Meet the Team

Sam (Sandra) Whelan: Owner/Partner

From an early age Sam has always enjoyed sewing and creating and has sewn many outfits including her first Ball Dress at age 15. Sam went on to make many more including her own wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and sewing for a growing family.

Sam became involved in the fabric business with husband Ron in 1993 when they started up RJ Textiles giving up her career as a trained Midwife in 2002 to work fulltime in the business.

In 2006 Dance Fabrics Direct was started to cater for the growing dance business and nowadays Sam's interest is in helping others to create costumes and one off outfits for their own special occasions whether it is for a ball, a dance competition or a special event.


Ron Whelan: Owner/Partner
As an 18 year old Ron began working in the family textile wholesale business. In 1993 with Sam he started his own Dress Fabric Wholesale business RJ Textiles and is also Co Owner & partner of Dance Fabrics Direct with Sam.

Ron has  considerable product knowledge with over 40 years experience and would be one of the most respected fabric traders in New Zealand. During this time he has been able to source fabrics from within New Zealand and overseas at very competitive prices. If you need specialist advice Ron is certainly able to help you.





Zoelien (Zoel) Foley: Warehouse / Sample Dept

Zoel comes from a sewing background with many years involved in the "Rag Trade" Zoel is able to give advice to new and existing customers with all their fabric & sample needs. Zoel has worked for Sam & Ron since 1996 and has been with Dance Fabrics Direct since inception in 2006. Like Sam, Zoel is also able to create and sew and has an extremely good product knowledge.

 

 

 

 

Sandy Mills: Office Administration

Sandy is probably the first person you will speak with when you call. Sandy's main roll is customer service and office administration. She is very adept at helping our customers with their unique requests. Sandy has been working with us since March 2006