About Sonja – A Love Affair with Fashion
It all started with a little label called Tiny Tag. I was just eight or nine years old when I first set foot in that magical store. Twice a year, I was allowed to go shopping there, and for me, it was like stepping into a world of wonder. The racks were filled with one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces—each garment telling its own story.
My favorite? A stunning pair of hot pink tailored trousers. They were everything a little girl with a big imagination could dream of—lined to perfection, featuring neatly cuffed bottoms, pockets (an absolute essential!), and the most beautiful pleats. The structured straight-leg cut made me feel sophisticated, even at that young age. I was convinced they were the most stylish pants in the world.
That early fascination with fashion only grew stronger as I got older. I landed a job at Paul’s Fashions and Jean Jones, working behind the scenes in their warehouse. That’s when I saw firsthand the sheer amount of hard work that goes into the fashion industry—the dedication, the detail, the passion. From there, I found myself running Amy’s Fashions in Glenfield Mall before moving on to Outerskin in West Auckland. It was there that I began sourcing clothing from High Society, introducing me to a few incredible New Zealand designers—some of whom now sell to Zebrano’s.
Then came Taking Shape. Managing the shop and staff gave me a whole new level of experience—sales strategies, and the intricacies of running a successful fashion business. But just when I thought I had it all figured out, life took an unexpected turn. My marriage fell apart, and I needed a fresh start. That’s when I made the move north—chasing the dream of the “Winterless North.” (Spoiler: it wasn’t always as sunny as I’d hoped!)
It wasn’t long before I found myself at Shizazz on Bank Street, surrounded by yet another world of designer labels. This was where things really started to shift. When the opportunity arose to take over the Shizazz Outlet Shop, I knew it was my chance to create something of my own.
And so, here I am—slowly but surely building up my stock, sourcing unique labels and suppliers, and pouring my heart into this business. It’s been a tough journey, a real learning curve, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because at the end of the day, fashion isn’t just about clothes. It’s about expression, confidence, and the joy of finding that one perfect piece—just like those hot pink trousers all those years ago.
And I love every minute of it.
