Sisterhood Series - Kimberley Hayward

Welcome to the seventh edition of our Sisterhood Series, where we celebrate the inspiring women who surround and support the Sisters & Co community.

This month, we sat down with the beautiful Kimberley Hayward in her stunning Mount Maunganui restaurant, Sailor, to talk all things style, daily rituals, and the philosophy behind creating spaces that feel both elevated and effortless. As the co-creator of Sailor and Brew Co, Kimberley shares her love of building welcoming, considered spaces where great food, good music and connection come together naturally.

What inspired you and your husband to create Sailor and Brew Co, and what do you love most about the world of hospitality?

We’ve always loved spaces that feel alive, where great food, good music and people come together in a way that feels effortless. Brew Co started from that idea years ago, and Sailor came later as a more refined expression of it,  a little more curated, but still relaxed and welcoming (and ideally somewhere you come for one and stay for three).

What I love most about hospitality is that it’s never just about the food or the drink. It’s about how people feel when they’re in your space. You get to create moments,  a long lunch that turns into sunset drinks, a catch-up that becomes a memory. There’s something really special about being part of that.

What has been your biggest learning along the way?

That you’re always learning,  the second you think you’ve nailed it is probably when you haven’t.

This industry is constantly evolving, and that’s what I love about it. I’m always looking at what other cities are doing, travelling when I can, researching menus, ideas and service styles, and then bringing pieces of that back and making it our own. It keeps things fresh and stops you getting complacent.

What does a typical day look like for you, or is there no such thing?

There’s definitely no real “typical” day, which is part of the challenge and the fun.

Most mornings start pretty well, walking our mini schnauzer Winnie on the beach with Matt, then matcha at home (I rarely drink coffee, which always surprises people in this industry). After that, I aim to go to the gym… although quite often I end up “just popping into work” in activewear and somehow staying through to happy hour.

The rest of the day is usually a mix of behind-the-scenes work,  menus, numbers, staffing, alongside time in the venues, checking in and making sure everything feels right.

How do you balance the energy of running businesses with taking care of yourself?

After being in hospitality for so long, I’ve learnt it has to be sustainable.

These days I have a bit more flexibility, the kids are older and fairly independent,  so I can be more intentional with my time. The mornings help a lot, getting outside, moving, and having that reset before the day starts. It’s not perfect, but it’s a rhythm that works.

Are there any non-negotiables in your routine that help keep you grounded?

The beach walks in the morning are a big one,  it’s a really good reset before the day gets busy.

And just small moments of stepping away from the venues, even briefly. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just enough to clear your head before going again.

How would you describe your personal style, and do you see that reflected in the spaces you’ve created?

I’d say my style is relaxed but considered,  I like things to feel effortless, but there’s always thought behind it.

That definitely carries through into our spaces. We want them to feel easy and welcoming, but still beautiful and a little bit special. Nothing too overdone,  just good textures, warm tones, and a feeling that you can settle in and stay awhile.

What are your go-to pieces when you want to feel confident but comfortable?

I tend to lean into simple shirts or tops with pants or jeans, things that feel easy but still pulled together.

I do somehow have a wide range of white trousers and jeans, which are wildly impractical for hospitality, but I keep buying them anyway.

I lean towards natural fabrics and pieces that feel comfortable but still look polished, with good shoes or sneakers so I can jump in behind the bar if needed. I also love to splurge on one or two investment pieces each year. I’m definitely more about a wardrobe of quality over quantity.

What is your favourite quote or mantra you live by?

I always come back to the idea that how you make people feel matters more than anything else.

In hospitality and in life, that’s what lasts,  long after the food’s finished and the drinks are gone.