The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Since I started Kara Kawa, I have overcome many challenges and hurdles. Some of the main ones that stand out to me are:
- The trial and error of designing a new product formula, and many batches of binned product that just didn’t work.
- Pricing; I absolutely hate pricing my products. I want them to be affordable, but I still need to cover my costs.
- Finding all-natural palm oil-free ingredients that are suitable and available in New Zealand.
- Teaching myself as I go, as there are no real qualifications in New Zealand for this type of work. The testing process is often time-consuming and can waste a lot of resources making things work.
- Working with a chronic illness.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are many pros to running your own business, including being able to work from home and learning something new and exciting every day. I like knowing exactly what is in my products, seeing the great feedback and seeing my products work for the people who need them the most. I get to do what I love doing while being my own boss, exloring new products, creating my own formulas, designing my own packages and meeting amazing people along the way.
In terms of cons, I have less time for me and the family, and there is definitely stress that comes with being my own boss. Learning as I go can be costly and time-consuming, and, dishes… there are always so many dishes! Sourcing ingredients is difficult in New Zealand too. Having my office in the dining room can be hard. My son keeps distracting me as I am writing this – I wish this room had a door!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I want to help as many people with skin conditions as possible.
I have just started studying towards a Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation, so I cant wait to complete that, then I will add shampoo and conditioners to my products.
Once I have finished my Haircare course, I will move on to the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation.
I hope to expand my range and get my products in more shops throughout New Zealand and to be able to give up my part-time job and be fully supported by my own income.
I would love to eventually grow my business to the point where I need to employ staff to help me.
Head to the Kara Kawa website to find out more and to view her full range of skincare products, and join her communities on Facebook and Instagram.
