Kiwis in Business

Vania Truchsess never saw herself working within the framework of a large company, so this free spirited creative followed her dreams to ‘create a little kingdom and do things my own way’.

Moving to New Zealand from Venezuela in 2012, Vania quickly turned her passion for making things with her hands into a successful jewellery business, VANIA.

Drawing on lessons learnt in her youth to work hard and always be your authentic self, and taking inspiration from a member of the Wayuu tribe who helped raise her, she created VANIA.

Selling online and at select retail outlets around New Zealand, VANIA's gemstone bracelet and earring range encourages its wearers to ‘follow their soul and be their own kind of beautiful’.

Hear Vania’s unique story in this interview.

https://www.vaniatruchsess.co.nz/

Gisborne born and raised entrepreneur Nathan Little worked in various business roles before starting Yum Box earlier this year.

After a life-changing overseas trip, Nathan and his wife Alyssha realised they wanted something more than the 9-5 lifestyle so returned to NZ to start business that would give them freedom to create the life they love.

Now based in Tauranga, Nathan runs Yum Box for Kiwis with food allergies and special dietary requirements. The Yum Box product range caters to people who are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, egg free, sugar free, soy free, keto, paleo, vegan or specifically seek NZ-made goods, or an organic diet. The snacks come in boxes that consumers can compile themselves or pre-filled boxes.

Nathan speaks to our guest host Nicola Brebner, a parent of a child with food allergies, about his new business and how he’s hoping to make a positive difference in vulnerable communities around the world. 10 percent of all the profits from Yum Box go back into those communities.

https://www.yum-box.co.nz/

Lulu Wilcox has dressed some of the country’s most recognisable faces, through her work at New Zealand’s leading magazines, TV networks and with top fashion designers.

During her extensive career as a freelance fashion and celebrity stylist, Lulu discovered the synergy between fashion and interiors. 

During the COVID-19 lockdown, she launched Lulu Wilcox Interiors, another branch of her styling business, and is now working with Kiwis to help them create their dream homes and spaces.

The Matamata-born stylist guides her clients through small room transformations or a full renovation.  She works with the vision and budget of each client to offer help on everything from paint colour selection to lighting, furniture, furnishings and configurations. 

She’s also offering her services to buyers and sellers in the real estate market to transform spaces and better present their homes.

Get inspired and learn some quick tips and tricks in this interview.

www.luluwilcox.com

Southland-based artisan producer Gathered Game make an authentic traditionally aged product range inspired by European style cured meats.   In this episode we talk all things salami with award-winning business founder Chris Thorn, who’s made a success out of his passion for hunting and gathering. Locally sourced from Fiordland and produced in Lumsden, all Gathered Game products are gluten free, dairy free and use natural ingredients: wild venison meat mixed with herbs, spices and a touch of free range NZ pork fat. Gathered Game brings the best of both worlds together, wild New Zealand game and the art of preserving and dry aging organic meat. Chris shares his business startup journey with us in this 20-min chat!

From an early age, Kiwi entrepreneur Greig Brebner loved the idea of designing a winning product – and with a big vision, know-how and energy he went on to do just that!

He gave the humble umbrella a classy make-over when he launched BLUNT Umbrellas over 15 years ago. Since then, BLUNT has become a household name and now sells into retail outlets in more than 30 countries around the world.

In this special episode of ‘Kiwis in Business’ Greig shares his business journey – from the streets of London to his return to rural life in New Zealand – and gives tips for business success and discusses the challenges he’s faced along the way.

Dreaming of travelling ‘premium economy’? Well you still can, with the help of Andy Ford, the founder of Epic Campers, a high-quality, affordable campervan rental business. Serial entrepreneur Andy takes us on an adventure with his latest business venture, the challenges he’s faced amid COVID-19, and the ups and downs he’s experienced during his varied career path. The tech entrepreneur, who moved to NZ from the UK in 2015, started Epic Campers two years ago, creating a comfortable, compact ‘home away from home’. Andy hopes more Kiwis will start exploring the country by campervan in light of the current situation. Buckle up and listen in! www.epiccampers.co.nz 

Emma Willetts is a professional wedding and landscape photographer based in Oamaru, who is making a name for herself with her aerial abstracts, which she’s captured through the lens of her camera while thousands of feet up in the air. She talks to Linda about how travelling the world for nearly a decade on a super-yacht inspired her to learn photography and turn it into a full-time job. Check out Emma's photographic prints here: www.emmawillettsprints.com

A catch up chat with Jodie Rainsford, the co-founder of James., an eco-conscious brand of luxury dog furnishings and accessories made from quality Italian materials and recycled plastic bottles. Jodie is a professional photographer and volunteer firefighter based in Wanaka. She runs James. with her partner Tom Aveling. The South Island design duo and dog-lovers are also the proud owners of New Zealand’s multiple award-winning Small Home 2016, 'Tom's house' which they run as a holiday rental. To find out more about James. visit: www.herejames.com 

Life101 teaches life skills to a wide range of groups including prisoners, youth at risk and high performing teenagers around New Zealand. In this podcast you will hear about the positive impact the organisation is having on people around the country, the challenges they've faced on their business journey, and their vision for the future. For more information on Life101 visit www.life101.co.nz