ARTICLE Nicole James PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Espie

Working from home is a perfect fit for business owner and mother of two, Fiona Shine. After seeing a gap in the market for accessories and beautiful decor, Fiona spread her wings and let her style of simple and clean lines drive her popular online store, Se3. We take a look at her space at home where all the work goes down.

When and how did the concept of Se3 start?

Se3 launched in earl 2014. The inspiration behind it was to provide New Zealanders with a selection of contemporary homewares from around the globe, which weren't already available to purchase here. I am always striving to find products that are not run of the mill and are a little bit different.

What do you enjoy the most about working in the homeware and decor industry?

I love everything about it! The people in the industry are really lovely and share a similar passion for interiors. I really enjoy seeing the new trends coming through, which are typically influenced by the fashion world.

What made you decide to make your store solely online - and what are the benefits?

An online store can reach customers all over New Zealand. A brick and mortar would be tied to just the Auckland market.

We have deliveries going out regularly to some very remote parts of NZ and I love that.

What has inspired the collection that you bring to your shoppers?

Se3 products are on trend and embrace simplicity and clean lines. I am not too keen on anything too fussy!

Did you have an aim for creating the space you work in?

I wanted to create a space that I could come to each day and feel inspired by. I prefer a neat and tidy desk with little clutter, but with some personal touches to it.

What would be your dream workspace?

I would like to be in an open-plan room on a cliff top with glass  windows and views of the ocean. I would like a huge desk and a big Ligne Rosset sofa to slouch on during the day, to look through magazines. Oh and a fridge filled with Verve Cliquot for Fridays!

Any tips that you would like to give to people that are trying to put together their own working space at home?

Work out what your particular style is first. The easiest way to do this is by looking through magazines and ripping pages, and creating a scrapbook or using Pinterest.

Once you have done this you will start to get an idea of what your look is. If you need to purchase furniture, buy the biggest desk that will fit your space.

Don't forget about storage - a well-planned office needs lots of storage to keep it neat and organised. Whether that's baskets, boxes, files, penholders etc - everything should have its own place.

Outside of the office and work - what do you do to relax?

I spend time with my two gorgeous children who are six and seven. I love hanging out with my friends who make me laugh and keep me sane. I am also quite keen on sport and enjoy cycling, running and swimming - and the odd triathlon to combine those.

All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.

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