#BINGBANGBABES NO 3: HARRY & CARTER WERE
Carter Were – ‘Were Bros’ founder (organic buckwheat sprouted bread) & Café owner
TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE FROM...
I grew up on the North Shore and lived in a big old house that was over one hundred years old with fruit trees and a big Jacaranda tree. I remember it being big but it's just because we were so small. There was a big hedge separating our house from the neighbors but Dad put a gate in the hedge so it was like having one huge garden. My mum used to always have all the windows and doors open, and would blast Shania Twain while she was doing the house work. I can always remember hearing it from the neighbors where we spent most of the time playing in the garden.
YOU ARE A TWIN, WHAT IS THAT LIKE?
Being the closest you can be to someone is a pretty special bond that only a twin can understand.
WHAT IS YOUR CONNECTION WITH NATURE?
My bedroom is in the shed in the garden. When you lie on the bed and look out the windows I can just see trees. I can only hear birds, like Tui's and Rosella's.
HOW DID YOUR COMPANY ‘WERE BROS’ COME ABOUT?
Were Bros was my great great great grandad’s business name in the late 1800's. They made soft drinks like ginger beer and lemonade. I just kept the name for my logo and business name, but I bake bread.
YOU JUST OPENED YOUR OWN CAFE/SHOP, IT’S REAL YUM - WHAT KIND OF STUFF DO YOU SERVE?
I have opened a shop with a friend, but I don't think of it as a cafe. My friend Soph is a florist and the space was too big for her, so she offered the rest to me and I bake my bread from here too. I sell my bread (an Organic Seeded Sourdough or an Organic Sprouted Buckwheat loaf) you can eat it in my shop if you like, I have a few toppings and serve them as open sandwiches. I try to support as many local people as I can. I also make muesli, yoghurt, pickles and ricotta. The most popular toppings are Peas, Sheep Feta and Herbs or Avocado, Pickles Vege (Sauerkraut that I make) and Sprouts. I have tried to keep everything as simple as possible, although sometimes it doesn't feel that way to me!
WHAT DO YOU GROW IN YOUR VEGE GARDEN?
Everything! My boyfriend has put in a big vege garden. We are growing rainbow chard, bok choy, lettuce, kale, beetroot, carrots and he also built a small greenhouse and is growing me microgreens for the shop.
YOU HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN GREECE AND LOVE THE FOOD - YOUR DREAM MEAL THERE?
A big lunch at a Tavern on the sea. Fresh Sardines, Greens (both with lots of lemon and olive oil), Greek salad, fresh bread and beer and then a siesta.
YOUR FAVE PIECE OF BING BANG JEWELRY?
The gold Lighting Bolt Ring because Zara was wearing one too.
Harry Were – Photographer & owner of ‘Harry Were Handknits’
DID YOUR PARENTS USED TO DRESS YOU AND CARTER THE SAME GROWING UP?
Don’t think Dad ever dressed us. Ma did, sometimes exactly the same. But most of the time different colors. I was the red one, Carter was the blue. And those are both our favorite colors now.
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO TAKE PHOTOS?
I started taking photos when I was young. Dad taught me, he was always taking them. I went to the zoo and took a film camera of Ma’s, none of the shots turned out. Then I used disposable cameras and dad got us a digital camera when they were new out we must’ve been 11. From then on I’ve always had one.
WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO SHOOT SOMEONE?
Not sure.. A sparkle? Or a smile. In or out.
YOUR AESTHETIC IS SUPER LOW FI - ACROSS EVERYTHING YOU DO - WHY IS THAT?
I love hands and people. It is amazing what we can make and do. I guess I just like to try and keep things simple and personal.
HOW DID ‘HARRY HAND KNITS’ COME ABOUT AND WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING?
I’ve always loved textiles. For 7 years now I’ve been getting things hand knitted and made for myself. I love how personal it is - people’s hands making clothing from knots, and the relationships that are formed with the woman who are knitting for me. They are all so talented. I started knitting when I was young, and have knitted on and off. Friends started wanting jumpers so I thought I would try get some made to sell. In NZ we have a great wool supply, and we also seem to have a few keen knitters so thats good. I don’t like to think into the future too much but for now, if I can produce a few hand knits for people, that’ll make me happy.
YOUR FAVE PIECE OF BING BANG JEWELRY?
Got to be the little smiley faces aye. Remind me of those hash brown potato smileys, love them.
Photography, Interview, Styling: Zara Mirkin
#BingBangBabes: Harriet (Harry) & Carter Were (Twins!)
Wearing all BING BANG JEWELRY - shop their pieces HERE.
@bingbangnyc | @zaraeloise