The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The biggest challenge for probably most businesses today is the current cost of living crisis and high inflation, resulting in fewer people being able to afford to buy new things. I have spoken to many retail boutique shops about Hera and often they refer to the quiet, unpredictable times at the moment, and we have felt that in our campaigns to reach new customers. I guess it is an ongoing challenge and hopefully just hanging in there doing the best we can on price and quality will bring us out the other side in the future.
Another, less significant challenge that I have overcome in the first few months of owning Hera has been getting a space to create and drive the business that works with my family. We had a shared home office as my partner mostly works from home also, but this was nowhere near where the Hera stock is stored. So I have created a beautiful home office setting with plenty of space for laying out the beautiful Hera clothes to work with and I am very happy here. I can hear the birds and see the mountains and it is a lovely place to be.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
For me, the main pro and con of running your own business are the same. It is the unknown ahead, and the possibilities of where it will go! So exciting some days; so scary on others! It would be lovely to have a set income from set hours per week for my family, but I struggle to find the passion and drive in having a job like that. I love that the possibilities are there. If you can dream it, it could happen. It’s down to you!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I love the saying, “Progress is moving forwards, no matter how slow you go”. So all the time Hera is growing and developing, I am fulfilling my hopes and dreams. My ultimate goal at this stage is to grow the brand to be stocked in department stores across New Zealand, and to have a national following. This may evolve as we embark on our journey further, and I am open to all partnerships and opportunities. Like I say, as long as we are progressing, what more can you want!
Visit the Hera Fitness website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
