My MUSE: Kim Hargood

Hi everyone, Olivia here to introduce this week’s My MUSE, the hard-working, down-to-earth, and wonderfully warm force behind our Ponsonby store, Kim Hargood.

If you’ve ever shopped with Kim, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say she has that rare ability to instantly make you feel welcome. Warm, intuitive, and endlessly approachable, she has a way of really listening, then somehow appearing moments later with the piece you didn’t know you needed but suddenly can’t live without. And if you’re lucky, she’ll have you laughing along the way.

Having lived locally for decades, Kim is deeply woven into the fabric of the community. She knows the streets, the faces, the regulars, and in many cases their wardrobes too. Her style reflects that same ease. Effortless, polished, and timeless, built on beautiful pieces that work hard and feel good to wear. Nothing forced, nothing fussy, just thoughtful dressing that makes you feel like yourself on your very best day.

Kim has been part of the MUSE family for five years now, and quite simply, our Ponsonby store wouldn’t be what it is without her. She creates a space that feels inviting, relaxed, and full of genuine connection, the kind of store you pop into for five minutes and somehow stay for an hour.

I caught up with Kim to chat about community, confidence, great styling, and all her favourite local spots.

 

Tell us a little about your journey, what led you to MUSE?

When my partner and I first moved back to Auckland after a few years in London and Vancouver, I started out at TVNZ in hair and makeup and was there for over ten years. I took some time out to have two babies, then later worked part-time as a teacher aide at Bayfield Primary, which I absolutely loved.

MUSE came next, and I have been here for five wonderful years now.

In my pre-MUSE days I shopped here regularly. I always loved the style of the store, the aesthetic and the clothes. It just felt like my kind of place, so stepping into the role of store manager felt like a very natural progression.

 

 

What does a typical day in the store look like for you? 

Every day in store is fast paced and a little different, which I love.

I usually arrive about 30 minutes before opening to check emails, vacuum, dust, restock and get everything looking just right for the day ahead. Communication is key, so there are often early calls with our Newmarket and Arrowtown stores to organise transfers, consolidate stock or simply check in.

From opening, clients start arriving. Some are browsing and others are looking for something specific, whether it is workwear, an event outfit or a special piece for a wedding. We are lucky to have many loyal regulars who have really become part of the MUSE family.

 

What’s your favourite part of working at MUSE?

My favourite part of working at MUSE is definitely the team of wonderful women I get to work with every day. We are varied but very close knit and everyone plays an important role in the success of the store. There is a lot of support and a lot of laughter, which makes coming to work such a pleasure.

I also love being based on Ponsonby Road. Having lived locally for over thirty years, I feel completely at home here. I am constantly seeing familiar faces walking past, old friends, neighbours and long-time clients. Many of my friends have become regular MUSE customers, which makes it feel even more special.

 

 

As a local, share your neighbourhood guide with us…

My go-to guide for Ponsonby would definitely centre around good food, a little self-care and somewhere to move my body. I love being able to walk everywhere and having so many favourites close by.

For something fresh and healthy, I often pop into Little Bird for one of their smoothies. Beau is perfect for snacks and drinks with friends, and I love Alma or Gemmayze Street for dinner. If it is a quick lunch between shifts, Gurume does the best sushi.

For hair, I see Emma at Emma Frances on Jervois Road. We actually bonded at a slightly outrageous tropical wedding in Rarotonga last year, so every appointment feels like a catch-up with a friend. For spa treatments, it is always Acajou with Tania, who I have known for over 25 years, and I also love face sculpting with Mirelle at Sculptured by Lela.

Exercise wise, the stairs at MUSE are a workout in themselves! But I have practised Pilates for years and recently joined Sala in Ponsonby. I try to make it to a few classes a week, and the strength class is my current favourite. I love their holistic approach and the strong sense of community there too.

 

 

For you, what’s the most rewarding part of helping someone find the right outfit?

The most rewarding moments are when a customer comes in feeling unsure of her style or lacking confidence. When I really listen and suggest pieces that genuinely work for her, it is such a lovely feeling for both of us.

Seeing that shift when she looks in the mirror and her confidence comes back is everything. When someone walks out feeling comfortable, happy and like the best version of herself, that is absolutely the highlight of my day.

 

What do you hope every woman feels when she leaves the store?

I hope she leaves feeling confident, comfortable and completely herself. If she feels looked after, listened to and excited to wear what she has chosen, then we have done our job. It is never just about the clothes, it is about how they make you feel.

 

 

What pieces or brands in store are you loving right now?

I am loving Rabanne for their beautiful, statement dresses. Nili Lotan is always a favourite for classic, elevated everyday pieces, and Soft Goat makes the best cashmere. I am drawn to timeless, quality pieces that you reach for again and again.

 

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

…is authentically herself.