Jacqui Peterson

On becoming a pattern maker…

I enjoyed dabbling with pattern making as a teen but when I studied fashion at uni I decided I wanted to specialise in the technical side of garment making. Initially I taught myself from books and then after university I got a job at a major retailer in their design room and kept learning and growing from there.

On a day in her life…

I work from home so a typical day looks like getting my kids out of the house to school, working on whatever jobs come in, meeting with clients, getting the kids fed and watered and at the end of the day watching Netflix in bed!

On working together…

I collaborate with a number of small New Zealand based designers. I do all or part of the design to production process with them; so for some it’s just the pre-production (grading) side of the process and for others it’s right from design concept to preparing for production.

I love working with clients to make their design dreams come true! It’s very satisfying seeing a rough sketch transform into an [almost] living, breathing garment.

On inspiration…

I just discovered that the Auckland Public Library service has a free magazine app where you can download magazines onto your device and I’ve been bingeing on them. The archive is enormous!

On running a business in NZ 

Running any business is hard work, but I think New Zealand offers pretty easy entry to owning your own business as opposed to other countries and I have found a good accountant which has helped immensely.

On advice for those starting out…

Start small and try to do as much of the development process yourself as you can. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractors for advice or contacts; we are a friendly bunch and we know that it takes all of us working together to build a strong industry.

On sustainability in New Zealand…

Where do I start!? We have a massive problem on our hands and I often feel overwhelmed by it, but I think it’s one that New Zealand designers are in a good position to help educate the greater population and they are starting to do a great job of this. We are uniquely placed with a small population and isolated geography which means that some New Zealand fashion is still being made locally and we should be proud of this. The more we can understand that ALL fashion is still handmade, the more we can all value it and be prepared to buy less and pay more for products designed and manufactured in New Zealand. By doing this we will support our neighbours, like me.

On community…

A good community looks like families, friends and neighbours living and working together for each other’s good.

On raising a family in New Zealand…

I have two girls (13 and seven years old). We love living so close to so many beautiful beaches and outdoor areas in which we can spend time together hanging out and having fun. We are so lucky to live in a relatively safe country with clean water to drink and some safety nets for the poor.

On being grateful, in five words…

Thankfulness, Relief, Blessing, Freedom, Strength

On supporting better, brighter healthcare for our children…

One of the specific times in my life I experienced gratitude was after my eldest daughter had minor surgery when she was 18 months old. I was so grateful to all the health care workers for their care and kindness when we were so vulnerable and afraid.