• Mae Sithiracha

Handcrafted shoe fashion in Mairangi Bay

Meet Mae Sithiracha, unique shoe designer and retailer.

When and why you did you start this business?
My passions are cooking (I am a trained chef), fashion and shoes and my first job in New Zealand after studying was working in Andrea Biani shoes in Vulcan Lane so I was always going to be in a restaurant or shoe business.

After we sold our Thai Beach Café in Browns Bay I put myself through a leather shoe design and cobbling course back in Thailand as I wanted to create my own shoe label. Thailand has a big leather industry so I learnt how and where to buy good quality leather, found my great cobbler Mr. See and launched Mae Shoes in 2017.  I've rented the spare space from Dick, the owner of Cutting Edge Barber shop.

How would you describe what is special and unique about it?
I think Mae Shoes is different from most shoe retailers in New Zealand as I create my own designs and moulds, hand select all the leather, and work with my cobbler in Bangkok who traditionally hand ‘cobbles’ each pair of shoes. I need to visit Bangkok regularly but I am lucky I can stay with my mum in our original family home.

Also I did not initially plan to,but once I opened Mae Shoes, I started to get requests for custom designs and this has steadily grown along with my own designs.

What gives you the greatest buzz?
Seeing my customers happy in their new shoes and even more so when they return to say "These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn!"

What is your number one tip for anyone starting a business?
Love your products or service – I am a shoe addict so it was a natural transition but seriously, get some help on the business and financial aspects as this is equally important. And if in retail,start small, find a great person, neighbour or friend like I have with Dick and the team at Cutting Edge Barber. They have been so good to me.

What do you love about Mairangi Bay Village?
Most of the retailers and businesses are owner-occupiers so they are passionate about their products or services – all my neighbouring shops are like this so we are all in the same boat together which is nice and supportive.

Tell us what’s happening instore during June. 
I will be returning from a Bangkok shoe run to pick up my latest designs and custom orders so I will have a new exciting range of shoes on display.

Please sum up your business in one sentence.
Hand made and designed leather fashion shoes.


Issue 99 June 2019