Twelve Tables directors and guest speakers on our Creative Master Class, Sara and Jean, started their journey in 2015 in the midst of planning their own wedding. A journey that started with love (for each other and for design) has blossomed into a full-on business, and this foundational value continues to drive their business today.
Five years on, they’re one of the biggest names in the biz – offering a luxury and completely customised marquee venue and furniture hire for lovers and party-goers across New Zealand. With over 400 events under their belts, they really are experts (and artists) in their field. Finely sharpened to the details, Twelve Tables will ensure your wedding is just as beautiful, design-oriented and unique as theirs was.
We sat down with Sara and Jean to learn more about their story and to hear their thoughts on what it takes to succeed – even in the face of uncertainty (à la today’s crazy climate!).
Tell us how Twelve Tables came to be?
We’ve always dreamed of working together as a couple, and when planning our own wedding back in 2015/16 we found it so difficult to find beautiful furniture or a nice marquee, so together we designed and then built every piece of our own wedding furniture. It was a natural progression from there really.
How have the last few months been for you?
There have been many ups! And a few downs, but mostly it’s been a great chance to get creative and think deeper into how we run our business, as well as having lots of time to be creative and build a new range for this coming summer.
What inspires your work?
Interior design would be our biggest inspiration (in regards to the design). We work really hard on our designs, making sure that we’re always building items that are not in the NZ wedding market. We love solving problems and getting creative, so we’re continually inspired by challenges.
What’s the most memorable project you’ve ever worked on?
Hannah and Beauden Barrett’s wedding was such a lovely and memorable experience. There were lots of challenges in terms of the venue and the time constraints, which created excitement and was such a huge team effort. We also love custom building and creating, and when Kath from One Fine Day really trusted us to get creative, the outcome was pretty special.
Do you have a morning routine?
Sometimes… I’d love to say absolutely because we know how important a great morning routine is! But we try to exercise most mornings, go for a walk on the beach with a cuppa, then write down our goals for the day. A nighttime routine we’ve done for the last 7 years is to tell each other 3 things we’re grateful for. Having a business, and particularly working together, can be stressful and overwhelming – so finishing each day with positives has been so beneficial for us.
What would you say to small business owners struggling in the face of covid-19?
Keep focused on what your plan is – don’t get sidetracked by trying to find the ‘latest thing.’ If you’re genuinely passionate about what you’re doing, keep fueling that fire.
Any exciting things coming up for you this year?
We’re moving to Wanaka for 2 months to work on the business, not in it! We find when we get away, we’re our most creative – so we try to get ‘away’ for at least a month every year. This often confuses people when we tell them, but the business will continue to run with our awesome staff.
Sara + jean – quick fire questions:
Summer or winter?
Both: Summer
Describe your brand in 3 words or less?
Sara: Genuine, Premium, Love (a whole lot of love)
Jean: Design, Detail, Drive
Biggest pet peeve?
Sara: When people aren’t kind – there’s no need to be unkind
Jean: Ignorance
Savoury or sweet treats?
Both: Sweet
Biggest fear?
Sara: Losing a loved one
Jean: Time
We are excited to have Twelve Tables as part of our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of their premium clear marquees and custom furniture hire here, and to get in touch, head over to their website.
You can follow Twelve Tables on Instagram at @twelve_tablesand on Facebook.
