World's shoes come to Wairarapa

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Cherie Wright has opened Churchfields in Kuripuni, selling designer labels of shoes, boots and heels for women who want to look and feel glamorous. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

While her husband wears the boots in the family, Cherie Wright sells designer women's shoes.

Moving from Paris to Masterton recently, Mrs Wright has opened Churchfields in Kuripuni, selling most women's dream shoes - labels including shoes, boots and heels from Miss Wilson, Miista, One Trick Pony and Urge. She has almost every colour imaginable in stock and, if she doesn't, she will soon get it in.

The store opened Tuesday and women were stopping by to check it out as the Times-Age arrived.

Her husband Stanley Wright, from the Cook Islands, is an international rugby player who has played in Ireland and France.

The couple spent five years in Ireland and two years on Paris, before settling on Wairarapa as home.

They decided on Masterton, buying a home online and returning with their two daughters, Ayla, 7, and Zana, 3, as it was the perfect place to raise a family and run a business, she said.

"I love it ... the weather is beautiful, so why not Masterton?"

As for shoes, she saw a "definite gap in the market" so opened up the shop, meaning people no longer had to travel to Wellington for the best labels, she said.

"I love Kuripuni. It's brilliant but it needs shoes. Everyone loves shoes. It's the cheapest form of therapy there is ... instant gratification that makes you feel good," she said. "You don't have to go over the hill to get a great pair of shoes, it's all here."

She admits it is her first venture into shoes but, with a father who sold clothing, she said it seemed to fit her just right to get into retail therapy for women.

"Every woman loves shoes," she said.

It is quite a point of difference for a woman who has had a career in radio - she sometimes still hosts the More FM breakfast show. "We are a big part of the community. We really love it here."