Leasa Cahill | Business Women

How long have you owned Silvermaple? 17 years

What’s a typical day like? Anything goes!  As a sole trader I am the CEO, Property Manager, HR Manager, Buyer, Advertising & Marketing Manager, IT Strategist, Team Motivator, and of course a Mum when I get home.

What’s your favourite memory at Silvermaple? There are so many but a highlight is the first day opening in Ashburton with some high hopes as I brought my new hobby to life!  My very first customer still shops with us today - the gorgeous Fiona.

What’s a common question you get asked by customers? How are the kids? How do you do it? My answer … a whole lot of juggling!

What do you like most about your job? The fact that it's my business, it reflects who I am and that people are the most important aspect in my business .... my gorgeous team, our supportive clients (many of which have become close friends), a great bunch of suppliers and the list goes on ... all working in an area we love - FASHION!

Describe your workwear style? Usually something from the current season - there’s so much to choose from.

Describe your off-duty style? Something that fits & is first off the hanger.

Best packing tip? Pack once. Take it out. Pack it again. Only take items you can wear 2-3 ways.

What do you love to do when you aren’t working? Being with family & friends and cooking the odd batch of chilli jam.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know? I did my first year of Uni to be a primary school teacher and after the first lot of teaching rounds decided it wasn’t the profession for me especially after one of the kids kept smacking the desk with a ruler trying to swat flies and scaring me! Full credit to all the teachers out there … they do an amazing job!

If you could be in lockdown with anyone in the world, who would it be? My family. (Secretly, we think she means her Silvermaple team as well...)