In her late 20’s she was employed by Fashion Designer Karen Walker to manage her New Market store in Auckland. This role included dressing the who’s who of the NZ celebrity scene as well as international guests and stylish locals. Merryn also assisted Karen in hosting VIP shopping evenings in store and working back stage preparing models for runway shows. It was through this time working with Karen that Merryn fell in love with designer fashion and realised that styling someone else was more fulfilling than styling herself.
Merryn then went on to work for Vicki Taylor, Creative Director and owner of Taylor Boutique, The Shelter Boutique and luxury fashion label Symetria. During the 3 1/2 years that Merryn managed 2 of Vicki’s boutiques she was immersed in the entire design process due to the company workroom being so close. She gained strong knowledge in fabrics, garment care, body shapes, tailoring, store merchandising and window display. Vicki and Merryn styled TV presenters, actors, celebrities and NZ’s most fashionable Women.