After more than three decades of treasure hunting and selling at markets throughout Hawke's Bay, Carolyn Herries has finally found her permanent home. The veteran collector, who regularly set up stalls at Maraekakaho and Bayview markets, grew weary of the constant packing and unpacking and sought a brick-and-mortar solution—leading her to open Restoria in the heart of Taradale.

For Carolyn, collecting runs in the family. Growing up with parents who were avid collectors themselves, she developed both an eye for hidden gems and a talent for transformation. Her creative journey began with sewing clothes for her children, which she sold at Arts on Parade. She then branched into jewelry-making to complete those outfits, building yet another successful venture.

But Restoria represents more than just a retail space—it's the culmination of Carolyn's lifelong passion for reimagining the old and forgotten. When she's not curating her store's ever-changing inventory, she's busy upcycling items in the back room. Recently, she fulfilled a long-held dream by staging her first house for sale, a service she's eager to expand.

So what exactly is Restoria? Carolyn doesn't hesitate: "An eclectic mix of vintage and rustic with some upcycling happening in the back of the store." It's neither an op-shop nor a typical secondhand store—it's something entirely unique to Taradale. The overwhelming customer response in the opening days suggests the community agrees: this is a destination worth discovering.