Creative Journeys with Rose & Hailey from The Creatives
Creative Journeys powered by Squarespace is a series of free, in-person and online events taking place across Aotearoa New Zealand for 2025. Coming up on 21 May in Pōneke Wellington, Hailey and Rose from The Creatives will be chatting Web Design in the Age of No-Code. Register here for your free ticket.
Kia ora Hailey & Rose. Can you share a bit about your backgrounds and what led you to pursue a career in your creative field?
We’ve both been in the creative industry for over a decade, working across design, branding, marketing and digital. What started as a shared love for bold ideas and beautiful design evolved into co-founding The Creatives – our full-service agency based in Taranaki.
The Creatives was born from a desire to connect in a physical space and to bring together awesome people with a real passion for creating amazing work and honing their craft. We wanted to build something that didn’t just look good on the outside, but had meaning, purpose, and impact behind it.
What are some key challenges or experiences that have shaped your creative journeys?
Running a regional agency means wearing a lot of hats – and doing it with heart. We’ve learned to be scrappy, resourceful, and endlessly adaptable.
A big lesson has been accepting that not everyone is for us – and that’s totally okay. Having belief in owning our own space and creative process has been a battleground at times, but we think we’re winning.
When we started working with Shopify and Squarespace at an agency level about five years ago, some people – including other businesses and competitors – turned their noses up. It was a big step away from traditional custom-coded sites, and we’ve had to do a lot of educating around the value and quality of no-code platforms. Now, we’re seeing that shift first-hand – competitors are following suit and clients are asking for Squarespace by name. It’s pretty awesome to see that momentum.
How have your personal values and lifestyle choices influenced your career and creative processes?
We’re both big believers in building a business that works with your life, not against it. We’re mums, creatives, and business owners – and our work reflects that blend. That’s why we’re so passionate about tools that empower business owners to manage and grow their own brands, without being held hostage by tech.
Two years ago, we implemented a four-day work week – and the impact has been profound. More space, more clarity, better mental health, and a huge lift in creative energy. It’s become a core part of how we work, lead, and deliver.
As Squarespace Circle Members, can you talk to us about the type of detailed design customisation you’re able to create using Squarespace’s Fluid Engine and how it’s enabled you to tailor websites to match your client’s unique brand identities?
Fluid Engine is a dream for designers. It allows us to break away from rigid templates and create layouts that feel truly custom – without writing a single line of code. From layered visuals to subtle motion and on-brand design systems, we can match the energy and personality of each client’s brand. It’s flexible, fast, and (most importantly) user-friendly for clients.
Ahead of the Pōneke event on 21 May where you’ll be presenting ‘Web Design in the Age of No-Code: The Future is Already Here’ can you give us a taster as to what folks can expect to learn?
We’ll be talking about how no-code platforms like Squarespace have completely reshaped the web design landscape – for both designers and business owners. Expect some real talk about the myths of “custom” design, how to build high-value sites without touching code, and how we price and position no-code work as a premium offering. We’ll also share practical tips for designers looking to scale without burning out.
How do you balance the business side of your work with your creative pursuits?
We’ve built strong systems that give us space to be creative. Clear processes, good project management, and boundaries make room for bold ideas. We’ve learned that creativity thrives when the business side is under control.
Lastly, where can people find you online?
You can find us at thecreatives.co.nz and on Instagram at @__the__creatives.
We’re always keen to connect – drop us a DM, send us an email, or just come say hi at the event!
Register here for your FREE ticket to Pōneke Wellington Creative Journeys event.
New to Squarespace? Visit squarespace.com/designassembly and use the code DESIGNASSEMBLY20 for 20% off a new annual subscription*
About Squarespace
Squarespace is a design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online. We empower millions in more than 200 countries and territories with all the tools they need to create an online presence, build an audience, monetise, and scale their business. Our suite of products range from websites, domains, ecommerce, and marketing tools, as well as tools for scheduling with Acuity and creating and managing social media presence with Bio Sites and Unfold. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com/designassembly
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