How do you balance work and family?
My kids are aged two years and 11 months, and they have a routine. This helps me set aside time to work on the business. I work when they have naps and when they’re asleep. My husband Danny does shift work and we share looking after the kids, which also helps me get more work done. We prioritise our tasks each day and work on keeping clear lines of communication.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Women have been amazing at helping me get to where I need to be. My eczema nurse has given out samples of Kawakawa balm in her eczema clinic and helped me reach a lot of new people. Susie, owner of Lavender Creek Farm in Te Horo, has mentored me in the natural medicine market and in manufacturing products at an industrial level. They believe in me and believe in my product; I feel very supported by these amazing women.
For better or for worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Family is really important to me and becoming a mother has only confirmed that, so the flexibility I have to work and be there for my children is priceless.
When events like COVID-19 happen, they can have devastating effects on small business and create a lot of uncertainty for people. But with every challenging situation, there is an opportunity. Right now, New Zealanders are getting behind local businesses and that’s a major boost.
Owning a small business is challenging because it forces you to step out of your comfort zone frequently to take risks, but the satisfaction of the everyday small wins keep adding to the momentum, and that is exhilarating.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We have just formed a partnership with the Eczema Association of New Zealand. I am honoured to reach out to families in the midst of the emotional journeys they could be going through, and support them through our products.
I’m developing other products that will be helpful for people with eczema, so I can bring the joy of the humble Kawakawa leaf and other research-backed natural remedies to more people.
I’m also looking at ways to work with local businesses on sustainable practices, such as using Kawakawa leaves that would otherwise be collected up and thrown away.
I’m looking forward to helping more people, both babies and families, who suffer from eczema and sensitive skin. I truly believe our product can change lives.
To find out more, head to the Medica website and follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram.
