Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay and now based in Wellington, Megan has navigated nearly every corner of specialty coffee – from running cafés and roasting beans to competing, judging, and leading marketing and brand strategy. Along the way, she discovered a love of design and the ways it shapes experiences, both in hospitality and through brand. For Megan, coffee has never just been a drink – it’s a canvas for creativity, connection, and storytelling.
Three years ago, Megan and her business partner Paddy took the leap to purchase Acme, and she now serves as co-owner and managing director, overseeing brand, marketing and design. She has a no-nonsense ethos: simple, functional, and thoughtful. Whether she’s crafting new products, shaping the brand, or sharing her vision with her team, Megan brings individuality to everything she touches.
In conversation with Megan Wyper
Let’s get up to speed. You’ve spent years in specialty coffee and now lead Acme. How did your journey begin, and what led you to where you are today?
I’ve basically done most jobs within specialty coffee; running cafes, creating cafes, roasting coffee, competing, judging, social media and mostly everything in the middle… I’ve been lucky in the jobs I’ve had that the founders have given me space to be creative, whether that’s how the coffee is roasted or building a cafe space. I was offered a sales role at Acme and quickly moved into the Marketing role which basically landed me where I am today. Three years ago the founders approached myself and my colleague, Paddy, to purchase the company from them. I’m now co-owner and managing director. I love that I get to do this everyday, work in my chosen career, specialty coffee, but through a brand and design lens.
How would you describe your personal style, and how does it show up in the way you live and work?
I’ve always been curious about design. My parents have always done things their own way and over the years I can see that I’ve also spent a lot of time beating my own drum… I’ve personally become more functionally comfortable while feeling more and more comfortable in my own skin.The design ethos of, form and function along with no adornment – be simple. These have all really crept into my everyday. Which I love, it’s given me direction and confidence.
Acme is known for combining form and function so seamlessly. What’s your approach when designing new products?
Paddy and I look at a couple different things, what are we missing in our ranges, what’s working, what’s not, and what do we want to design. We’re not about creating for the sake of growing our inventory, we’re about sustainable growth and not creating products that people don’t really need.
What design or hospitality trends are exciting you right now, and what are you ready to leave behind?
I’m seeing a bit of a return to a “funky” style (referencing funky taste) of coffee processing that we saw in the 2010s, you taste more of the green coffee processing instead of the coffee itself. I guess I’ve been in coffee so long now, that just like fashion styles cycle around… it’s kinda how I feel about seeing low slung jeans coming back, somethings don’t need to return.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
So much of your life is put into working, so you have to enjoy it – and have fun.
Are there any New Zealand designers or makers you’re especially inspired by right now?
I fell in love with the ‘fun guy’ lighting at Mother cafe in Auckland by Frangere Studio when I visited recently. Also feeling inspired by people levelling up their cafe’s coffee menu and thinking outside the box – going beyond the daily drink and having some fun! San Ray in Auckland and Sketchbook in Wellington both do this so well!
We can’t let you go without asking – how do you have your coffee?
Always start the day with a classic Flat White, (double shot, small 150ml cup, textured milk perfection) 2nd coffee is normally a filter coffee, hot or cold depending on the weather. Black regardless. 3rd coffee, well I’m generally not as fussy by that point!
Quick-fire questions
The next thing on my wardrobe wishlist is… I’m keeping an eye on Designer Wardrobe for an old style of a Kowtow dress that I regret making a questionable alteration to a couple years ago. I’ve also got my eye on a Wynn Hamlyn blazer.
The book on my bedside table is… Over the break is when I do most of my years reading, so I like to keep light and breezy. I’m finishing Work Horse by Caroline Palmer at the moment.
My go-to place for food or coffee is… Loretta’s for a shared group lunch, Dilly Dally for a weekday lunch and Goods for a Saturday morning quiet coffee and bun.
My next travel destination is… Europe, Amsterdam followed by Brussels for the World of Coffee expo – trade show season kick off!
Early bird or night owl… Early bird for sure!
Three everyday essentials I can’t live without… Coffee of course, some form of movement first thing in the morning, and an SPF face cream (Emma Lewishams 50+ to be precise). I have to add Abel’s Cyan Nori fragrance too!
