Buy Local and Support Young Women's Businesses

The NZ government and the NZ public’s team effort in avoiding a COVID-19 crisis produced a surge in national pride. One way this was manifested was in a big drive to support NZ-owned businesses and NZ-made products. With this in mind, we thought we’d highlight some of the entrepreneurial young women all under the age of 30 in Aotearoa that you can support:

Looking for beauty products that people rave about and has a social conscious? Check out indigo & iris. They donate 50% of the profits from the sale of their products to different projects, including the Fred Hollows Foundation. 

Forget fast fashion, so 2019. Check out the mint vintage threads found by sisters Sian and Tina Kolose at the Hunting Ground Store. Looking for gender-neutral clothing ethically made and locally produced in Tāmaki Makaurau? Then Natasha Ovely’s Starving Artists Fund is for you. If you’re after a unique and ethically made adornment that are instant heirlooms, then look no further than Hannah Davis-Gray’s Dangerous Goods Jewellery. 

Need a statement tee? Go straight to Johanna and Britt Cosgrove’s Nope Sisters. A social enterprise they came up with when they were teenagers in 2016, each t-shirt carries a strong message and takes a stand on social issues that affect New Zealanders like period poverty, sexual consent, youth suicide and eating disorders. 50% of the profits from each of their collections is donated to their charity partners. And they’re sustainable to boot.

Deanna Yang decided she wanted to own a milk and cookie bar when she was eight. Now 29 years old, Deanna’s dream, Moustache, has been a reality for eight years. You can buy the delicious cookies online or visit one of three locations (two in Auckland, one in Christchurch).

Our very own Y25 2020 boasts a few young women running their own businesses. 22-year-old Kelly Johnson created ‘Her Energy’, an electricity retailer that gives back a significant portion of its profits to women's initiatives. 20-year-old Te Manaia Jennings makes and sells beautiful paintings that focus on the theme of empowering women. 25-year-old Charlotte Nield can satisfy your frozen treats cravings with Wild & Whipped: nutritious banana-based vegan nicecream.

The New Zealand Made Products Facebook group launched during lockdown, in mid-April, aiming to build a community of Kiwis interested in buying New Zealand-made and connecting them with local businesses. At last count, it has 505,902 members with thousands of small to medium-sized businesses promoting their wares and services. I went through the screeds of posts for you to find these gems (you’re welcome): 

12-year-old Amy from Lower Hutt could never find scrunchies that she liked so she did what any future captain of industry would do - started making them and selling them herself. Join the Amy’s Bright Creations Facebook group to peruse her collection and make an order.

Year 9 Northcote College student Jessica used her time during lockdown to embrace her entrepreneurial spirit. Along with her grandmother, she started making and selling eco-friendly reusable face masks. Madame Masks not only adhere to face-covering guidelines, but they’re also stylish and fun too so you can take the bus to school or work without compromising your aesthetic. 

13-year-old Wellingtonian Izzy launched Doggy Bandanas by Izzy as a fundraiser amongst her friends and family to help get her on the Spirit of Adventure. COVID-19 crushed that dream so she took DBBI legit in lockdown and now everyone can get their doggo best-bud a cute bandana.

Courtney White’s drawings are the embodiment of empowerment and self-compassion. They’re bold and real. Brighten up your walls!