The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Starting a business in the Covid era, with the resulting shipping delays and continuing increase in costs, are probably our biggest challenges. Also, convincing people that it is worth paying a bit more for quality products, and getting them to actually look at what is in their kits and learning what to do with it, is very important.
We don’t have a big corporate marketing budget. We designed the online store, and create all our own social media, which has been a big learning curve. We’ve really relied on word of mouth and the quality our products to do the talking. Having just the two of us across every aspect of the business allows us to connect with each customer in the early stages, which is so important, and it has been great to hear their feedback.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Sometimes you start to wonder if starting your own business is the right thing to do, but it is scientifically backed that you’re more likely to achieve your goals when your brain is in a positive state, so it is important stay positive! Working with a friend really helps this, as we share our different strengths.
There are lots of risks, especially financial, but it is also so rewarding, and we both enjoyed the challenge of starting and growing a business; especially when you realise people actually want to buy something that you have created.
It is great to be able to hand pick the best products that you want to use, and we have loved building relationships with other innovative NZ brands such as Goodbye Ouch, Pure Hydration and Wool Aid.
Running your own business is also a great way to learn new skills and grow as a person. We’ve learnt about marketing, sales, finance, plus so much more. Being responsible for making all the decisions and being held accountable for our results is a constant. There is also the uncertainty of the future – it is both exciting and stressful not knowing the challenges or opportunities our business will face.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Our goal is, and always will be, to have a conscious ethos, and when you shop with us, you can purchase, rest assured, knowing we have done the leg work. We have trialled, used and loved all of our products (though thankfully we haven’t yet had to use the tourniquet!).
Our next product is a waterproof marine kit. It is currently in design stage, and we are grateful to be working on the concept with some experts in New Zealand’s boating world.
Visit the Parachute First Aid website to find out more and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
