You two have been in the fashion industry for years. What drew you both to it? 
Tom: My first after school job was in a retail store called 360, it was the “cool” spot in Napier back in the early 2000’s. To be honest I think what drew me to it at the age I was back then (15 years old) was a bit of spending money, discounts on clothes and a cool place to work. I eventually worked there full time where I learnt a lot and met great people who are still great friends of mine.

Zoey: Its always excited me and been the only industry Im interested in since I can remember. Clothes make me so happy and dressing yourself is an everyday event that’s so fun. Apart from a pro surfer. I really really wanted to be that haha

Tom, why juice? Where did the idea for Toms Juice come from?
Tom: By the time I moved to New York in 2018 I had been in the fashion industry for about 15 years and I was keen on a change. I wanted to take all the knowledge I learnt from the fashion world from making clothes, setting up retail stores, wholesale, distribution etc and put all that knowledge into making a juice company. Throughout 2019 I was just working it all out, from sourcing suppliers, juicing fruits and veggies, handing them out to friends to try etc. Then in 2020 it became survival mode as it was my only source of income throughout the Pandemic. 

What's your go-to juice order?
Tom: Who's your favourite child type question haha but I'd have to say anything immunity boosting. Whether that's my Ginger Lime Shot on its own or mixed with other flavours. But I also can’t go past the Mango or Golden Kiwi from NZ and the Passionfruit shot. 

Zoey: Right now it's beet, ginger and lime. Then greens and always a ginger shot! But I love them all, they all hit different. 

What is your source of personal style inspiration right now and why? (Can be a person, object, etc)
Tom: Functionality. Conditions can get pretty loose biking around New York delivery juice so for me it’s Function over Fashion and just make that shit look good.

Zoey: My dads always up there, he has insane style. Every time I go home to NZ he’s got a crazy new combo. Everything he wears just looks right. My family photo albums are always a big inspiration. They all individually have amazing style and are so true to themselves which I always find the most inspiring. 

When was the last time you went to the beach? Tell me about that day!
Tom: We were fortunately in Greece recently and hit up a few beaches on an island called Kea. We had a semi private beach a stone's throw away in front of our accommodation which was perfect. Zoey and I were there with a group of mates so it was ideal really. Wake up, swim, chill, swim, eat, drink, swim, repeat. That was pretty much it. Water was warm and see through. Rocks were hot and made for perfect tanning beds plus we met some local kids who showed us a cliff we could jump off. Fun times. 

Zoey: We were just in Greece on Kea Island with friends. Time didn’t exist. Salty everyday, very chill and pretty.

How did you meet and what were your first impressions of one another?
Tom: Aww that's a cute question. We met in Wellington, New Zealand. First impressions were wow, who’s that, damn she’s so pretty, good style, and then once we got to cross paths more her personality really topped everything. A real life angel.

Zoey: We met at my flat in Wellington and then worked together. I immediately had a crush. He was completely himself and was on a totally different buzz than anyone I'd ever met. My impression was there is something so special about him. He had a super power.

What's the best and worst thing about dating someone in the same industry?
Tom: Lot’s of great things. I think it’s really cool to be able to talk to someone that understands what you are talking about. And the fashion world can sometimes be confusing chat. Worst things only come in if you want / allow them to come in. 

Zoey: No bad things, just good. We share clothes, we can talk about it, we share a passion and I get to be inspired everyday by my muse.

Zoey, give me your most divisive piece of styling advice! What's something you're willing to fight people over?
Zoey: I don’t want to hate on anyone's style. I think everything works if you can make it work.

What's something you wish you had more time to do and why?
Tom: Spending time with my family. It can get hard being so far away from home. 

Zoey: Be with my family. They make me who I am and I miss them a lot. 

After establishing yourselves in New York, do you have any advice for people looking to break into the industry from overseas?
Tom: Believe in yourself. Trust the process and don't expect anything to happen overnight. 
Be the best you can be :) 

Zoey: Just do it. Actions speak louder than words. Believe in yourself and your point of view and say yes to opportunity.