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She's only 23 and has already started up her own gallery celebrating Māori and Polynesian art. We talk to this inspiring nzgirl...
Name: Angela Noelle Cook Age: 23 Business: Gallery Owner and Director of 'Portsifika'
'Portsifika' is a new and independent art gallery featuring Māori and Polynesian art and artistry.
It's located in Port Chalmers (a 15-minute scenic drive from the centre of Dunedin).
Currently exhibiting: Lisa McKendry, Carissa Proffit, Pua (clothing) – by Ami Ana (featured producing Ponchozuki on nzgirl), Foil (jewellery) by Kelly Cameron, Tiano Tavite, Kodie Heremia, Rose Swale, and Florence Hartigan.
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? What’s the story behind it? Inspiration came as I strolled the main street of Port Chalmers – in one of those moods where you look like you are either daydreaming or recovering from anaesthetic and grinning stupidly for no apparent reason. In fact, I had just had a great interview, and I felt lighter than air. It was in this (interesting) state that I saw the sign: To Let. I peered through cupped hands into what would appear to anyone else as an empty space but I saw in detail exactly how 'Portsifika' should look, and the name simply came with the image; no brainstorms, no planning, no marketing guru suggestions. I just looked in and thought, “Here is where 'Portsifika' will be”.
Why would I want to trade places with you? What's great about your life? Firstly, I would say the best thing about my life is the assurance I have that things will work out for good – even if that means taking some hard knocks. I have an incredible amount of faith that I am being watched over, and that every experience will be either a blessing or a lesson (sometimes both!) This same assurance applied to taking a big business risk – I’ll either make it work, or worst case scenario – learn something I was meant to. Secondly, I have an incredible husband who believes in me – having someone who can look you in the eye and say, “I have felt good about this from the beginning, and never doubted you would make it happen”, that is one of the best things anyone could ask for.
Where do you see yourself in the future? The biggest blessing and life-long lesson I am looking forward to is motherhood! (No – I’m not pregnant!) Although business is undeniably exciting, rewarding, (and hard work!), I am certain nothing will be more exciting, rewarding, (and hard work!) than the opportunity to be a parent.
What’s the best decision you’ve made in business? And the worst? The best decision so far would be the way the gallery opened. After a beautiful and sincere karanga by a lovely young woman called Emere, Sacred Heart Primary School’s Culture Group, Te Kapa Haka o Manawatapu, opened with waiata and poi, and then the Kia Orana drummers played whilst dancers (in full and colourful costume) made the street come alive! Many galleries default to the usual champagne and black tie style event, and it works for them, but 'Portsifika' is about family, culture, and warmth – and so a sedated night-event simply wouldn’t suit! The theme that is woven into each of the gallery’s artworks is about preserving culture for future generations – and so those younger ones were just as important to the gallery’s opening. Further, having performances somewhere invokes a spirit that makes a place come alive! Much like a house is not a home without a family, the space was not a place for art until performing arts warmed the ground. The worst decision?…you’ll have to check in a year or so!
Which nzgirl most inspires/inspired you? Although she’s not New Zealand-born, she’s pretty Kiwi now, I would have to say no woman inspires me more than my mother, Rebecca Armstrong.
What are three important lessons you’ve learnt along the way? 1. Ask for help! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but on the contrary, shows you are wise enough to know you’ll kill yourself if you try to be Wonder Woman! Having dear friends sand walls, help with the first display, and even run the till at the opening made the difference! (Unseen help makes a difference too!) 2. Learn from others (and their advice), but remember if you took everyone’s advice, not only would you tangle yourself in knots trying to please everyone, but you’d never be original…or satisfied that anything you’d done is YOURS! You know your vision best, believe in yourself! 3. Never lose sight of what is most important; relationships! Lots of businessy-folk would have had me open sooner, but my sister’s wedding took place in the middle of preparation, and attending that was more important. Similarly, even when you are stressed you need to show love and affection for the people you love most – instead of taking it out on them!
Any advice for nzgirls? Whakarongo ki oku moemoea; Listen to your daydreams!
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She's only 23 and has already started up her own gallery celebrating Māori and Polynesian art. We talk to this inspiring nzgirl...
Inspiration came as I strolled the main street of Port Chalmers – in one of those moods where you look like you are either daydreaming or recovering from anaesthetic and grinning stupidly for no apparent reason. In fact, I had just had a great interview, and I felt lighter than air. It was in this (interesting) state that I saw the sign: To Let. I peered through cupped hands into what would appear to anyone else as an empty space but I saw in detail exactly how 'Portsifika' should look, and the name simply came with the image; no brainstorms, no planning, no marketing guru suggestions. I just looked in and thought, “Here is where 