I still remember the velvety, flared, stretch jumpsuit I wore for New Year’s when I was twelve, absolute disco diva energy. I stole a Christmas flower of my mum's display and pinned it in my hair assisted with gold glitter to finish the look. Swanning off to the local social club where my mum was DJing for the night. Saloki was born deeply from these moments where fashion wasn’t just about clothing but about becoming.
Fashion is never just fabric or clothing it is a expression, a memory, a identity, it is a making of a individual. The clothes that we wear shape so much more than our look they influence how we feel, how we connect with people, and even how others see us. It’s never just about style. What we wear can carry a deeper, more sensuous meaning, becoming a bridge to our most authentic, intimate and untamed selves.
Raised By Boldness
I was born to a mother and father who didn’t do “quiet.” Both were musically gifted, strong-willed, adventurous and loudly, proudly stylish.
My mum’s pre-show ritual will forever be etched in my memory the music thumping through the house, the haze of perfume, the clink of makeup, and her carefully curated outfits that screamed power and exhilaration. I idolised and idolise her.
Dad? Personality matched his clothing. Loud shorts, the loudest you could ever imagine. Coloured hair and yes I mean rainbow! All the shades. Always on form, wearing fashion like a badge of character and pride. Sadly dad is no longer with us in person but when we reminisce on him amongst other beauties of topic his sense of outrageously curated attire is a highly cared for topic.
Naturally, I followed suit first in you know the OG Disney costumes, plastic kitten heels, and glittery play makeup. Later came a crisp pair of jeans, all the baby blue jumpers of every kind I WAS OBSESSED with baby blue, reebok classics, bubble gum lipgloss and a decent pair of Spice Girl platforms that made me feel untouchable, even if other kids judged. I used to spend hours at markets or edgy independent clothing stores as a teenager with my bestie Jessica. Clothing gave me passion even though I felt it, I just did not know what it was at that age.
Initial First Taste
As a teenager, I got my first job at an independent clothing store. Safe to say I never saw a penny of that pay check every penny went into my wardrobe. And would you believe 37 years old now, 20 years later I still have a bad ass punky fish jacket from this exact store! Are the arms a tad short, yeh do I care, nah.
My bosses were wildly inspiring a polished, posh woman and her kind mysterious Turkish husband who imported pieces directly from Turkey. They exposed me to brands I’d never heard of and highlighted my depth to fashion emotionally further.
My wardrobe went from glitter heels and tight tops to army jackets and ripped jeans. I explored different forms of fashion and as a young adult the liberation I was free to wear whatever felt like me, whenever I wanted was exhilerating.
At seventeen, working at Arcade Clothing in Greenwich, London surrounded by independent brands door upon door with more soul than any big label, I knew I wanted my own door and store one day.
When life “lifed” me
But then came the questions....Who are you going to be? What’s your career plan? I felt the pressure to be “practical,” to get a “real” job. I started to think fashion wasn’t serious enough.
I edged into the corporate machine. And no it wasn’t all bad. It gave me moola, perspective, and opportunities. But it also dulled my dream. Over time, Saloki felt further and further away… until I thought it would never happen.
Now here I am, full circle moved country repping it in magical New Zealand I have regained my vision and belief. And in the magic of patience it feels more right than ever.
Who are we and what are we going?
Right now, the start is small custom graphic tees that carry attitude, sensuality, and meaning. There will be a small selection of hand printed styles trickling through and coming soon, using some super cool skills so watch this space....This is step one.
But Saloki is growing into so much more. well-made, carefully sourced pieces. Long term Saloki will be an eclectic wardrobe day to day attire, loungewear, athletic wear, underwear, swimwear & statement pieces. This isn’t a fast-fashion sprint. We’re in it for the long haul, building a brand rooted in quality, sensuality, and staying power both visually and physically.
Saloki isn’t just a clothing label it is a hub for women, by women. Fashion has always inspired me, but Saloki is about more than clothes it's about sisterhood, lifting women up, and making space to connect and have fun along the way.
Our vision is mentorship, coaching, and elevating real opportunities for women. Supporting education and careers that aren’t always easy to break into, believed in or get started. We are here to build a legacy one where fashion, power, and community collide.
Because women’s legacies are only just beginning and Saloki is 100% here for it.
This is just the start. Every tee, every piece we create, is part of a bigger movement fashion for women who are bold, untamed, and completely themselves.
Follow our journey. Wear the fire. Become part of the Saloki story.