My MUSE | Sal Lowry

Hi everyone, Olivia here to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the radiant, effervescent, and endlessly warm Sal Lowry.

If you’ve spent any time in Havelock North, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Sal — and left feeling brighter for it. Whether she’s hosting a fabulous gathering, teeing off on the golf course, or greeting you with her unmistakable warmth at our Havelock North store, Sal brings a rare kind of presence: vibrant, generous, and full of heart.

She’s not only a pillar of her community, but also part of the very fabric of it — having grown up here, raised a family here, and now managing the MUSE store with the same welcoming spirit that defines her home life. That home, by the way, is a vast, historic residence on a sprawling farm, with lush gardens that feel straight out of a storybook.

Sal's style is unmistakably her own — feminine, polished, playful — a true reflection of the joy she finds in self-expression. Whether she’s helping a customer find the piece that lifts their confidence or slipping on something fabulous herself before the school run, fashion for Sal is never about perfection; it’s about feeling like the truest version of yourself.

I sat down with Sal to talk fashion, family, finding joy in the chaos, and the magic of a really good platter…

 

 

What are the small, everyday moments that bring you the most joy lately — whether it’s time with family, being in nature, or simply enjoying a beautiful outfit?


Honestly, it’s the chaos of our mornings that brings me the most unexpected joy. There’s something about the sheer madness of getting the kids out of bed and out the door, negotiating lost shoes and school uniforms that reminds me how much I love this little world we’ve built. Amidst it all — the noise, the mess, the laughter — I find comfort in slipping on a great outfit, making myself a really good coffee, and just taking a breath. Those brief moments of calm in the middle of the morning whirlwind remind me how lucky I am. It’s not always polished, but it’s real — and somehow, a good outfit always gives me the lift I need to face the day.

 

Has your love for fashion always been a part of you, or did it evolve over time?

Fashion has always been present in my life, especially with my family. My mum loves fashion, and growing up, I naturally picked up that interest in clothes! Now, with my daughters, it’s something we genuinely enjoy doing together — shopping, trying things on, giving each other opinions (sometimes honest ones!), and even sharing pieces from time to time (when allowed!). It’s less about following trends and more about finding what suits you, what makes you feel good. Over the years, my love for fashion has definitely grown — especially as I’ve seen how it can boost confidence and bring people together in really simple but meaningful ways.

 

 

How has growing up and raising your family in Havelock shaped the way you see community and connection?

Growing up in Havelock gave me such a grounding in what true community feels like — it’s genuine, it’s supportive, and it’s deeply rooted. Now, raising my own family on my husband’s family farm just outside of town, I see those same values coming to life all over again. We’re part of a small, close-knit rural community. The kids are growing up surrounded by friends and extended family, forming strong bonds with neighbouring children who feel more like cousins and most are cousins!

 

What does great style mean to you beyond the clothes?

For me, great style isn’t about trends — it’s about how you carry yourself. It’s about expressing who you are and celebrating that with confidence. When you put on something that feels right, it changes your energy. It lifts you. It’s not just about what your wearing — it’s how those pieces make you feel: strong, capable, beautiful. Style is deeply personal, and when it comes from a place of joy and self-expression, it becomes magnetic. It’s less about perfection and more about authenticity. I love the way fashion allows you to tell a story about who you are that day.

 

 

You have such an energising presence — how do you keep that vibrancy alive through the busyness of work, family, and life?

I think it comes down to excitement — I genuinely want to show up for it all. Whether it’s work, family, or the chaos in between, I find energy in wanting to do well and in staying curious about what each day might bring. I run on enthusiasm (and coffee!), and while life is full and often messy — like trying to leave the house when nobody can find their socks — I’ve learned to embrace it. I’ve spent years figuring out that time management is an evolving art, not a fixed skill. Sometimes we’re ten minutes late to school and that’s just part of the charm! It’s not about being perfectly balanced — it’s about rolling with it, finding joy in the juggle, and remembering to laugh along the way.

 

You're known and loved for knowing how to host a fabulous gathering. Whether big or small, what are your top tips for entertaining?

For me, the top tips of entertaining is in how you make people feel — welcomed, relaxed, and like they’re part of something special. I don’t believe in stressing over perfection. Some of the best gatherings are the most laid-back. My trusty Thermomix has been a game-changer — it helps me whip up things I never thought I’d attempt, and takes the pressure off when time’s tight. I love a good platter, a gorgeous spread with artisan cheese, fresh fruit, and something a little indulgent, served on beautiful serving ware — that’s my kind of centrepiece. But beyond the food, what truly makes a gathering shine is the company. Good friends and family bring the energy, the stories, the laughter. They’re what turn a simple afternoon or dinner into something special.

 

 

You started out as one of our beloved clients and now you're our Havelock North store manager. What do you love about working in fashion retail?

I’ve always loved MUSE — well before moving to Havelock. It’s not just a store, it’s an experience. There’s something incredibly special about being surrounded by beautiful pieces in such a thoughtfully curated space, and even more special to now be part of the team behind it. Working in fashion retail allows me to connect with people in a really genuine way — helping someone find that perfect piece that makes them light up, that moment of confidence when they put something on and truly feel like themselves. I’m lucky to work with a passionate, supportive team, in an environment that celebrates creativity and style every single day. It’s never just about selling clothes — it’s about making people feel amazing.

 

What's on your current MUSE wish list?

The Vivienne Westwood Galatea shirt in white, Khaite Medium Lotus Canvas Tote in Honey Black, Christopher Esber Aura Silk Strapless Dress in Tangelo, Khaite Dane Jean in White

 

And finally, finish this sentence: A woman is most powerful when...

She’s living the best version of herself — kind, capable, and beautifully dressed!!