My Net Worth: Frances Shoemack, Abel fragrances

My Net Worth: Frances Shoemack, Abel fragrances
Frances Shoemack: "I love visiting the organic shop and going, 'what looks good?', and then turning it into something yummy." (Image: Supplied)
Maria Slade
Frances Shoemack founded natural perfume brand Abel while on her OE in the Netherlands 11 years ago. Now based in Wellington, Abel is sold in 33 countries and is backed by investor Marko Bogoievski and his firm Maker Capital. Natural fragrances weren’t a thing when Shoemack started, and in its second decade Abel is at the point of taking a major leap forward with an overhaul of the collection and an international capital raise. I grew up in rural South Canterbury, I'm the second of six children. My parents were farmers and mum wa...

More The Life

My Net Worth: James Gough, The Terrace executive director
The Life

My Net Worth: James Gough, The Terrace executive director

Reflections on family legacy, rebuilding Christchurch and bridging old divides.

From Invercargill to Airbus headquarters in France
The Life My Expat Life

From Invercargill to Airbus headquarters in France

How a Kiwi engineer landed a plum role and launched a global network for young leaders.

Cécile Meier 02 Nov 2025
My Net Worth: Former DB Breweries chief Matt Wilson
The Life

My Net Worth: Former DB Breweries chief Matt Wilson

The liquor industry executive started his working life as a lawyer. 

Victoria Young 02 Nov 2025
Can tourism be respectful? Native Hawaiians have a plan
The Life

Can tourism be respectful? Native Hawaiians have a plan

Indigenous groups are keen for visitors to see the "real" Hawaii, not all the glitz.