The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Learning to sew – not being able to sew created a huge barrier. I had the product ideas in my head but I couldn’t quite get them over the finish line into a structurally sound product. It wasn’t really viable to hire someone as the cutting and construction of each sewn loofah product is the main part, and the sewing is just the finishing off so it didn’t make sense to hand it over at that point.
I brought a sewing machine, attended sewing night classes and practised working with the loofah so that it was easier to sew, and kept at it until I could sew each product to a high standard. This meant that I could create many more loofah products like the pads, soap pockets and a car aroma pendant (soon to be launched).
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I love the challenge of creating and growing a business. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle with thousands of pieces. Some pieces you know exactly how they fit and others need more knowledge, whether that’s having to go and learn yourself, like photography, welding or sewing, or if you have to bring in the right people with the right skills like accountants and technicians. It’s a great feeling when another piece fits into place.
The downside to running a horticulture business is that it can be unpredictable and some things are just out of our control. Some seasons are great and others not so much. All we can do is try to be prepared as best we can. The upside is that I get to be out in nature, hanging out with the bees and stopping to smell the roses every day.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m excited for the future of The Loofah Patch – We’re getting ready to launch two new products, plus we’re working on streamlining our wholesale side of the business so that our New Zealand-grown loofah products can be in more stores soon.
Visit The Loofah Patch website to find out more about their products, and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
