The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Gosh, there are many challenges. When I was first starting out, I had someone in the industry try to sway me, but it actually just intensified my passion!
Time and money are significant concerns. I’m only small, and I do this all by myself while at home with two kiddies, so it takes a lot of mental and physical energy to figure out how to connect with mothers, design products, and actually afford the ideas I have. I don’t take a wage or earnings; anything I make goes right back into the business.
Staying relevant with new brands popping up all the time is tough; I’m constantly evaluating if there’s still a market for my products. Sometimes, I feel like a tiny fish in a big pond.
Only until recently, could I afford to invest in some help to boost visibility on Google and social media. It has been a continuous work in progress.
Growing an authentic audience is difficult. I know that other brands and companies pay for followers, promoters and ads, so it’s been a struggle to organically increase my numbers and get engagement on the content I’m creating. There have been some lovely mamas, especially on Instagram, who have supported me so kindly. I’ve had heart-to-heart chats with some, and that has been wonderful!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest ‘pro’ for me at the moment is that I am able to spend the most important first few years of my children’s lives at home with them, as I have my office and products in my house. Also, independence, flexibility, having complete creative control, the personal community, and seeing direct results of my efforts and work.
The big down side is the risk factor and financial instability. Some weeks are good – with a bunch of sales – and others not so much. All the responsibility falls on me.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would obviously LOVE to grow my business to be much bigger than it is now and provide more products to mothers in New Zealand!
I’m also looking into getting licensed to sell baked goods. I would be so happy to sell my own lactation cookies and brownies on my website!
There’s the option of selling in Australia as well, which many people have recommended to me, but New Zealand is my priority and mums here, so that’s what I’m focusing on for now.
Visit the Milkii website to find out more and to shop their products. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
