Seashell story is owned and operated by Sandrine Day. She is a self-confessed ocean-lover and has always been fascinated by its beauty. Ever since she was a little girl, she has collected sea shells and turned them into jewellery. She continued to be involved with the ocean as she travelled the world, working on cruise ships and as an underwater photographer.
It wasn’t until Sandrine travelled to New Zealand though, that she truly found her calling. She quickly fell in love with two things: a local man to who she is now happily married with two beautiful boys AND the unique paua shell with its blue pearls.
Sandrine then began to take these stunning and truly unique paua shells and turn them into homemade candles. She opened up her own stall selling this product and other trinkets. The community responded very positively, and her stall got bigger and prettier over time.
The next chapter of the story began after the Kaikōura Earthquake of 2016. As is often the case, some good came from the bad, and Sandrine seized the opportunity to set up a permanent shop in a repurposed shipping container. What started as a small idea grew into a much-loved local business, and for over six years Seashell Story thrived in this unique space.
Summer 2024 marked the end of this chapter, as the containers were removed, but it was by no means the end of the story. Seashell Story continues online, allowing Sandrine to share her love of the ocean, handmade creations, and unique New Zealand seashells with customers all over the country. While she looks forward to the possibility of a permanent shop again one day, she currently enjoys balancing her creative work online with family life and raising her two young boys.
Today, Seashell Story proudly remains New Zealand’s leading online seashell store, a place where every piece carries a story shaped by the sea.
