Blog
Discover the Story of Isla-Maree
See how one market stall sparked a movement – and grew into a brand that empowers women to feel stylish, seen, and confident.
A Founder Story, Stephanie Marsters (Steph) from Isla-Maree
After having her second baby in 2012, Steph knew it was time for a change. With years of experience managing retail stores, she was ready to build something for herself.
When rewarded with a $1000 work bonus, she didn’t hesitate. She used it to buy her first 45 garments from Australia and took them to a local market. They sold out on the very first day and Isla-Maree was born.
That early win sparked something bigger. She reinvested the profits into more stock and steadily grew her side hustle. In 2016, she took the business online, launching a website that allowed her to reach more women across the country.
A pop-up shop in Ponsonby followed, then a permanent store in Westgate. The brand kept growing – fueled by grit, smart reinvestment, and a genuine connection with her customers.
The game changed again when Steph started doing Facebook lives every Sunday morning, showing up authentically as a plus-size woman speaking to a community that often felt overlooked. Her honesty, reliability, and sense of style built a loyal following.
Realising there was a massive gap in the market, she took the bold step to design and produce her own line of plus-size clothing, made by and for women like her. The results spoke for themselves. Online sales skyrocketed.
In 2024, the journey entered an exciting new chapter. The store moved to a vibrant new location within Westgate Shopping Centre, and a large warehouse space in West Auckland became home to the expanding operation. Alongside the fashion, the new shop now features a curated selection of beautiful accessories and homeware. A one-stop shop for women who want to feel stylish, seen, and inspired.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a baby, a bonus, and a bold leap to change everything.
Ready to experience the Isla-Maree magic for yourself?
Shop the latest styles, accessories, and more below – and join a community where every woman is celebrated.
Blog
Discover the Story of Isla-Maree
See how one market stall sparked a movement – and grew into a brand that empowers women to feel stylish, seen, and confident.
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