Iyia Liu (left) and Edna Swart (right) star in Season 2 of BossBabes on TVNZ OnDemand. Image supplied.
BossBabes launches it’s second season on TVNZ OnDemand today with businesswomen Edna Swart and Iyia Liu returning for more entrepreneurial adventures. We were first introduced to the show last August and it became an online success with viewers enjoying the candid moments of these two women who are doing business on their own terms. The first season followed the launch of Edna’s skincare brand and the creation of her popular Flamingo swimwear line, while Iyia had a house warming party, hosted a successful Girls in Business event, got a butt lift and fell in love with her now partner Jordan.
It was quite a crazy ride over 8 episodes but one of the highlights of the show was the genuine friendship between the two women who had each other’s backs for every high and low. This season sees the two BossBabes share the screen with their beaus adding to the entertainment value of the show. Season 2’s filming was cut short due to the lockdown situation in New Zealand but there are still 6 episodes of the new season for viewers to enjoy.
We caught up with Edna and Iyia to find out what the response was like for BossBabes, what we can expect from Season 2 and what advice they would give to someone who wants to start a business of their own?
Edna Swart
Congratulations on BossBabes Season 2, what was the response like to Season 1 for you?
Thank you! Surprisingly viewers loved season 1. 99% of feedback has only been positive and it was surprising to hear how diversified our viewership was. Always great to know we bring some sort of value and entertainment to the small screen.
What has it been like watching yourself on the show? Have you been recognized in public at all and how do you handle it?
I can’t watch season 1 again, it’s just too cringe for me. Knowing what I know now and how different I turn up; I can’t handle watching it. I’m so much more relaxed on screen now and you can definitely see it. I’ve been recognised a few times, I forget I am somewhat in the public eye but when I do I’m just super friendly and stop and chat. I’m blessed to have this opportunity so it’s important to give viewers the time. I’ve had a few messages saying they saw me but were too nervous to come up and say hi. I respond letting them know to please come say hi next time.
What can we look forward to from Season 2 of your show?
Even though we have fewer episodes this time round, we definitely have so much more happen. Both of us hit big personal milestones and we face some really big business challenges in the current market. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t finish filming due to the current circumstances, but I hope we are able to share enough for viewers to get an understanding of how stressful the last three months have been for both Iyia and I.
What were your favourite moments from filming Season 2?
I’d have to say sharing screen time with my man. It’s been interesting for Iyia and I with the integration of both our men into this season and we have had some crazy funny times filming with them.
How do you personally define success and what does it mean to you?
I do not believe success has a definition. Each person classifies and interprets success differently. Even personally, I do not feel I am yet, even though I have reached goals I have set for myself and I guess that’s a measure of success. I keep setting new goals and moving the goal post but as long as I’m happy in what I do and growing as a person, I feel success just comes with that.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
So important! I see those women who uplift, and I see those who don’t. Unfortunately, we still live very much live in a social surrounding of tall poppy syndrome, and we have a long way to go to change this. Personally, I see how hard other women work, I can relate so I give support as much as I can and appreciate every bit of support that I get in return. For those who don’t support me, I have learnt to remove from my personal life and block those on social media.
Who do you look up to as a female role model and why?
In a business sense, Karen Murrell. I’d love for her to be my mentor, Karen if your reading this please can you be?
Her journey is relatable, her reasons behind her brand are genuine and seeing how successful she has become in many markets is so admirable. A Kiwi businesswoman who truly made an amazing name for herself.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business of their own?
Where do I start! The one thing I have learnt running my business is persistence and resilience. Your passion will soon die when things get really tough, you question your ability, your purpose etc, but it’s those who push through, innovate, think outside the box, reach for help, think of a plan, consistently learn and execute, who make it past a start-up to a real thriving business.
What are your goals for the future?
I have a few business goals I’m working towards. Personally, I’d like to have my business in a position where I can start planning our first baby and taking some time off.
Iyia Liu
Congratulations on BossBabes Season 2, what was the response like to Season 1 for you?
Thanks! The response from Season 1 was pretty positive. I was expecting a bit more backlash, as you get with reality TV, but have surprisingly been flooded with kind messages that people have enjoyed the show, both in person and online.
What has it been like watching yourself on the show? Have you been recognised in public at all and how do you handle it?
At first, you cringe a little and critique yourself, but then you get over it. I guess we are always hardest on ourselves. I get recognised quite often as “the girl off Boss Babes” – petrol stations, day care, KFC drive through – you name it! One person yelled out to me on the motorway driving past “I LOVE BOSSBABES!” and some people ask for photos, it’s really cool! Except for the one time someone recognised me when I was running errands in my dressing gown haha.
What can we look forward to from Season 2 of your show?
Season 2 overlooks my pregnancy and after giving birth, and a few other exciting life events of mine and Edna’s.
What were your favourite moments from filming Season 2?
I love filming the in-studio interviews! These are hands down my favourite filming sessions, they are our voice overs for the show and also a good laugh.
How do you personally define success and what does it mean to you?
When I was younger, I thought having a good career/job/business was the defining measure of success, but over time I’ve realised success is actually just being happy. At the peak of my career, I was still often unhappy. Now, I’ve learnt that family, friends and relationships are also very important and it’s all about balance.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It’s extremely important to support others and get support. It’s impossible to reach the top of anything solely alone, you need help from others along the way, and it needs to be reciprocal.
Who do you look up to as a female role model and why?
After having my little baby, I can really appreciate how hard it is to work and have kids at the same time (borderline impossible). So, to name a few working mums: Anna Mowbray (Zuru), Lisa King (Eat My Lunch) our BossBabes producer Alysha Kennedy (Warner Brothers), the list could really go on!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business of their own?
Give it a go! If you want it bad enough, you’ll make it happen. Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, trial and error, and scale up.
What are your goals for the future?
I’d love to continue to inspire people to get involved in business. I’ll be running my Girls in Business events, starting more businesses, looking after my little baby (who is growing so quickly), and spending a lot of time with my family and friends.
Images supplied.