Kimberley McLachlan (nee McCone)

Attended – 2004 - 2008

Tell us about your time at SKC… 

I look back on high school fondly (for the most part!). The art room was my happy place – I could easily spend hours there, building portfolios and getting lost in creativity. I also loved hitting the tennis and squash courts. I definitely learned a thing or two about teenage resilience, but I’m a firm believer that everything – the highs, the lows, and the awkward middle bits – shapes you in the end. I threw myself into all the opportunities that came my way – and I’m so glad I did because that’s how I figured out what really lit me up.

What did you do after school, and what have you been doing since? What is your career? 

After SKC, I packed my bags and headed to Massey University in Wellington to study design. First degree honours? Check. But I wasn’t quite done—I took a detour to Dunedin for the full “scarfie” experience while studying advertising. Somewhere between study and shenanigans, I started my own graphic design and illustration business. My first gig? Creating fine art portraits for parents at my old primary school. Yep, full circle. 

After graduating, I was lucky enough to have two solo exhibitions—my first even sold out in Wellington (still pinching myself!). From there, I moved to Auckland and joined DDB, working on visuals for brands like McDonald’s, MINI, Pfizer, and Steinlager. But, surprise surprise, the pull of the South was too strong. So, I packed up and moved back. Turns out, fate had a plan—at a rural ball (yes, really), I met my now-husband. A few moves later—thanks to dairy farming—we settled in Ranfurly, where I started Smitten With Love, my wedding stationery business. Fast forward a few years, and it’s now ranked in the top five in its industry. A standout moment? Designing wedding stationery for cricketer Tom Latham and his wife, Nicole. 

Alongside that, I kept freelancing, illustrating for brands like Lammermoor Gin and Manuka Health while also working remotely for DDB. Now, we’re based in Southland—five years and counting. It’s a bit chilly, but the scenery makes up for it! 

It was here that my love for fashion illustration led me to live event sketching across Central Otago and beyond—and DRAWN was born. This season, I’ve been live-illustrating guests at weddings, and honestly, it’s reignited my love for hands-on, interactive art. It’s become my happy place all over again. 

Living remotely (and moving often) has definitely made me resourceful. If the path doesn’t find you, you carve one yourself. Social media and networking have been my lifeline, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Now, I balance running my businesses with full-time mum life, chasing after my almost-two-year-old. We’ve even dipped our toes into preschool art sessions, and seeing her light up while creating is the best. Funny enough, I almost chose science over art, thinking it would be the safer path. But taking the leap into creativity has been the most rewarding adventure—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

How SKC shaped you for life outside of school? 

SKC shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. It challenged me to figure out who I was, seek out my people, and go after what truly mattered to me. At 18, that meant getting as far from Oamaru as possible! But, in hindsight, that independence and determination have been the biggest gifts.

Article added: Monday 03 March 2025