Franzi Maciej | Founder & Facilitator
Franzi is a teacher, creative, and a child-at-heart. She wears a few different hats, but they all share the same mission: spreading joy through art and play, embracing mess and mistakes, and celebrating the real connections that bring us all together.
Originally from Germany, Franzi spent six years soaking up the beauty of Queenstown before the ocean called her to the stunning coast of Taranaki in 2021.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Culture & Media Education and a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, Franzi is dedicated to providing children with the best start in life. Through Imagine Play Inspire, she has established a place where art, curiosity, and heartfelt connections all come together beautifully. Franzi believes life is better when we make room for play, celebrate imperfection, and embrace art as something that keeps us growing – even when we’re all grown up.
“I have found this environment has helped my daughter establish friendships which now go beyond the sessions and have helped develop her confidence in getting her ideas into action which is something she has struggled with.”
Sam Jay | Art Lab Facilitator
Sam, or as we’d like to call her, Super-Sam, is originally from the UK and the founder of Stitch Up Society. After taking a year out from working to travel New Zealand, she met her partner, Bevan. She didn’t need much convincing to stay . . . a few years later and they now have two children and one crazy dog.
Sam always had a ‘thing’ for art, design and textiles. After completing a degree in Textile Crafts she alternated between travelling (one of her other passions) and jobs that were connected to art and design in some way; set design assistant, fancy dress maker, bridal seamstress, police tailor, wardrobe assistant, upholsterer, she even dabbled with a bit of taxidermy at one stage! These all lead on a path to becoming a secondary school teacher. Having kids of her own has meant she has taken a break from teaching but she is excited to jump back into things with Imagine Play Inspire, teaching our unique after-school art programme for 8-12’s.
Imagine Play Inspire 