I work alongside my grandmother Leilani Rickard, as a founder and creator of Natura Aura. A high-end fashion label that is proud to bring quality into the mix, with a wide selection of New Zealand Made, nature-inspired clothing and accessories, that provides luxurious wares that are also luxurious to wear, with the comfort and style of women at its core.

I have always been interested in science and fashion and I feel like I have decided to take a less traditional approach, to demonstrate the importance of science and fashion in our society. I am a SING (Summer Internship of Indigenous Genomics) Aotearoa Alumni of 2019 and I am currently studying towards a Bachelor of Science, while working as a Quality Control Laboratory Technician, testing and analyzing raw materials/finished products and I run the day to day operations, for my company Natura Aura. I am also a researcher and consultant for research and development projects.

I discovered the beauty of microscopy work and imagery of indigenous flora and fauna while working on a research project with Scion materials scientist Dr Nancy Garrity. This is the inspiration for my business venture with my grandmother Leilani, who is a contemporary fashion designer, with a background in traditional Māori weaving. Our fashion brand Natura Aura takes inspiration from New Zealand’s culture, nature and science and incorporates the microscopic designs into high-end clothing and accessories. We have gained global recognition in the process and have displayed our designs in national and international fashion showcases.

Being informed about genetics, science and technology is important but there is more than one way of educating and engaging with people, into seeing the benefits. I now see that through what I create with my fashion brand, people can be influenced to pursue the arts, science and fashion and broaden their horizons, in the process. I love the synergies between science, inheritance and the natural world, and being able to use my talents to incorporate traditional practices, culture and technology, gives me a deeper understanding of the world.

Natura Aura is a place that inspires us as a society to reach to the future, collaborate and combine industries, and provide that prosperity to our consumer base. Natura Aura is more than designer clothing and hosiery, it is quality that encapsulates the level of ware, that you deserve to wear. Natura is the Latin name for ‘Nature’ and Aura is ‘Essence or Spirit’. We fuse science, art and fashion with our microscopic images of New Zealand indigenous flora and fauna. The purpose of this is not only to bind together but also to clothe humanity.