THINK arrives

 

A new shop has come to Gordonton. Nestled in the former Dairy Company, THINK will sell a range of homewares, fresh flowers and offer event management. 

A collaboration between Michele Bishop and Maree Phillips, THINK opens this Wednesday, and celebrated with bubbles and canapes.

Maree, who will be the ‘face’ of the shop, says it is a dream come true.

“We’re both very excited, it’s a bit surreal but I’m loving the whole process and experience.”

She grew up on a Kaipaki dairy farm and has spent most of her life in rural Waikato, and now lives in Hamilton.  After working in the printing and building industries, last year she followed a high school dream and studied floristry at Wintec.

“I’m looking forward to filling the space with beautiful fresh flowers.”  (The artificial flowers are pretty stunning, and fooled N8Ns Annette Taylor.)

Michele Bishop is no stranger to the area – Gordonton has been her home for 15 years.  The original owner of the Firepot Cafe in the Village, she went on to run Loxy & co cafe in Morrinsville, among other ventures.  She currently operates Matte Black, a Hamilton catering company and offers wedding styling.

“I enjoy setting up businesses from nothing and with hard work, determination and passion watch them grow,” she says.

The two were neighbours, and became friends seven years ago.

“This came about over a coffee just before Christmas, BOOM!” says Maree.

THINK means Think homewares, Think flowers, Think events, hire and styling.

“Whatever is wanted, we will get it or do it.  We hope to be selling all the beautiful things we love.”

The space includes a recessed area, which will be available for hire.

“It could be a meeting of a book club or a business launch, an after-hour function or anything people want. We will also run cooking classes and workshops ourselves,” says Michele.

“I know Gordonton, and I know the potential, we’re both very excited about this.  There are some amazing businesses here, and I believe we will complement them.  Gordonton is already a destination, people come out for a coffee, get a piece of art from the gallery…” she says.

And people have been dropping by to check out what is going on as the two worked hard to get everything ready in time – “there’s already a lot of interest.  We look forward to meeting people properly in coming weeks,” says Maree.  “It will be great.”

 

• THINK is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm, in Gordonton Village.  Check out their Facebook page here.