MEET THE TEAM. Introducing Cult's newest team members
by Shopify API
Following several years of steady growth across retail, e-commerce and contract sectors, we are delighted to announce our team expansion this February with the employment of seven new team members in sales, marketing and warehouse departments . Read on to meet our new team members!
Amalie Andersen
Marketing Coordinator
Passionate about human-centred, empathic storytelling of how design and art can enhance well-being, Amalie strives to apply curious thinking to her work of communicating design.
With a degree in Communications from The Danish School of Media and Journalism and experience working at various Danish design companies, she decided to pull up the roots in Copenhagen and start out the new year in Sydney to join the Cult marketing team.
Amalie believes in communicating how great design can soothe the soul and creates activities with the ultimate goal of strengthening brands and building an engaged community around them.
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
Strict lines and organic curves united in elegance, the Fritz Hansen Swan Chair never ceases to amaze me and it’s been at the top of my list of personal favourites for as long as I can recall. The Swan was designed in 1958 by Danish design hero and compatriot of mine Arne Jacobsen. Today, decades later, it is as much adorned as it was back then – in craftsmanship as well as aesthetics it’s an icon crafted to last.
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I’m brand new to Sydney, and well Australia in general, so I really love going for long walks around the city to try and stitch together the different areas while being on my hunt for good spots to get natural wine - a huge thing in Copenhagen. Please send me recommendations! Besides that, I’m in awe of the beautiful beaches and the reserves here - I’m so excited to explore this more!
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
I’ve always been impressed by the way Cult seamlessly integrates a wide array of international brands under one roof and wholeheartedly communicates craftsmanship and authentic design. The dedication and thoroughness the Cult team put into everything they do - be that guides for international design fairs, showroom exhibitions or thought leadership pieces, is what attracted me to the business.
Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Fenella Horne
Commercial Sales Consultant (VIC)
Fenella was based in London for the last decade and spent over eight years working for Icons of Denmark, a company that started as a distributor and has now become a brand known for its modern workplace furniture. During her tenure she worked with several Cult brands such as Fredericia, Erik Jorgensen, Montana and Grid, along with a number of smaller Danish brands. In this role, she had the opportunity to work with some of the top architectural firms in London and be involved in some of the largest commercial projects in the UK and Europe.
Now, she has relocated to Australia and is excited to see what she can learn at Cult!
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
The Carl Hansen & Son CH25 chair by Hans J. Wegner. It’s a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that showcases Wegner's mastery of woodworking and attention to detail. It takes a skilled craftsman 10 hours to weave one seat and backrest by hand. A great example of mid-century Danish modern design that emphasises simplicity and functionality.
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I love keep active playing a variety of sports (netball, soccer, tag rugby), going to see live music and chilling at the beach with friends.
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
The incredible collection of iconic brands first attracted me to Cult. Then I heard more about the nau collection which was also a great interest; I’m a strong believer in locally-produced products. I also love working with a fun team and I was told the Melbourne team was fun and growing, so it was an obvious decision to join.
CH25 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son
Lauren James
Commercial Sales Consultant (QLD)
After nine years in the hospitality industry, while obtaining design qualifications with one baby on her hip and another yet to be born, Lauren decided it was time for a change. She worked in contract textile and acoustic solutions for three years and then moved into furniture.
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
I’m choosing the Sferico Glass from Joe Colombo as a design icon because from such a sad story bought out something unimaginably beautiful was created. I also adore the Nanamarquina story and work they do with Care & Fair.
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I’ve started to learn wheel throwing pottery; such a great way to get creative. I’ve just finished ‘The Good People’ by Hannah Kent and it’s probably one of my favourite books!
Walking through the Sunshine Coast hinterland especially Kondalilla Falls is another favourite activity.
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
Getting to work with amazing product, designers and architects on fantastic large-scale commercial projects. I also appreciate the nau range allows us to work with local creatives!
Sferico Glassware by Joe Colombo for Karakter Copenhagen
Miranda Trost
Commercial Sales Consultant (QLD)
After seven years working with a number of renowned fashion retail brands both in Australia and in the UK, Miranda completed her Bachelor’s Degree in International Business & Business Management at QUT in Brisbane. Now with over five years industry experience Miranda has delivered and consulted on interior furnishing projects across residential, multi-residential, hotels and hospitality.
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
From the moment I came across Gabriella Crespi’s designs I was absolutely intoxicated by her sophisticated yet unconventional approach. I love that the Bohemian Lounge Chair sits just as comfortably as an accent chair as it does in complement to other pieces of the Bohemian Collection. Crespi was such a spirited and daring character and I feel transported to her home in 1970s Milan every time I see this piece!
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I love walking my puppy Apophis, reading business philosophy books, and going on long hikes.
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
I joined the Cult team to stretch my creative wings and align myself with an aspirational company that prioritises sustainability and Australian design.
Bohemia Chair by Gabriella Crespi for GUBI
Malka Yota
Retail Sales Consultant
Malka is currently studying a bachelor of interior design at RMIT University and works part-time in retail sales at Cult Melbourne.
Now in the third year of her studies, Malka is looking to lean into building her interior design career by gaining industry experience. She also has a student support role at an architecture company.
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
My favourite product is the Fritz Hanson PK0 A chair. I love the sculptural quality of it.
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy sewing, travelling and documenting my life through film photography. I love sourcing inspiration and find a lot of satisfaction in making my own clothes. Travelling has become a really great for that inspiration, and film photography has been a fun way to document my experiences by not always knowing what the outcome will be like.
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
I joined Cult as I have become really passionate about expanding my knowledge on classic design pieces and more specifically Danish design. I love creating solutions for everyday living and am interested in the idea tailoring spaces to fit a clients specific needs.
PK0 A chair by Poul Kjaerholm - Fritz Hansen
Eddie Gile
Warehouse Manager
Eddie began his career in hospitality, then moved into working for his family business in the retail industry for roughly 15 years.
This led him to his passion, Warehousing, which he has since worked in for the last 12 years. Eddie's knack for order and systems, plus his love of putting things where they belong, make him perfect for his new Warehouse Manager role at Cult.
Favourite design from the Cult collection?
The Wulff Chair from Danish brand, &Tradition.
Three things you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy renovating and love to tinker and modify cars and motorbikes. I'm also a huge movie buff!
Why did you want to join the Cult team?
I want to challenge myself in a new industry, learn more and grow. I'm also keen to use my experience and skills to mentor my team.
&Tradition Wulff Chair
Kiera Thanos
HAY Sydney Manager
Wielding a diploma of interior design in one hand, and a curiosity for colour in the other, in 2020, Kiera took a leap, leaving over five years’ experience in the music and live arts realm behind her.
From a young age re-arranging her childhood home, she has always considered the emotive ability of design. At HAY, Kiera possesses the commitment to activating environments with a mood and sensory appeal, while refraining from overcomplicating them in the process.
She is driven by makers that focus a lens on longevity and practicality, challenging the boundaries engendered by short-term trends, delivering solutions that ultimately offer a pleasurable visual point of view.
Favourite design from the HAY collection?
The Can Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The blend of canvas, upholstery and chrome echoes an era of the past, while touching on modernity in its own right.
Favourite local spots near the HAY Sydney store?
For a yummy sour beer or chilled red, I love Bitter Phew. For an (actual flat) flat white and a smorgasbord of salivating lunch affairs Four Ate Five is the best. For the lovers of glass knick-knacks with a storeowner that has a large milage of design knowledge head to Glass Et Cetera.
Why did you want to join the HAY team?
I have always been drawn to HAY’s eclectic and varied visual approach, from pastel coloured crates to the French press for your morning coffee. From sofas to laundry baskets. Nothing is off-limits creatively speaking. And, while the products can speak for themselves, it is HAY’s sentiment as a brand to good modern design, being accessible to all, which is the icing on the cake for me. The older I get, the more important it is for me to be aligned with brands that are both conscious and inviting.
Can Sofa by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for HAY
Micah Chai
HAY Melbourne Manager
Originally from South Korea, a creative with over 10 years of retail experience, specialising in fashion and visual merchandising. I picked up the passion for design especially during the lockdown due to the pandemic, when I was spending all of my time at home. I believe that aesthetic design with functionality elevates the mood of the space, and that we can express our own unique stories/personality via how each pieces interact with each other in the given space.
Favourite design from the HAY collection?
The Colour Cabinet by Muller Van Severen. I love the clean and minimalistic design with the play of vibrant colours which add playful and fun character in both private and public settings.
Favourite local spots near the HAY Melbourne store?
Hope Street Radio - great food, great music, great space, great people. Can’t ask for more. Milney’s is another favourite, a night out with friends always starts here.
Why did you want to join the HAY team?
It’s a blessing to be able to work with such beautiful people, and beautiful designs. The HAY Melbourne store is full of inspirations, every day at HAY is never the same.
