Numbers speak louder than words
In our last issue we spoke to three New Balance connoisseurs about their craft and their lifestyle, exploring the numbers that hold significance for them.
Here we speak to three more creative individuals to learn about what makes them tick.
JONNY CALDER
Sale and Marketing at Coffee Supreme
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR YOU AND WHY?
The last 3 years have been pretty amazing. I'm proud of the work I've done, especially on events such as Popped Culture and Single's Night which are heading in a really exciting direction. I feel I have a better understanding of my talents and I’m lucky to work for a company that lets you use them.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST GOT INTRODUCED TO THE COFFEE INDUSTRY AND BY WHO?
My introduction to coffee and hospitality was from Jeff and Bridget at L'Affare in Wellington (they’ve since gone on to open Pre-Fab Eatery). I was 17. It was great learning from true legends of our industry. My real understanding of the importance of sharing a cup of coffee, hosting and generosity has come from my current boss Al Keating.
IN THE COFFEE WORLD, IS WHAT YOU WEAR PRETTY IMPORTANT?
When you’re standing behind a coffee machine for eight hours a day, what you wear is pretty important and the most important thing is a comfortable pair of shoes. That’s why I’m a big fan of New Balance, because they match my look and my lifestyle. Of course a pair of Coffee Supreme certified barista socks are also key.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND HOW IS IT INFLUENCED BY WHAT YOU DO?
I tend to almost wear a uniform. A shirt for pretending to be an adult, a beanie, jeans and sneakers. Often a white shirt which I was never able to wear as a dirty barista. Smartish, but still able to hit the slides with my boys after work.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP EVOLVING WHAT YOU DO?
The more cups of coffee you share the more interesting people you meet. From those meetings great opportunities arise. We often say that our core product isn’t coffee, rather a coffee shared.
WHICH NUMBER IS SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND WHY?
2010 as it's the year I became a dad.
MAGGIE PANG
Hairstylist / Illustrator
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR YOU AND WHY?
2012, because that’s when I moved to New Zealand by myself, without knowing what was going to happen when I arrived.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU WERE FIRST INTRODUCED TO HAIR STYLING AND WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO IT?
I think when I was 12, in 1997. I remember watching MTV and I loved watching rock bands and music videos and it inspired me to do things to my own hair. One of my old bosses from Malaysia introduced me to it. He was a very unique person and he taught me all about fashion in Europe and the States. He’s like my big brother.
WHAT DO YOU TEND TO WEAR WHEN YOU’RE BUSY WORKING ON LOCATION?
I wear sneakers all the time, all day, 24/7. New Balance of course!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND HOW IS IT INFLUENCED BY WHAT YOU DO?
My style is very boy-ish, I don’t like wearing girly stuff. I love a natural look. I wear oversized clothes and sneakers all the time - I love New Balance. As a hairdresser having to be standing all day, being comfortable is important.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP EVOLVING WHAT YOU DO?
Wanting to be the best at what I do all the time. Working with so many talented people inspires me to be like them and be better.
WHICH NUMBER IS SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND WHY?
6, because I was born on the 6th of April and 666 is the number of the beast with seven heads and horns and I think that’s cool.
ROYDON MISSELDINE
Graphic Designer and founder of Subject
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR YOU AND WHY?
This year! 2016 has been crazy so far. I’ve found myself working on a wide range of projects with a range of different people. Each project I’ve been able to take something new from; it’s exciting.
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST GOT INTRODUCED TO GRAPHIC DESIGN?
Probably about 15 when I first opened up Adobe Illustrator and never really looked back. I’ve always enjoyed opening up new programs and working out how they can best help create whatever I’ve been working on at the time.
WHY ARE SNEAKERS SO IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFESTYLE?
They are so versatile; New Balance sneakers are great to skate in. I can wear them to work and then go for a skate straight after!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND HOW IS IT INFLUENCED BY WHAT YOU DO?
Graphic tees and skateboarding! I skate a lot so I’m influenced by skaters and skate companies. I’m a sucker for a good graphic tee. A t-shirt is the perfect canvas for visual references to come to life.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP EVOLVING WHAT YOU DO?
Definitely the people and the relationships around me. It’s awesome to see friends doing so well in their respective fields and it’s not hard to be motivated by that.
WHICH NUMBER IS SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND WHY?
57, it’s been my lucky number ever since I can remember. I always liked how it looks, there’s a nice balance between each digit and it’s cool how the two arms at the top can easily connect.
Head here for more.
Images: James K Lowe
Advertisement
