Yakisugi Design NZ is the latest chapter in a journey that has been evolving for more than 35 years. It isn't just about charred timber—it's about a lifelong passion for making, creating and never standing still.
My creative journey began around 1990 at Palmerston Norths Albert Street Markets, selling fresh vegetables. It may seem a world away from bespoke timber design, but it taught me the value of meeting people, building something from the ground up, and taking pride in what you create.
By 1996 I was back at the same markets, this time selling handcrafted rimu picture frames. After rescuing rimu that was going to be sold as firewood ..Along the way there were many other ventures—including a season in Christchurch selling cherries to help fund my son's tennis dreams. Every experience became another step in the journey.
Life then took me across the Tasman to Sydney.
At Bondi Night Markets I sold handmade candles and whatever creative idea inspired me at the time, wheeling everything to the market on a hand trolley. It wasn't glamorous, but it was honest, creative work—and I loved every minute of it.
Photography was my other passion. My landscape images were printed onto canvas, then onto aluminium and printed out like a sign, eventually becoming part of my displays at the Avoca Beach Markets.
Later, after moving to Coolangatta, timber called me back once again. Platters, handcrafted pieces and timber surfboards became my focus, collaborating with talented artists who transformed the boards into unique works of art.
Returning home to New Zealand, wood was still in my blood. Like a splinter you never quite remove, it kept drawing me back.
Markets once again became my home. I created platters, pallet furniture and bespoke timber pieces before another unexpected turn in the journey.
This time it was concrete.
Concrete bowls, sculptural pieces and eventually handcrafted fire pits became my latest obsession. Discovering that concrete could withstand intense heat opened another world of possibilities, leading me to make tabletop firepits and selling at Whangārei Artisan Market and other local events where I continued to learn, experiment and create.
Throughout these years I was always searching for something different.
Watching Grand Designs, I became fascinated by the ancient Japanese technique of preserving timber with fire. That discovery led me to Yakisugi.
The moment I learnt about Yakisugi, everything clicked.
It combined my love of timber, craftsmanship, natural textures and timeless design into one philosophy.
From Whangārei Artisan Market to Whangārei Proud, then taking the leap into larger events like Mangawhai Tavern Market, Smales Farm, Matakana Country Market, Long Bay and Auckland's General Collective, the business continued to grow.
Today, Yakisugi Design NZ is entering its most exciting chapter yet.
I'm launching a range of luxury outdoor showers, bespoke architectural timber features and handcrafted pieces designed for homes, gardens and outdoor spaces throughout New Zealand.
Every product reflects decades of learning, experimenting and evolving.
I've never been someone who stands still.
Each market stall, every move to a new town, every new material and every challenge has shaped what Yakisugi Design NZ has become today.
This isn't just a business.
It's the story of a maker who never stopped creating.
And now with the encouragement of my wonderful children and grandchildren and my Sister who is always in my corner. The support from Coral & Whanau and the friends who champion me on. Here we are with another chapter…Thank you to the amazing support along the way who loved and encouraged me…
And another chapter is beginning…