A random little solo episode from me reflecting on the year that has just been, sharing some business lessons that I have l learnt from the women I have had on the podcast this year and looking ahead to 2026. Happy holidays! Thank you so much for listening to, and supporting, Super Creative. x Catie

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Something a little bit different this week. This episode of Super Creative is a 2025 Year in Review, recorded as a relaxed, end-of-year catch up with two women who have both been podcast guests and both become genuine friends.

I’m joined by Mandy Myles, founder of Bookety Book Books, and Emma Sage, founder of Sage Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation reflecting on the year that was.

Both Mandy and Emma have had significant business moments over the past six to twelve months. Mandy shares the thinking behind her crowdfunding campaign and the evolution of Bookety Book Books, while Emma reflects on the launch of the first print edition of Sage Journal and what it took to bring that project to life.

Alongside the business reflections, this episode also doubles as a recommendations special. We chat about the books, podcasts and TV shows that have stood out this year and what we’re looking forward to reading, watching and listening to over summer.

This is a conversation that feels like sitting down with friends at the end of a big year. A chance to pause and reflect before heading into what’s next.

You can find Mandy at booketybookbooks.co.nz and Emma at thesagejournal.com

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Today on the podcast, I speak with Emma Hayes, founder of Emma Hayes Textiles, a design studio with a vision to create beautiful wall coverings for beautiful spaces. The brand works with residential and commercial interior designers and specifiers around the world. All of Emma’s designs start by hand - from paintings, drawings and mark-marking generated in response to the patterns and textures of the surrounding landscapes that inspire her. The Emma Hayes brand is represented in showrooms in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

Emma established her studio back in 2011 and we first spoke on the podcast in June 2021, 4.5 years ago. Emma was episode 18.

And, after we spoke for the podcast, Emma became a client of mine and I’ve had the privilege of working with her since then which you will hear about in our conversation.

Emma is incredibly hardworking, deeply design-led and quietly focused. What she has achieved globally with a small team is so impressive and a true reflection of her vision and creativity. I have learnt so much from her over the years.

In this conversation we talk about the evolution of the studio, her design approach, the systems and structure behind building a global brand, the influence of her time living and travelling overseas, and the role of collaboration in expanding the brand into new markets and product categories. We also discuss the realities of scaling a creative studio, the value of customer experience and the values that guide Emma’s work.

I know you will love my kōrero with Emma as much as I did.

After this conversation, make sure you are following @emmahayestexiles on Instagram and of course, visit emmahayestextiles.com to explore the beautiful collection of wallpaper designs that Emma has created.

(The 100 Series is a collection of conversations revisiting previous podcast guests to celebrate the milestone of 100 Super Creative episodes.)

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