Timmy Smith, 51, is a Waiheke Island- based entrepreneur, mother and grandmother, who has built two dynamic businesses while also caring for family, staff and her wider community.
“My story is my taonga [treasure],” says Timmy, who is of Whakathea, Te U¯pokorehe and Ngāti Porou descent. “It’s greater than any piece of jewellery I can create and it’s more comforting than any cup of tea.
“I lived in the same whāre [house] in Ellerslie till I went to university, but the Hauraki Gulf was our family’s true home, because Mum and Dad were keen boaties who were always taking me and my sister Karle out there. That’s also where Dad taught us that on the moana [sea], we all have the same backyard, no matter the size of your waka [boat].”
Those maritime adventures fostered Timmy’s passion for the environment and, after finishing high school, she went to Lincoln University to study Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
“The culture shock down there was real,” she recalls. “Going from Penrose High to Christchurch, I had to morph into that new environment. Which is why years later, when I reconnected with my Māori culture, friends who’d known me for decades said they didn’t know I was Māori. That’s how well I fitted in.”
Following graduation, Timmy relished various ranger roles before moving into youth health work.
Fast-forward several years, Timmy’s eldest daughter Jordan was just two when her second daughter Ella was born with serious eye conditions. As part of baby Ella’s therapy, Timmy was encouraged to adorn herself in jewellery, to help train Ella’s eye muscles.
“Which is why I started creating my own jewellery using pāua, mother of pearl and silver.”
Once people realised Timmy had made the exquisite pieces herself, the orders flowed in, which was the genesis of her first business, Pacific Grace.
Being self-employed also gave Timmy time for her daughter’s daily therapy, with Ella’s sight improving beyond all expectations.
However, Timmy’s relationship with the girls’ father did not last, which led her to look for additional ways to make a living.
“We were in Pāuanui by then, and on top of creating jewellery, I became a wedding coordinator, doing everything from table settings, bouquets, buttonholes and organising catering, often in really remote places,” she explains.
It was a struggle at times, but after a few years of being on her own, Timmy fell in love with Ross, the brother of a dear friend. Then, when she was pregnant with her youngest child Gracie, the blended whānau moved to Waiheke Island, to be closer to Timmy’s parents.
There, 13 years ago, on the day Gracie was born, Pacific Grace was renamed Timmy Smith, a business that places special emphasis on creating jewellery that is both meaningful and beautiful, and reflects the values and customs of Māori.
“We make all sorts of pieces, including decorative kina embedded with sand, and lockets encased with important things. Whether it’s hair, fabric or sand from a coastline of connection, each locket comes with a document, so future generations will understand its importance.”
Which is how Pause for Tea, Timmy’s other business, was born.
“Once we had our own space in Oneroa, we started offering jewellery consultations there, and what better way to kōrero [talk] than over a cup of tea? If the person wanted something to mark a grief, we’d offer a calming blend, and if it was a happier piece, we’d serve a more uplifting blend, because tea is comforting and it connects people.”
Ross suggested they take their organic, sugar-free teas to market – the same beverages Timmy had been creating at home as a healthy treat for their children. The result was the delicious sparkling beverage they serve today, and they went from producing 500ml batches to brews of nearly 5000 litres.
The successful business has become a family affair, with Ross brewing, Jordan responsible for social media, and younger daughters Ella and Gracie lending a hand in the shop. Even Timmy’s granddaughter Luna is part of the business, as director of menemene or smiles!
As for Timmy herself, she is a tonic and if you spend time with her, whether it’s over a cup of tea or during a jewellery discussion, you’re certain to feel her spirit.
“Because I believe if people connect, they care, and if they care, they respect, and if they respect, they protect,” she enthuses.
“I also want other wāhine [women] to understand that, even when you’re presented with challenges, you can still create a life that is fulfilling for yourself and all those around you.”
For more info, visit timmysmith.co.nz and pausefortea.co.nz
