How It All Began

How It All Began

The Collective began as a deeply personal project — shaped by early motherhood and the post-natal depression that followed. In navigating that chapter, I found unexpected healing in secondhand treasures, small creative projects, and a growing desire to live more consciously and compassionately.

I didn’t want to simply recover. I wanted to create something meaningful — something that aligned with my values and gave back to others.

The Collective – A Social Enterprise with Heart

In 2014, I launched The Collective — a boutique store born from my love of sustainability, style, and human connection. We sold preloved fashion, furniture, and homeware, with 50% of profits from donated items supporting the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

What began as a shop quickly became something more — a space for connection, creativity, and belonging. As our community grew, so did our purpose. With a social media following of over 18,000, The Collective evolved into a movement — one rooted in thoughtful living, conscious choices, and care for both people and planet.

Evolving with Purpose

Over time, I began to see the emotional toll that downsizing and moving can have — especially for older adults transitioning into retirement living. It wasn’t just about logistics or boxes. It was about memories, identity, and navigating life changes with dignity.

So The Collective evolved — expanding into senior relocation, downsizing support, and full estate clearances, all grounded in the same heart and sustainability values we started with.

We introduced ♻️ Eco Crates, a waste-free alternative to cardboard, and built a team of kind, trusted people who approach every clearance and every move with empathy, care, and respect for the stories behind the stuff.

Whether helping someone move forward or supporting families through the process of clearing out a loved one’s estate, we do it thoughtfully — sorting, donating, recycling, and salvaging where possible, always with compassion and sensitivity.

A Movement with Meaning

Today, The Collective is more than a business — it’s a purpose-led movement helping people move forward practically, sustainably, and with heart.

✅ We still donate to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ with every senior move
✅ We continue to sell preloved goods online, giving back with every item sold
✅ We provide senior relocation and downsizing services, as well as full estate clearances — each delivered with our signature empathy and professionalism
✅ We remain dedicated to reducing waste, uplifting others, and living with meaning
✅ We offer ♻️ Eco Crates — our reusable moving boxes that help save time, money, and the planet

Whether you’re decluttering, moving into a new chapter, or managing an estate, we’re here to help — with practical support and purpose at every step.

At the heart of it all is a little girl named Billie, who gave me the courage to live authentically and build a life — and a business — grounded in care, values, and hope.
She was the beginning.
She still is.