Join me as I share my five favourite perks of running my own business, Maimoa Creative. From pursuing passions to financial freedom, each insight is a personal reflection from my 5-year entrepreneurial adventure.
As we say "haere rā" to 2023, Maimoa Creative reflects on a year marked by growth, milestones, and connections. From reaching new heights in sales and expanding our product range, to media features and speaking events, and showcasing at Te Matatini and reaching Instagram milestones and featuring in the Edmonds Māori cookery book campaign, join us in reflecting on the milestones that shaped our pakihi. The hua (fruits) of these milestones fuel our passion to continue delivering value. Thank you for being part of our incredible journey.
Explore a unique assortment of exceptional products from 50+ Māori-owned businesses in our carefully curated collection. Discover meaningful gifts for the festive season and beyond while championing local artisans and indigenous entrepreneurs. Our guide spans various budget options, catering to your every gifting need, whether it's a charming Secret Santa surprise, a cute stocking filler, a statement gift for a loved one, or a collaborative gift between whānau and friends that leaves a lasting impression.
Dive into the world of Toni-Nere Austen, a dedicated plant enthusiast who embodies resilience and passion. Learn how her plant healing journey led to the creation of 'Grown n' Steady' and her mission to pass down her family's horticultural legacy. Discover the story behind the Philodendron 'Austentatious' and the significance of "mauri mahi, mauri ora" in Toni's life. Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming release of Maimoa Creative's aprons.
Calling all self-employed business owners! Take a break from the daily grind and invest in the big picture by going on your own Mahi Retreat. Whether you go alone, with your team, or join other like-minded business owners, a Mahi Retreat is a getaway dedicated to nurturing the growth of your business. Set in a beautiful location, it's a time to recalibrate, dream big, set goals, and find rest. Don't underestimate the power of stepping away from the daily hustle to realign your goals and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Here are some top tips for organising your own Mahi Retreat: choose compatible company, select an inspiring location, set intentions for the retreat, start each day in a way that energises you, create a rough schedule, plan and share meals, support each other, and end the retreat on a high note. Remember to plan your next retreat before you leave to maintain momentum and rejuvenate your business.
In this blog post, I reflect on the past three years of running Maimoa Creative, sharing insights and experiences from starting and growing my business. From releasing new products to collaborating with others, surviving lockdowns, and gaining a significant following on Instagram, it has been a wild and fulfilling adventure. I take you back to the beginning when the idea for Maimoa Creative started brewing during my maternity leave, and I share the highs and lows of being a small business owner. Along the way, I provide advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners based on what I have learned from my own journey.
Discover a curated selection of beautiful and authentic products from Māori-owned businesses. This festive season, support local and embrace the rich culture of Aotearoa. From baby blankets and wraps by Awhi Co. to stunning original art on hand-made harakeke paper by Jordy Elise, each item carries the essence of Māori language and culture. Tracy Maniapoto offers whakakai (earrings) that bring te reo Māori into everyday fashion, while Designed by Natives offers framed prints, Kirihimete decorations, jewellery, and kākahu (clothing). Explore the Kaupapa Game, a fun educational word game celebrating te reo Māori, or discover ethical baby wraps, clothing, homeware, and more from Aho Creative. Immerse yourself in Māori-inspired playing cards by Kāri Māori or find Māori-inspired stationery from Tuhi Stationery. The Woodlands Toys offer handcrafted wooden toys, and Be + Humble presents handcrafted skincare. Nichola.nz showcases clothing, jewellery, and accessories, while SaMāori offers Kawhe (coffee) with a Māori twist. NUKU presents a powerful pukapuka (book) based on their series "NUKU: Stories of 100 Indigenous Wāhine," and Taputapu Ltd. offers homeware. Discover clothing, jewellery, and homeware from Waiapu Road, indulge in holistic skincare from Hau Botanicals, or capture precious memories with Te Reo Māori keepsakes from Pukapuka Puipuiaki. Finally, explore clothing, accessories, and gift boxes from Ahu Boutique and experience the diverse talents and creativity of Māori-owned businesses.
Curating the perfect workspace is crucial for creative professionals working from home. Create an environment that inspires, boosts productivity, and brings joy. Natural lighting is essential for a healthier and more productive workspace. Maximize natural light with light-colored walls, skylights, or artificial lighting that mimics natural light. Keep your work and home life separate by setting up a dedicated workspace. Consider investing in an outdoor unit, using a spare bedroom or a desk in your bedroom, or renting a desk in a shared space. Incorporating plants not only adds beauty but also reduces stress, increases productivity, and purifies the air. Choose low-maintenance plants that suit the room's sunlight conditions. Embrace tidiness by making it a habit to tidy up your workspace at the end of each day. Assign a home for everything in your office to maintain organization and make it easier to find items. Switch up your decor and furniture periodically to refresh your space and gain a new perspective. Make storage visually appealing by using matching storage containers and labeling them clearly for easy access.
