Hobby now thriving venture for Kat Gee

CHRISTINE CORNEGE/ The Marlborough Express

JEWELLEREY DUO: Kagi design director Kat Gee and managing director and life partner Geoff Neal are taking a break in the Marlborough Sounds from the bustle of Auckland.

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The sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds inspired Kat Gee to follow her passion to design jewellery.

Ms Gee was brought up and learnt graphic design in Christchurch, and her father grew up in Seddon. School holidays were spent in Marlborough, mainly in the Sounds, where as a girl she used to make jewellery for her friends.

A childhood hobby has grown into a business and Ms Gee will be in Thomas' tomorrow from 12pm to 2pm to show Kagi's new range, Showstopper, meet customers and give people personal styling advice.

While on holiday in the family bach at Te Ra Nui a few years ago, she decided she wanted to design her own jewellery range rather than work as a graphic designer. She started to attend jewellery-making classes at night.

In 2006, she decided there was nothing to lose, and with her father, bought into a business which she renamed Kagi.

Kagi is Ms Gee's realisation of the passion manifested in childhood.

"I love being able to create youthful and fabulous pieces of jewellery that women love to wear," she says.

The jewellery tends to focus on timeless and versatile designs, but also incorporates bold and contemporary pieces.

Most of the pieces use pearls, gemstones and crystals.

Now it is stocked in more than 50 stores throughout New Zealand and Australia, with one of the top-selling stockists being Thomas' in Blenheim.

Business and life partner Geoff Neal, whose family farm is in Rapuara, suggests this is because of his many relatives, who act as unofficial spokeswomen for the brand.

The trained marketing man joined his partner in the jewellery business after seeing its rapid growth and that there waS gap for him to help with many tasks, including looking after the finances.

They employ another four people, one of whom is based in Hong Kong.

Mr Neal also helps with the design.

He said they drew inspiration from many several places, including different countries, but what customers wanted was very important to them.

Ms Gee said it was hard work designing and building her own business, but rewarding.

She also admits to having more of a jewellery chest than the standard box.

- The Marlborough Express