LIBBY HELINSKI
OWNER OF LIFESTYLE STORE PAPPA SVEN AND PAPPA SVEN’S SUMMER CABIN, 42 After living in Sweden for a year, Libby and her family — husband Matt and daughters Jess, 17, and Lucy, 12 — returned home to Newcastle, NSW, and opened a store selling Nordic design. What do you love about Newcastle? It is very much a beach town and I love the relaxed atmosphere. I also love the close supportive community and the balanced lifestyle we live here. What influences your style? My passion for textiles influenced me from a very young age. The thing I love most about getting older is having the confidence to dress the way you want to. I am a lot more confident about putting different patterns and colours together. Marimekko has had a huge influence on me — I love the bold patterns, the timeless designs, and the story of Armi Ratia and the amazing women that have grown this business. What are your wardrobe essentials? A Marimekko Tasaraita striped t-shirt, black wide-leg culottes and a black boiled wool cardigan that I live in during winter. I love ankle boots and wear them with everything, and Karhu trainers — an awesome Finnish brand. And my swimmers — I really love the beach. Where do you shop? Darby Street in Newcastle is great for shopping. I can get Skin and Threads at Betty Mim, and I often go with my daughters to Abicus and Scout for great t-shirts and jeans. My other favourite Newcastle shops are Monsoon Living and High Swan Dive. Do you have any favourite accessories? I really love my Sägen ring, which I bought when I was living in Sweden. I wear it every day and love it as much now as when I bought it. I take my Fjällräven Kånken backpack everywhere — it’s my work bag, and day bag for travelling and hiking. What are you reading and listening to? I’m reading The House by Helen Pitt. I always have a podcast ready to share with friends or customers. I especially love Conversations with Richard Fidler. How do you manage the work-life balance? My kids are growing up fast so it’s important to have time off in the school holidays and we always close the shop during January — this is the best decision I’ve made with my business. Fitness is really important for my mental health. I love getting up early for a run followed by a swim at Bar Beach before the day unfolds. Apart from my family, it’s definitely the thing I appreciate the most. > Visit pappasven.com.au or follow @pappasvens on Instagram.