A change in direction

Melanie-Jane Smith believes in following your dreams and that's exactly what she did two years ago when she gave up life as a lawyer and opened The Poi Room in Newmarket.

"I have always had a love of art and been passionate about New Zealand and its culture so The Poi Room is filled with delicious ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, paintings, prints and sculpture from artists from all over the country."

The store's name, explains Melanie-Jane, was evoked by childhood memories of her paternal Maori grandmother, Kathleen, and her poi. "The lively movement of the poi, and the song and patter of the poi were something I loved.

"Retail has always been in my blood. My other nana, Nancy, was a big influence in my life. She worked in the retail clothing industry in Wellington and from that I was exposed to retail from an early age. I worked in Wellington stores throughout college and university with some wonderful people who showed me that we are all special. I then worked as a lawyer and strove to be the best I could be, but always felt there was something else I was really meant to do. So retail beckoned, and here I am. I really love being around people.

"I am fortunate to work with my partner Clayton and fabulous artists who contribute to create a friendly environment where everyone who pops in feels welcome. And I really have to thank all the artists that have supported us to achieve our dreams."

The Poi Room is at 17 Osborne St, Newmarket, ph (09) 520 0399.

Favourite things

Escentric 01 perfume

Our friend Tim's wife came into the shop and had such an amazing perfume on, I just had to ask what it was. It was Escentric Molecule that she bought overseas. After dropping a couple of naughty hints, I was given some for Christmas by Clayton who found it at the Karen Walker store in Newmarket. It is divine.

Piupiu by Karl Leonard

Karl had an exhibition with us at The Poi Room and Clayton and I ended up buying this delicious piece as a celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary.

Queen of the King Country

A limited edition print by Wellington artist, Liam Barr - and my 40th birthday pressie. I LOVE her.

Burleigh Ware jug

I bought this from the Portobello Road Markets in London. It is beautiful when filled with freshly picked flowers or just as is. It reminds me of my travels through Europe.

Steven Hikaiti pencil drawing

A greatly appreciated gift from an exceptionally talented artist. It is beautiful - filled with korus, representing new life and new beginnings, just like Steve and where he is heading.

Kettle

A wedding gift from my friend Alison. This is definitely one of my favourites - first thing in the morning and last thing at night, my cup of tea. Our Dualit toaster follows closely behind.

My Kete collection

I have a very, very small collection: one from my friend Rachel Mason for a special birthday present, another is a pingao "heart" kete from lovely Caroline Bensinger, and the latest, from last year's Maori Market in Wellington, by Christina Wirihana.

My mum's glory box

A little bit of nostalgia. It is difficult to open the bottom drawer and the top is usually covered with Clayton's bedside paraphernalia. A great place to hide memorabilia and those secret squirrel pressies.

Wendy Lineham painting

I adore this piece, it brings back memories of our trip to Nelson when Frankie, our first daughter, made her first steps. Wendy has an exhibition with us in April.

Bruce Connew photographs

Bruce kindly gave me a photograph for my 21st. It has always made me strive to work hard and be the best I can be. The other photo - where a coal miner passes a wire to another - was given to us for our wedding. This is beautifully significant, evoking the importance of communication and reliance of one person on another.