I'm an award-winning founder, creative strategist, and brand partnerships leader with 20+ years experience building globally recognised brands, driving market expansion, and delivering high-impact collaborations across lifestyle, luxury interiors, entertainment and consumer goods. My background spans founding internationally awarded brand Merino Kids, Hushaberry, managing large global sales networks, executing cross-market sponsorships, and delivering cultural partnerships with organisations like Land Rover, Veuve Clicquot, the Royal Family - Campaign for Wool, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and NZTE - LA Fashion Week. I bring a rare blend of entrepreneurial leadership, creative marketing, commercial strategy, and partnership development. Leaning deeper into Web3 culture and the evolution of digital ecosystems, while exploring vibe coding as a creative-technical discipline that enhances how I design, prototype, and orchestrate future-forward brand experiences. I’ve led brand development from concept to launch across multiple markets, built and managed global distributor networks, and delivered high-profile collaborations and activations for luxury and consumer brands. I’m passionate about weaving storytelling, culture, and community into measurable business value, and I’m excited to keep innovating at the intersection of brand, technology, and experiential design.

Amellia Bristed

I'm an award-winning founder, creative strategist, and brand partnerships leader with 20+ years experience building globally recognised brands, driving market expansion, and delivering high-impact collaborations across lifestyle, luxury interiors, entertainment and consumer goods. My background spans founding internationally awarded brand Merino Kids, Hushaberry, managing large global sales networks, executing cross-market sponsorships, and delivering cultural partnerships with organisations like Land Rover, Veuve Clicquot, the Royal Family - Campaign for Wool, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and NZTE - LA Fashion Week. I bring a rare blend of entrepreneurial leadership, creative marketing, commercial strategy, and partnership development. Leaning deeper into Web3 culture and the evolution of digital ecosystems, while exploring vibe coding as a creative-technical discipline that enhances how I design, prototype, and orchestrate future-forward brand experiences. I’ve led brand development from concept to launch across multiple markets, built and managed global distributor networks, and delivered high-profile collaborations and activations for luxury and consumer brands. I’m passionate about weaving storytelling, culture, and community into measurable business value, and I’m excited to keep innovating at the intersection of brand, technology, and experiential design.

Available to hire

I’m an award-winning founder, creative strategist, and brand partnerships leader with 20+ years experience building globally recognised brands, driving market expansion, and delivering high-impact collaborations across lifestyle, luxury interiors, entertainment and consumer goods. My background spans founding internationally awarded brand Merino Kids, Hushaberry, managing large global sales networks, executing cross-market sponsorships, and delivering cultural partnerships with organisations like Land Rover, Veuve Clicquot, the Royal Family - Campaign for Wool, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and NZTE - LA Fashion Week. I bring a rare blend of entrepreneurial leadership, creative marketing, commercial strategy, and partnership development. Leaning deeper into Web3 culture and the evolution of digital ecosystems, while exploring vibe coding as a creative-technical discipline that enhances how I design, prototype, and orchestrate future-forward brand experiences.

I’ve led brand development from concept to launch across multiple markets, built and managed global distributor networks, and delivered high-profile collaborations and activations for luxury and consumer brands. I’m passionate about weaving storytelling, culture, and community into measurable business value, and I’m excited to keep innovating at the intersection of brand, technology, and experiential design.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Contract / Marketing at Storetech
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Led national retail campaigns, brand development, and digital ecosystems. Managed SEO/SEM campaigns, Google Ads, email marketing, and CRM via HubSpot; oversaw content creation and trade activations; collaborated with architects and designers.
Creative Director at St Clair Homes & Associated Brands
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Brand building, product ideation, visual identity development; managed photo shoots, showhomes, websites, and digital content. Coordinated trade shows and events; supported architectural design and market channels.
Founder | Designer | Director at Merino Kids
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Built a global eco-sustainable brand from concept to international distribution (NZ, UK, USA, Australia, Europe). Defined global brand story, led creative direction and product innovation; managed 18+ distributors; delivered global marketing, PR, and events; represented NZ on global stages; delivered collaborations with hospitals, royals, NGOs, and fashion weeks.
Founder & Creative Director at HUSHABERRY
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Brand creation, product development, website and systems. Secured seed funding with Carrfields. Delivered collaborations with Land Rover NZ and Veuve Clicquot; guest speaker at National Science Challenge/Blinc Innovation.
Marketing & Sales at Cape Estate
December 31, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Designed and built brand, website, CRM, and event schedules. Managed social media, online marketing, partnerships, and wedding/events marketing.
America’s Cup Marketing Contractor at Boomrock
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Developed VIP packages for superyachts and established an exclusive club with private event itineraries.
Commercial Sales Manager at Events Clothing
December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Delivered 58% revenue increase through sales innovation; grew customer base by 70%; managed corporate promotions and Line 7 partnerships.
Corporate Events Manager at Montana Wines
December 31, 2001 - December 31, 2001
Managed VIP corporate events, festivals, sports events, and ceremonies; increased sales by 150% and grew databases by 70%; implemented brand positioning and grocery strategies.
Hospitality Manager at Scott Dunn
December 31, 1998 - December 31, 1998
Managed luxury lodges, itineraries, staff teams, and guest experiences; staff training.
Freelance Designer at Freelance Design
December 31, 1995 - December 31, 1995
National NZ Pottery Title; Corporate Design for Air New Zealand; Textile design (London); Interior design (Spain).
Licensed Lifestyle Sales Consultant at Harcourts Real Estate
January 1, 2024 - November 27, 2025
Applied negotiation, sales, and client care skills to support families through major life transitions. Developed strong community relationships and sharpened skills in personal advisory and client trust-building.
Creative Contract | Marketing at Storetech
December 31, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Brands: Garden Master, BelAire, Scenik, Galvo, Frame Master, Storite, Uglee. Content creation: video, photo, campaigns, social storytelling. National retail campaigns - Mitre 10, Bunnings, ITM, PlaceMakers. Brand development & digital ecosystems SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads, email marketing. Event management + trade activations. Stakeholder partnerships and brand collaborations. HubSpot setup + CRM and Marketing management. Refreshing product image libraries. Direct marketing to architects + landscape designers. Oversaw creative collaborations including comedian-led Garden Master - Leah Heart campaign.
Designer at Freelance Design
December 31, 1995 - December 31, 1995
National NZ Pottery Title, Corporate Design for Air New Zealand. Textile design (Ashley Wilde, London). Interior design (Spain). Art exhibitions: NZ, Spain.
Creative Contract – Marketing at Storetech
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Brand development & digital ecosystems; national retail campaigns with Mitre 10, Bunnings, ITM, PlaceMakers; SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads; CRM and marketing management; events and partnerships.
Creative Director at St Clair Homes & Associated Brands
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Brand building, product ideation, visual identity; photo shoots; showhomes; websites; digital content; marketing across channels; CRM integration; events.
Founder | Designer | Director at Merino Kids
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Built global eco-sustainable brand from concept to international distribution; won 30+ international awards; led global brand strategy, product innovation, and distributor networks across 18+ markets; orchestrated collaborations with hospitals, royals, NGOs, fashion weeks.
Founder & Creative Director at HUSHABERRY
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Brand creation, product development, website, systems; collaborations with Land Rover NZ, Veuve Clicquot; seed funding secured with Carrfields; guest speaker at national challenges.
Commercial Sales Manager at EVENTS CLOTHING
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
Delivered 58% revenue increase through sales innovation; grew customer base 70%; managed corporate promotions and Line 7 partnerships.
Corporate Events Manager at MONTANA WINES
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2001
Managed VIP corporate events, festivals and sports events; increased sales by 150%; built brand positioning and grocery strategies; led ski events and large festivals; introduced Red Bull distribution in central North Island.
Hospitality Manager at SCOTT DUNN
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998
Managed luxury lodges, itineraries, staff, and guest experiences across France and Africa; staff training.
Freelance Designer at FREELANCE DESIGN NZ, UK, Europe
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1995
National NZ pottery title, corporate design for Air New Zealand, textile design (Ashley Wilde, London), interior design (Spain); art exhibitions.
Marketing & Sales at CAPE ESTATE
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Designed, built brand, website, CRM; event schedules; social media; partnerships & wedding/events marketing.
America's Cup Marketing Contractor at BOOMROCK
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Developed superyacht VIP packages; established exclusive club + private event itineraries.

Education

Textile Design Apprenticeship at London
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Real Estate Licence at NZ Real Estate Licence
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Textile Design Apprenticeship at London
January 1, 1995 - November 27, 2025
Real Estate Licence at NZ Real Estate Licensing Authority
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Graphic Design Diploma at Graphic Design Diploma
January 1, 2000 - November 27, 2025
Textile Design Apprenticeship at Textile Design Apprenticeship, London
January 1, 1995 - November 27, 2025
E-Commerce & Small Business Management at E-Commerce & Small Business Management
January 1, 1993 - November 27, 2025
Fine Arts Training at Fine Arts Training
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1990

Qualifications

Real Estate Licence
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Graphic Design Diploma
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
E-Commerce & Small Business Management
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1993
Fine Arts Training
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1990
Real Estate Licence
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Textile Design Apprenticeship
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Fine Arts Training
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1990
E-Commerce & Small Business Management
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1993
Graphic Design Diploma
January 1, 2000 - November 27, 2025
E-Commerce & Small Business Management
January 1, 1993 - November 27, 2025
Fine Arts Training
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1990
Real Estate Licence
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Real Estate Licence
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
NZ Export Awards Finalist
January 11, 2030 - November 27, 2025
Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year - Finalist
January 11, 2030 - November 27, 2025
Deloitte Fast 50 - Finalist
January 11, 2030 - November 27, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Other