Good stuff

People, happenings and things, locally and abroad, that we applaud.

Good for the soul

Independent stationery boutique Pepa in the ‘post quake’ Christchurch Arts Centre is built on much more of a foundation than your standard retail space. Its founder Ami Muir has goals for New Zealanders to send and receive more mail. “I also want Pepa to be a place that offers inspiration and, in a way, time,” Muir says.

Sitting down with pen and paper and carefully considering each word is becoming less common as the world speeds up and digital communication grows. It’s a craft so many of us love but we’re not finding the time for. Words let us dream and escape and writing offers us mindful moments in our very busy world. Pepa is all about inspiring people to write, reminding them how good it feels and giving them a place to do it, Muir says.

Pepa features two writing tables and stools designed for customers to take their time to write at. You can also wrap and post inside the store.

Another initiative is ‘Pepa Post’. Each month Pepa puts a call out for people to write to a stranger, someone who’s been nominated to receive an outpouring of love in the form of anonymous letters. In store, there is a bowl of cards, stickers, writing paper, pencils and pens alongside the stranger’s story, and anyone is welcome to sit down and write words of encouragement and inspiration to them.

“I was really nervous getting this off the ground as I didn’t want the recipient to end up empty-handed but I have been overwhelmed at how generous people have been. It has such a big impact on everyone who participates – they leave the store feeling really good and there’s no doubt our recipient will feel the impact of each kind word gifted to them,” says Muir. “I really believe a note or a letter can change someone’s day.” pepastationery.co.nz