In New Zealand’s dynamic fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries, the path to success is often paved with lessons learned the hard way.
In this article, we’ve gathered wisdom from local professionals who’ve faced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From embracing your unique vision to understanding the power of a strong team, these industry leaders share the key business lessons they wish they had known in their early years. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, these insights are invaluable for navigating New Zealand’s creative landscape.
Elisabeth Findlay – Co-founder of Zambesi
“Thinking back to our formative years this was a time when we made “off the cuff” decisions with a great deal of freedom of expression. We did not conform and were not risk averse. Trusting our instincts kind of worked for us because it set us apart for better or worse.
We think it is important to express Brand personality as an early priority as it will endure and support your business through the challenges ahead.”
Rose Hope – Co-founder of Crushes
“The lesson I wish we would have done sooner is: to repeat our message sooner. When things started to change for the better for Crushes was when we started saying our values over and over. We stepped away from the products we were trying to sell, and moved in to the ‘why’. For instance, yes we’re selling vintage clothing. But more importantly, we’re actively trying to combat fashion waste by making it circular. That then grew into other upcycled collaborations and collections using that waste. When we changed our mindset about self-promotion, Crushes became synonymous with sustainable fashion in Aotearoa.”
Liam Bowden – Founder and Creative Director of Deadly Ponies
“A strong team is one of the most valuable assets in business. Surround yourself with talented people who complement your skills, and trust them to take ownership of their work. Giving them autonomy fosters creativity and drives success.
Before making any decision, ask yourself: Will this excite the customer? Will it engage them? Will they buy it? A successful business is built on understanding and anticipating your customer’s needs, so always view your products, messaging, and strategy through their lens.
Your gut feeling isn’t just intuition, it’s an accumulation of everything you’ve learned overtime. While data and strategy are important, trust your instincts – they’re usually right.
Stay on top of your cash flow, and know exactly what’s going out each month versus what’s coming in. Regularly reviewing and adjusting expenses is far easier than scrambling to increase sales.”
Brooke Lean – Creative Director The Virtue
“Always seek good support and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you… but don’t discount or downplay the power of your own instincts. In other words, don’t let too much external influence or opinion cloud your vision.”
Estelle Schuler – Freelance Fashion Stylist
“I wish I had known earlier that the most vital thing in this journey is simply to begin. We all dream of the life we want, the job we envision – but how can we ever reach that place if we don’t actually start! The best way to do this is by collaborating with friends or people you admire in the community, and posting on social media. Action is the bridge between the dream and the reality, and it’s only when you move, however small the steps, that you begin to shape what you once only imagined. Dreams do come true! Social media is powerful!”
“Also, I wish I knew about Hnry, the accounting app, in my initial years. That thing has truly saved my life as a sole trader!”
Deborah Caldwell – Founder and Creative Director of STORM
“I never stopped to consider how challenging retail could be from a staffing perspective. Make sure when you’re recruiting you’re looking to surround yourself with people who have complementary skill sets, the team you surround yourself with is of the utmost importance.”