Dynamic Duos

Bobbie & James Cornell

Since opening in 2006, New Zealand-product store Nuzi, meaning ‘button’ in Chinese and symbolising a unity between the two cultures, has been an island of consistency in Tianzifang’s sea of constant change. This boutique in the middle of the creative art district’s Lane 248 is a labour of love and patriotic pride for siblings Bobbie and James Cornell. For the Auckland natives, the shop is very much a family affair – its continued success and steady expansion are a testament to the sister-brother duo’s teamwork and plucky Kiwi spirit.

After leaving a decade-long career as an architect in Hong Kong, Bobbie initially established the space to act as her studio. Upon further reflection she instead decided to use the space as a platform to highlight New Zealand designers, artists and nature-inspired products. As the store’s popularity quickly grew, she asked her brother James to help out. “I was more than happy to make the move,” he says. “I thought it’d be a long holiday – in some ways it still seems like it is!”

The pair clearly plays to each other's strengths, Bobbie providing the vision while James is the more realistic, pragmatic of the two. With the support of their tight-knit family, a focus on communication and much trial and error, the two continue to defy Tianzifang’s astronomically high business failure rate. Bobbie notes, “You need to be very open-minded and although it can be hard – listen!”

Such is Nuzi’s success that not only is it a destination for tourists and artistically-inclined city residents, but also a steady stream of students seeking wisdom on running a creative company. The recent addition of a second floor bar, complete with a variety of Kiwi beer and alcohol, means the pair will continue to push the boundaries of the Nuzi concept.

Nuzi. Shop 30. Lane 248 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 5465 3245. Web: www.nuzi.com.cn