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Meet our small
but mighty team . . .
Based in the heart of Waikanae
Juli
Founder and Director
Creativity is the essence of who I am and have always been since childhood. A hunter, collector, & creator of clothing and materials - I am passionate about the transformation of any item and process of giving it a new life from start to finish.
My journey began with a deep dive into fashion, studying in Whanganui before honing my skills while with Starfish - renown Wellington clothing designer. After traveling and gaining new perspectives, I founded my own brand and am now based in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast, where our store, workroom, and studio come together in the heart of my creative process.
I’m always on the lookout for unique fabrics, buttons, and linens in garage sales and second-hand shops, with a passion for giving new life to preloved materials. Sustainability is at the core of my work — I specialise in recycling, upcycling, and saving textiles from landfill, using all these “found” materials to craft eco-friendly creations that are meant to be worn, used, and loved.
Marion
Workroom Manager
With a mother who was a dress-maker and a grandmother who was a tailor, one could say Marion is continuing a family tradition. Originally from Wellington, at the age of just 15 she began a coveted apprenticeship with renown Wellington fashion designer Ashley Fogel at Ninon Modes. Marion eventually moved on to work for Roland Wimmers followed by work with Uta Griffon before deciding to work from home while raising her family.
Marion joined team at in early 2016. Coming from an established life-long passion for supporting made-in-New Zealand designs and clothing, Marion’s approach blends seamlessly with the eco-friendly philosophy here at Juli Hunter's!
Holly
Manufacturing Cutter
Holly is our manufacturing cutter. She expertly lays out fabrics and cuts them to our patterns so that each piece can be perfectly sewn together. Holly also makes squabs and cushion covers, alters curtains, and does everything of the like. Our small runs of clothing are also made by Holly, alongside curtains for our customers. She enjoys working with chunky pieces like upholstery and soft furnishing, as well as upcycling existing garments. Holly has been working with us for 9 years.
Robyn
Receptionist Extraordinaire
Robyn is best known for Hoodscarf, her small business that makes hooded scarves, beanies, and headbands from merino wool. She is also our receptionist extraordinaire. Robyn is usually the first person you’ll see when you walk in the door ready to greet you with a smile. She does fittings, answers every question, and does many odd jobs around the store like making brooches, unpicking seams, and finding matching buttons.
Robyn learned to sew as a child, then got a sewing machine and overlocker as a teenager then soon began making her own clothes. She studied fashion design at Massey University, before working at Levana Textiles for five years where she learnt about about knit fabrics and textile manufacturing. Today, Robyn cleverly juggles working with us, running her small business, and being a busy mum of two.
Jai
Marketing & Social media
Jai has built a diverse career spanning nearly 20 years in the natural medicine sector through varied roles in sales, marketing, & management. In the early 2000s, she helped an Auckland pharmacy successfully integrate herbal supplements into mainstream retail, earning her Pharmacy Assistant of the year award.
More recently in Kapiti, while balancing motherhood and Office Manager with a local architectural practice, Jai heads our marketing & works with Juli on business ideas & projects.
Jai is passionate about giving back to the community & volunteers with the Kapiti Textile Waste Hub, Foodbank, & previously Kapiti Kindness Trust - all nonprofit organisations that foster connection & support within the community.
Penny
Reception & Customer service
Penny of Penny Megan Design creates surface pattern collections for fabric, wallpaper, and home décor, combining her fine art and digital illustration expertise with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Visual Imaging. After raising three children, she discovered a passion for surface pattern design in 2020.
Her work is inspired by botanicals — often whatever is growing in her garden — as well as organic shapes and unexpected colour combinations.
Originally from Palmerston North, Penny worked for eight years as the Art Technician at PN Girls’ High School and was involved in facilitating and judging the annual wearable arts show.
When she’s not designing, Penny enjoys long walks, coffee, and keeping in touch with her kids who now live overseas.
Turtle
A very special rescue Dog
Turtle’s journey began in difficult circumstances—rescued from a puppy mill by the incredible team at HUHA. Her early life may have been challenging, but thanks to their care and dedication, she found her forever home with Juli, a passionate animal rights supporter.
Together, they’re a heartwarming example of how rescue changes lives—both human and animal. Juli continues to champion animal welfare causes, raising awareness about ethical treatment and giving rescued animals like Turtle a voice.
