My MUSE | Nicolet Spice

Hi everyone, Olivia here to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the endlessly engaging, whip-smart, and wonderfully warm Nicolet Spice.

Nicolet’s journey to Arrowtown is anything but ordinary, arriving in her 30s knowing just a handful of people, she’s since built a life that’s full, vibrant, and deeply connected to her community. From launching a tequila brand and farming salmon for the global market, to leading local initiatives and officiating weddings through her celebrant business, Nicolet brings colour and character to everything she touches.

These days, she divides her time between helping customers find their next obsession at MUSE Arrowtown, and helping couples say “I do”, always with warmth, humour, and her signature sense of style. Whether she’s dressing for a mountain-top elopement or stepping onto the shop floor, Nicolet has a knack for pairing practicality with polish.

Her style is thoughtful and expressive, rooted in quality, elevated by detail, and never too serious (except maybe when protecting her beloved shearling coat from her equally beloved pup).

I caught up with Nicolet to talk fashion, community, and the beauty of building a life and wardrobe in one of New Zealand’s most charming small towns.

 

 

Tell us about your journey in Arrowtown so far...

I arrived in Arrowtown in my mid-thirties, single and knowing only four people. It wasn’t easy to meet others at first, there are a lot of long driveways, and I didn’t have any school connections. At the time, I was working to gather investors to buy a salmon farm on the Tekapo canals. We bought the farm, and I became the international sales and marketing manager, while also starting a liquor company on the side. During that period, I met my husband Terry, who was launching a boutique high-end real estate company called Luxury Real Estate New Zealand, now a well-established and respected name in the premium property space.

 

 

What first drew you to working at MUSE, and what do you love most about being part of the team in Arrowtown?

Everyone at MUSE has such a strong sense of personal style — including our customers. I find myself picking up something new every shift, whether it’s a clever styling idea, a fashion app recommendation, or someone inspiring to follow. I’d just done a full wardrobe edit when I joined the team and was ready to invest in a few great pieces. Now, I’m constantly on the lookout for my next obsession.

 

How does living in Arrowtown influence your personal style?

Arrowtown is very laid-back overall. Most people wear activewear when they’re not working, so as locals we really relish any excuse to get dressed up!

 

 

What makes Arrowtown special to you?

I’m very involved in community service here — with the Arrowtown Village Association, the Arrowtown Community Response Group, and as a trustee of The Lightfoot Trust. I also recently wrapped up work with the Cancer Society for Daffodil Day. This is a proper, old-fashioned community where people genuinely support each other. Its beauty and heritage are things most Arrowtowners are deeply passionate about protecting — and one of the reasons we’ve been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful small town… twice!

 

When you're not at MUSE, what keeps you busy?

Outside of MUSE, I run Arrowtown Wedding Celebrant — my passion project that’s all about love. I get to meet people from around the world and be part of one of the biggest days of their lives. The bonus is seeing incredible wedding fashion and swapping my own activewear for something a little more glamorous. Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka are such popular places to get married — the light down here is something special, and the natural backdrops are breathtaking. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

 

 

What’s on your MUSE wishlist right now?

The DÔEN Balsam Top in Black — it looks great on everyone who tries it, and it’s so feminine and timeless. Also, the Victoria Beckham Draped Cap Sleeve Dress. Her tailoring is incredibly flattering.

 

Your best purchase from MUSE?

My Sax Pots shearling coat — it’s so fun and I always get comments when I wear it (though I have to leave the house quickly if my puppy locks eyes on it… he thinks I’m a walking toy)