Tatum Savage is the wearer of many hats- in 2014 she registered a company called Savage Society, with the dreams of one day having her own business that supported brands with PR and Creative Direction. After 11 years as Communications Manager at M.A.C, that dream became a reality, and now is her daily dose of doing what she loves, for herself and with brands and clients, she adores.
Tatum also mixes it up by working with her husband Gavin on his family business Heirloomacy, growing the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes you'll ever see and taste.
Xenon joined their family of four in 2020 and has been a welcome distraction from the uncertainty and lockdowns of Covid-19.
Could you please tell us about Xenon and how he came to join your family?
We actually had our names down for puppies from another breeder, but one day we were driving home from Muriwai Beach, and Gav made a dramatic detour to go and see a litter of Siberian Husky X puppies that a friend had told him had recently been born. We walked out to where the puppies were and the most beautiful little puppy came bounding up to us. Whilst the other puppies were also adorable, this one pup just stuck by us and even fell asleep in my daughter's lap. From that first visit, we knew Xenon was the puppy for us.
How has your family changed since introducing a pup?
Needless to say, Xenon has brought so much joy to our family. He's got a super cool and chilled temperament, is extremely loving and often hilarious, is very protective (if the kids are hurt or crying he will run to protect them) and is the best welcoming committee when we get home from school or work. Our family adores him. He has become quite simply our best mate.
With a Siberian Husky cross, is there anything breed-specific that you need to do for Xenon or be aware of?
Xenon is a Siberian Husky crossed with a White Shepherd, so he's not a small dog. Although we don't live on a huge property, he goes out to the farm every day with Gav. They need space and the opportunity to be exercised sometimes twice a day. To own a dog like Xenon you really do need to be committed to ensuring they get the time to run otherwise their naughty streak is bound to come out.
Does Xenon influence your work in any way?
During the Covid lockdown in 2020 Xenon was just a puppy. He would sleep at my feet under my desk at home. He brought so much reprieve during a time of immense uncertainty. I also believe Xenon has brought more balance to our lives - a favourite thing for us to do is walk him as a family. It gives us a great opportunity to chat and connect as a family without all the usual distractions from our normal daily lives.
What’s the best thing about having Xenon in your family?
The chats! Xenon doesn't bark but rather talks to us by making wooing and singing types sounds. He's a really great communicator in that regard and I really enjoy our talks together.
You can follow Tatum and Gavin’s incredible family run heirloom tomato company, Heirloomacy, here.