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

BYD Shark 6 Premium review: popularity contrast
The Life

BYD Shark 6 Premium review: popularity contrast

The hybrid powertrain is essentially a range-extender.

David Linklater 08 Jun 2025
My Net Worth: Cristean Monreal, RCP executive director
The Life

My Net Worth: Cristean Monreal, RCP executive director

“Architecture taught me how to solve problems.” 

Tweed's makeover resurrects Scottish heritage symbol
The Life

Tweed's makeover resurrects Scottish heritage symbol

"It's a good thing to keep the tradition going."

AFP 01 Jun 2025
‘How to Be Well’ Review: In search of the glow
The Life Review

‘How to Be Well’ Review: In search of the glow

Many companies in the wellness industry tap into a desire for meaning and ritual.