The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
There have been many challenges. The biggest challenge though is probably getting my head around the world of business whilst still treating the rongoaa with integrity. At first people were saying that I was underselling myself but it’s important to me to ensure that the product is affordable for mama out there just like me. I remember the beautiful experience of bath time with my own pepi (baby). I want mama to have products that enhance that experience. Another challenge has been learning how to drive sales to my website. It’s just me on production, designing labels, marketing, branding, website development, promotion and sales. But every day and every week I make a step forward and that’s been extremely rewarding.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running my own business is creating a future that my whole whanau can be involved in if they choose. I see opportunities for personal growth and financial freedom so that one day I’ll be able to give up my day job and move into the next phase of my life, which will be based around the rongoaa. I have a strong support system around me in my partner and brother who keep me grounded spiritually when I start running with proposals that may not be good for me or the business. They also keep me moving forward physically when I need reminding of my long-term financial goals. There is nothing more empowering than building something from the ground up – there is only one direction: up.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My goal in the next two years is to be working the business full time. Next year, I want to have at least 4 more stockists under my belt and plans underway for turning a space in my house into a shop. I see opportunity in the next five years to be able to offer workshops locally and to tourists and, of course, to continue my own learning journey with the rongoaa.
Visit the Mauri2Mauri website to learn more and to view their range of natural skincare products. You can also follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram.
