Zealand, the likes of @daylightmoonstudio, @charlottepenmanandco and @containboutique.

CM: What’s next for Marlo?
NR:
Last year we moved our production to Sri Lanka, where we work with an amazing team that uses local  and sustainably harvested rubber to make our boots.  We want to continue down this path, with products that tread lightly on the planet and that give you the freedom to get out there and enjoy your life.  We have also just launched a waxed canvas bag, it is HUGE, the perfect bag for carrying everything and anything.

www.marlo.nz
www.instagram.com/marlo_nz


Working Style has opened an outlet on Barrys Point Road just in time for Father’s Day. The perfect place to find a new shirt or tie for Dad. @workingstylenz


A new sandwich place has arrived on Hurstmere Road and we’re wanting to try the pork katsu sando! Open Monday – Saturday. @iikosando.nz


How good does this modern take on the scotch egg look at Vondel in Devonport. They have a great selection of wines and beers with a difference too! @vondel_akl