Sharon Paris is the creative brain behind Paris House, an NZ company producing absolute must-have wallets.
As well as making cute wallets and purses you’ll definitely want to own, Paris House is donating 10 percent of the profits from its latest I’m OK range to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Each wallet in the range is a work of art; titled, signed, numbered and dated by the artist, Sharon Paris and all sport witty slogans like ‘Have you noticed how the cleverest people in school don’t always get it right?’ and ‘I’m quite well balanced’.
We’re pretty excited to be selling the Paris House range in the nzgirl store.For more info on these witty wallets head to www.parishouse.co.nz.
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? What’s the story behind it? The name Paris House was originally created by my Grandfather, Cohus (Gus) Paris in 1936 for his Jewellery Business. My Father, Michael Paris, a watchmaker continued the tradition and the business. It is with a sense of pride and commitment that I; Gus’ granddaughter continue the legacy of care and quality associated with Paris House, now we just happen to make wallets.
Why would I trade places with you? What are the best things about your life? Umm, I don’t think you should trade places with me, although I really enjoy my life it would take someone else a long time to understand all of my indosyncracies – so you’re probably better off being you.
Where do you see yourself in the future? Happily ever after, I love a good ending.
What are three important lessons you’ve learnt? 1. Just do it – go with your gut, I always know what I want but I often end up delaying decisions because I worry too much, in the end I do what I was toying with in the first place. Thank goodness I’ve not made the same mistake twice and I’ve learnt that by correcting my errors they immediately seem a lot less significant.
2. In general New Zealanders want to help you succeed and will go out of their way to offer you support.
3. There is a lot to learn but everything that happens in your life helps you. I often find myself drawing on skills I filed away ages ago doing something completely unconnected to my business.
What’s the best decision you’ve made in business? And the worst? My best decision was surrounding myself with a great team of co- workers, mentors, family and friends. I think my biggest mistake is when I forget my about my personal aspirations and I find myself sidetracked and busy with things that aren’t necessarily good for me in the grand scheme of things.
Describe yourself in five words. 50% Talent, 35% Hard work, 12% Charm and 3% Fluke. (Do the pertentages count as words?)
Which nzgirl most inspires/inspired you? I take my inspiration from my mother, Linda Paris, who taught me that a woman should control the cheque book and Mrs Mac, a close family friend, who taught me how to bake cornflake biscuits as a child.
Any advice for nzgirls? First of all decide where you want to end up – then it is a lot easier to work out how to get there.
Sharon Paris is the creative brain behind Paris House, an NZ company producing absolute must-have wallets.
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? What’s the story behind it?
2. In general New Zealanders want to help you succeed and will go out of their way to offer you support.
I take my inspiration from my mother, Linda Paris, who taught me that a woman should control the cheque book and Mrs Mac, a close family friend, who taught me how to bake cornflake biscuits as a child.