Some would say that starting a business with $300 is madness and it certainly seemed like that in the beginning when Gaylene and Denise decided to open their new shop/gallery Kereru Creative.
Situated in the Historic Homedale Village in Wainuiomata, New Zealand, they were inspired by fellow local Tralee Clark who had set up her remedial massage business in the village. Over many cups of coffee and discussions about how much potential the village had, the lacking of anywhere to buy a decent coffee, the potential could be seen for the once thriving village to be a destination shopping and cafe experience. So with that in mind Tralee and husband Tim proceeded to refit the tired old cafe across the road into a modern cafe with a slight retro theme serving great food and good coffee.
Situated in the Historic Homedale Village in Wainuiomata, New Zealand, they were inspired by fellow local Tralee Clark who had set up her remedial massage business in the village. Over many cups of coffee and discussions about how much potential the village had, the lacking of anywhere to buy a decent coffee, the potential could be seen for the once thriving village to be a destination shopping and cafe experience. So with that in mind Tralee and husband Tim proceeded to refit the tired old cafe across the road into a modern cafe with a slight retro theme serving great food and good coffee.
Wainui-o-mata Olive OIl, Denise H Eco Fashion, Upcycled Decor & Mossaics by Steph Briggs For Gaylene and Denise, the opportunity to rent the large space at 134 Main Road for Kereru Creative was one that potentially wouldn't last long. With revitalisation projects underway in the village by an enthusiastic team of volunteers including footpath park benches, planter boxes and fresh paint work for many of the shops, they needed to make an on the spot decision to proceed.
Of course Kereru Creative is not the first retail space that Denise has owned, but because the space was so large it had the potential to be more than a boutique shop. It was then it was decided to diversify the business to be a gallery for local artists, a gift shop stocking local arts and crafts along with quality niche NZ made products, a boutique for Denise's up-cycled clothing range and a workshop creative space for Gaylene to run her lifestyle and creative workshops. Space for local visitor information including walking maps, accommodation options and activities were also included in store.
Of course Kereru Creative is not the first retail space that Denise has owned, but because the space was so large it had the potential to be more than a boutique shop. It was then it was decided to diversify the business to be a gallery for local artists, a gift shop stocking local arts and crafts along with quality niche NZ made products, a boutique for Denise's up-cycled clothing range and a workshop creative space for Gaylene to run her lifestyle and creative workshops. Space for local visitor information including walking maps, accommodation options and activities were also included in store.
Friend Dawn visiting Kereru Pop Up
With lease negotiations underway, Tralee made the pair an offer to start their initiative as a pop up shop next door in the front of her Ruru Remedial Massage Business so towards the end October 2018, Denise & Gaylene moved their business in and they got underway. With the doors open for business, the shop immediately began to buzz and locals started to call by to shop for both to gifts and also to bring their beautifully made arts and craft ranges into the shop as a potential product lines for the shop to stock.
While they traded in the pop up shop - they started to ready the larger space next door. The interior needed to be painted, old fashioned window frames needed to be hung, shelves needed to be put up and products needed to be sourced. Between the pair they fitted the entire larger space by enlisting helpers, borrowing shop fittings, up-cycling furniture, receiving donations of unusual shelving options and sourcing products from locals to stock the shop on a commission basis as well as creating new ranges themselves.
While they traded in the pop up shop - they started to ready the larger space next door. The interior needed to be painted, old fashioned window frames needed to be hung, shelves needed to be put up and products needed to be sourced. Between the pair they fitted the entire larger space by enlisting helpers, borrowing shop fittings, up-cycling furniture, receiving donations of unusual shelving options and sourcing products from locals to stock the shop on a commission basis as well as creating new ranges themselves.
 Gaylene painting the Window Frame Dividers |  Friend Dave Elliott helping to hang window frames |
By the middle of November 2018, the new shop was set up and ready to go and the doors of Kereru Creative - Gallery, Gift Shop, Boutique and Workshop Space opened to the public. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength. Part of the success has been the diverse nature of what is on offer when you walk through the door. The space is unique, has a peaceful, relaxing ambience and the products on offer are unique, well made and professionally presented.
Kereru Creative Homedale Village
 Margaret's Eco Printed Scarves & Anitha’s Macrame Choker Necklaces |  Gaylene’s Upcycled Cushion, Mel’s NZ Prints & Anita’s Hearts |  Mihi’s Beautiful Flax Flowers |  Anthia’s Coconut Oil Laundry Soap, Claire’s Body Lotions and Denise’s reuseable Makeup removers |
The workshops on offer at Kereru Creative, cover a number of relevant subjects with a emphasis on frugal and environmentally friendly living include sewing lessons using recycled and donated fabrics, making beeswax wraps, cheese making, making your own bath bombs and are held fortnightly on a Wednesday and Thursday evening. Gaylene also offers a community arts and crafts morning on Wednesday's covering a variety of subjects which locals have begun to get involved in.
Sewing Class underway in the Creative Space
Up-cycled Picket Fence Signage now hang in the windows - cost $100
Kereru Creative is well worth making the time to visit. With the beautiful coast a further 20 minutes away, the Remutaka Forest Park, The Historic Wainuiomata Dam, Kotuku Cafe across the road - the area is well worth exploring. Tourist and Visitor information including local attractions, accommodation and walking maps are available in store.
Kereru Creative is a half hour drive from Wellington City and is open from Tuesday to Sunday with evening workshops fortnightly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Connect with their facebook page Kereru Gallery Gifts Boutique or visit their online store at www.kererucreative.nz for more information and updates.
Kereru Creative is a half hour drive from Wellington City and is open from Tuesday to Sunday with evening workshops fortnightly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Connect with their facebook page Kereru Gallery Gifts Boutique or visit their online store at www.kererucreative.nz for more information and updates.
Homedale Village, Wainuiomata Retail opportunities - Tralee Clarke - traleeclark@gmail.com
Tralee & Tim - Kotuku Cafe
Ethically sourced ingredients make up the menu at Kotuku Cafe
Tralee’s Ruru Remedial Massage & Kereru Pop Up
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