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.
Learning te reo Māori as an adult can be challenging, especially for non-Māori on a reclamation journey. In this guide, I share some top tips based on my own experience. First, understand your capacity and make learning fit into your life. Set realistic expectations and be patient with your progress. Nail the basics to build a strong foundation, and be open to unlearning incorrect pronunciations. Embrace mistakes and learn from them. Remember that learning the language is connected to understanding Māori culture and tikanga. Always remind yourself of your "why" and the bigger picture. Finally, acknowledge and embrace the emotions that arise during the reclamation journey.

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.