Hastings space fulfils creative dream for young 'magpie'

Tilly Merson has opened a boutique store filled with an eclectic collection of goods in the Hastings CBD. Photo/Paul Taylor.

Tilly Merson describes her boutique store as an extension of her own wardrobe; a collection of everything she likes.

Much like a Magpie, a fitting name for the store, the 23-year-old swoops on anything she fancies and stocks it in her creative space tucked next to Albert Square in Hastings.

Ms Merson opened the doors to her project on November 2 and has since enjoyed sharing her eclectic assortment of goods with customers.

"I thought Hastings had room for something like this. Part of me wanted a contemporary, minimalist and clean space but another part of me wanted hectic."

And hectic and colourful it is; with peachy-pink hues on the walls, synthetic grass on the floor and a handpicked range of vibrant goods.

"I'm trying to keep it a little bit more personal so people can express themselves through simple, weird, or not so weird stuff that I have. Just trying to keep it interesting."

Not wanting to limit herself to one category, she chose to stock a variety of goods not limited to handmade ceramics, incense, Turkish beach towels, linen garments and funky earrings.

"I think the name Magpie suits because I've had a few people come in here and say you're collecting bits and pieces of everything you like."

"It's really just a collection of everything I like. It's almost like a giant wardrobe for me. If I came in here I could easily find something for myself, or something for my mum."

Much of Ms Merson's drive to establish the store can be traced back to February this year, when she dropped her life to take care of her mother, Suzi Merson, who lost a leg in a serious car crash.

After supporting her mum's road recovery, her focus shifted to fulfilling a dream she always thought would be years down the track.

"I wanted to make a nice space for myself where I went to work and wasn't miserable. I want it to be a space people enjoy coming into."

Ms Merson, who mans the store herself, said she wanted to have a hands-on approach to her project space as it takes off.

Her personality can be found in almost every corner of the store; from a growing collection of indoor plants to her painting "wash", which is hung behind the counter.

To others with creative dreams in Hawke's Bay, she said don't wait.

"Don't put it off, don't be too scared and don't keep talking about it without ever doing anything. We're in the age of social media where you can get ideas out and reach out to people to ask for opinions on things. You've got to start somewhere."

Magpie is open from Tuesday to Saturday with weekday hours of 10am to 4.30pm and weekend hours of 10am to 1pm.