Karakter present a curated collection of the best mid century and modern design - Simran Saseve-Dale takes us through a day in her life as the sales and marketing manager.

6:30AM

I’m often awake before anyone else in the house and will head outside for some exercise. Cornwall Park is our local and I love that I can do a workout to suit my mood – some mornings it’s a quiet, meditative walk, others I’ll be sweating it out to the top of the summit.

7:30AM

I am always very busy in the morning; getting myself ready, boys up and fed, lunches made and the house decent before school drop off.

9:30AM

I arrive at Karakter and the very first thing I do is pick out a great playlist! I’ll style the showroom, as we like to constantly rotate and present our pieces in new ways. We work in collaboration with Sanderson Gallery on Osborne Street and receive an ever-changing selection of beautiful works which we exhibit in store too. Having art on the walls helps our clients to visualise pieces in their home and get new ideas for how something could be used.

10AM

Our emails are never ending, so I do try to answer as many of them at the start of the day before moving on to other tasks. On an average day I’ll be connecting with everyone from clients, interior designers, stylists, and art directors to the creators of some of our made to order pieces.

11AM

The precinct that lies between Melrose to McColl is full of interesting, creative businesses and of course fabulous cafes! I’ll usually step away from the computer and head to the local favourite L’affare, for an almond milk mocha.

12:30PM

The day is always varied, which I love. If I’m not assisting clients, I could be popping over to Martha’s to select fabrics for a piece we’re reupholstering or hosting design students on a tour of the store. Throughout the day, we receive deliveries from our skilled restorers and we really enjoy hearing their stories of what the restoration of each piece involves.

1:30PM

The best part of my job is meeting new people and learning about their lives and projects. Clients are in and out throughout the day and it’s great when we can take the time to assist someone with finding the perfect piece for their home. It's especially meaningful when it’s something they’ve dreamed of owning for years!

3PM

Andy and I are always on the hunt for new and unique pieces to add to our collection and try to make time during the day to discuss the things we have our eyes on or new designers we’re interested in. Importing a large percentage of our selection involves a lot of admin and planning to balance out costs of shipping and taxes with all the other expenses that come along with running a business.

4PM

Time to head off! When I'm at home I like to have my laptop and phone out of sight – a reason I hate WFH so much!

6PM

I love cooking and really enjoy doing it, I find it’s a relaxing way to end the afternoon. This is the time of the day that’s all about catching up with the boys and winding down as a family.

8PM

Once the boys are asleep, my husband and I usually watch whatever show we’re currently into. A cup of T2 Sleep Tea or glass of Barossa Valley Syrah is always a must!

10:30PM

After religiously following my skincare regime, I’m off to bed. Once that eye mask is on, I’m asleep almost instantly!

10 Melrose Street | karakter.co.nz