This month, we caught up with a face you may recognise, model mum Nikki Crerar. Star of our Perriam campaigns, she's not only beautiful and kind but a busy mum to daughter Arlo alongside being a whiz in the kitchen. We chatted about her journey to motherhood and how her meal planning business, Assortment can save you time, money and make dinnertime a breeze.
You’re our favourite face here at Perriam, tell us a bit about your modelling career and your journey to motherhood and rural Taranaki.
I was scouted a few times in my teens but didn't seriously consider modelling until I was 20. To my surprise, it wasn't as daunting as I had imagined and quickly became my full-time job. I modelled in New Zealand and Australia before heading to Europe. However, it wasn't long before COVID brought me back to the motherland.
I've always heard that motherhood is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs, but I didn't fully grasp the truth of that until I experienced it myself. Each season with Arlo gets better and better, but if my teenage years are anything to go by, I’d better enjoy it all while it lasts!
When we found out I was pregnant, we decided to move from Auckland to a small town an hour south of New Plymouth—a place we had never visited before. It was a bit of a risk, but it has definitely paid off. Waking up to see the ocean and snow-dusted Mount Taranaki behind us is something I will never take for granted.
Your meal planner website Assortment has been a game changer at dinnertime for us here at Perriam. What inspired you to start Assortment?
The idea for Assortment took shape during Auckland’s first lockdown. My childhood best friend and I, both passionate "foodies," had always dreamed of creating something food-related together. We started curating meal plans and shopping lists for friends and family, ensuring produce was used efficiently and supermarket trips were minimised (no one likes spending time at the supermarket, even at the best of times). The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, making it clear that conventional food box options didn’t cater to everyone’s unique needs, preferences, and desire to tread lighter on the planet.
And so, Assortment was born—a platform that offers a sustainable alternative to food delivery services while also alleviating the "what's for dinner" dilemma.
Can you explain to our readers how it works?
Each Saturday, our membership is refreshed with a new menu featuring four delicious recipes, complete with a comprehensive shopping list and meal prep guide to help you get ahead for the week! Our menus are thoughtfully created to make the most of the produce you buy, ensuring nothing goes to waste across the four recipes.
If the weekly menu doesn't quite suit your taste, feel free to explore our recipe archive with over 400 recipes.
What are your current seasonal go-to Assortment winter warmers?
https://assortmentfoods.com/member_recipes/vegetarian-laksa-with-crispy-tofu/ - super quick and easy mid week dinner, you can swap tofu for chicken and use what green you have on hand.
https://assortmentfoods.com/member_recipes/walnut-basil-spinach-pesto-orzo-salad-with-roasted-pumpkin/ pumpkin is in its prime right now, so I have been making a big batch of this salad for lunch throughout the week.
https://assortmentfoods.com/member_recipes/middle-eastern-beef-and-pumpkin-pilaf-with-pine-nuts-and-feta/ I love a one pan / one pan dish, easy on the prep and clean up.
Between Assortment, modelling and being a mum, how do you take time for yourself?
Balancing Assortment, modelling, and motherhood isn't always easy, but I've learned to redefine what "me time" means. I've come to appreciate those little moments that recharge me, like my skincare routine, snuggling into fresh, crisp sheets, squeezing in a workout even if it's with Arlo, and of course, unwinding with a glass of wine with my partner.
At Perriam our purpose is to encourage more people to embrace wool and natural fibres. What does wool mean to you?
To me wool is long-lasting comfort and durability, making it the perfect choice for anyone who values quality, sustainability, and style. With wool, you can trust that your garment will stand the test of time.
To learn more about Assortment and sign-up for a 7-day free trial, click here. We couldn't recommend it more highly!!
Follow Assortment on Instagram @assortment_