“It’s always summer somewhere”. That was Shih Fen Gavala’s thinking – and her lifestyle – when she came up with the idea to design hair accessories to complement her swimwear. Living in Bali at the time, she wanted to create simple but bold headties to complement her bikinis and beachwear. The pieces became a hit among her friends, who gradually started asking her to make styles for them too. And so in 2016, Gavala was born.
Shih Fen and her family lived in Bali for three years, before moving back to her native New Zealand. Initially, Bali was planned as a short visit, but they fell in love with its warmth, culture, and tropical islands so much that they decided to stay. Shih Fen continued her business after returning home to New Zealand, with the aim of providing a diverse selection of quality, affordable, handmade hair accessories for women around the world.
Every single piece is handmade by Shih Fen from beginning to end – from carefully selecting each fabric, to cutting, stitching, sewing, and the very last detail of pinning the brand label. This spring, Gavala introduced bucket hats to the collection – a nostalgic must-have for the warm months ahead.
We spoke with the New Zealand Singaporean mother of three about her life by the ocean, producing ethically, and finding inspiration in New Zealand, its people, and culture...
ON HER CHILDHOOD...
I grew up in a small community in Linton Camp just out of Palmerston North, on New Zealand's North Island. Mum is Singaporean Chinese and dad is Kiwi. We lived a simple life. I have such clear memories of my brother and I going on so many adventures. We would always venture down the bank (which was at the back of our house) and spend the day there finding frogs at the river and eating wild blackberries. We’d go on long bike rides and tend to our many pets! In the summer, we would meet our friends at the river and do jumps off the bridge, we would spend hours there. I often wondered if my parents were ever worried that we were away all day, but I guess not! After my parents separated, our families grew and I now have seven siblings. Even though I studied art and design, I realized I didn’t enjoy school, so I didn’t finish my final year of high school. As a young teenager, I had a part time job working as a florist, which I enjoyed using my creativity and at the same time earning an income for myself.
ON NEW ZEALAND, ITS PEOPLE, AND CULTURE...
If you’ve been to New Zealand, then you’ll definitely agree that we’re really friendly and very welcoming! I love our crisp air and we take pride in keeping our country green. I’m immersed in our native culture and language every day – my husband and children all speak Te Reo Māori, and my children go to Kohanga Reo (daycare) and Kura (school). We’re about whānau (family), whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships) and whakapapa. Because I was raised in a traditional Chinese culture, I was able to embrace this experience with my husband and children. I believe strongly in keeping both the Chinese and Māori cultures in my family, so that my children will have strong understanding of who they are and where they come from.
AND HER FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT...
Oh my there are so many. If you’re visiting in winter, definitely Queenstown – it's one of the most beautiful places for skiing. I recommend getting a campervan and driving from the South Island to the North Island around the coast. Most summers, we visit the Bay of Islands (an enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island) and beaches around Whangaroa Harbour. If you’re into native bush and pristine waters, then add them to your bucket list!
ON LAUNCHING GAVALA...
I started Gavala in 2016. We lived in Bali for three years but have been travelling back and forth for the for last seven years. Since I enjoyed living a bikini life, I decided to spice up my swimwear and design headscarves for myself. Gradually, my friends approached me and asked me to design and tailor for them. It really made me happy to see them love what I created so from there Gavala emerged.
ON THE BRAND'S NEXT STEP – HATS!
I’m always about being sun smart and I wear them more often than my scarves. Again, I started making them for myself and for my kids and then I thought, why not give my customers that variation? Even though it’s a lot more work for me, I’m so pleased I made the decision to make it available to them. Everyone looks amazing in them!
ON ETHICALLY PRODUCING IN NEW ZEALAND...
I’m all about supporting small brands and businesses. I love building a trusting relationship with my customers and I know they admire the fact that I made their pieces by hand for them. I think it keeps with the creative, unique ethos of the brand.
AND HER LATEST PROJECT, KINSHIP SOCIETY...
My friend Sarah-May and I launched clothing label Kinship Society six months ago, and it is all about inclusiveness and community. We use a lot of linen, silk and silk linen in our designs and want to create collections that blend understated sensuality, bespoke prints and functional design, allowing women to celebrate their unique selves in whatever role they inhabit. Go-to pieces that are flattering, individual and let the wearer’s personality shine through. Kinship Society is ethical luxury for all women.
ON JUGGLING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BEING A MOTHER OF THREE...
It can get very stressful, especially when I have a huge amount of orders come through at once, then I basically live in my office! I’m thankful I have a supportive husband – even though he’s busy himself, he is always there when I need him. Family is a great distraction. I enjoy gardening, exercising, practicing mindfulness meditation, and just taking it a day at a time.
AND HER FAVORITE PART OF LIFE BY THE WATER...
I love the peacefulness, the freedom and the feeling that there are no worries. I love the excitement on my kids' faces when they know they're going out for a surf and that they can spend hours in the water. I think it's being active and outside that keeps me feeling alive!
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity*
