About NZ Collab
I’m RL, based in sunny Nelson where I work full time and solo-parent my two sweet and strong-willed girls (plus 2 cats and 2 dogs). NZ Collab is very much a side hustle, squeezed into the chaos of everyday life and born from my ADHD-fuelled urge to always be busy with something.
It’s my creative outlet, a way to connect, support, and celebrate small NZ businesses and quite possibly my most productive form of procrastination.
*Photo by the talented Claire Dewson Photography
My short-lived stint as a small business owner introduced me to the world of instagram and opened my eyes to the huge number of other small businesses operating all over the country. I was amazed!
I quickly discovered hundreds and hundreds of incredible local businesses that I otherwise had not heard of and while I decided to close up my own side hustle, I wanted to share those I’d connected with and support them and their brands. I understand how tricky it can be to build an audience and to translate likes to sales.
Since 2018 I’ve worked with thousands of local businesses around New Zealand and have loved having the opportunity to introduce others to these talented individuals and show off their products.
My eldest daughter and wee sidekick Ella (self appointed Proper Crisps taste tester) loves to help with NZ Collab and to be involved in the process of photographing products, trying what she can and giving the unfiltered feedback of a beautifully honest child. Ella has been lucky enough to work with dozens of local businesses and being the creative wee soul that she is, considers @thebookplaybox her very fave!
Before NZ Collab, I spent ten years as the General Manager of a multi-million dollar business that was proudly 100% NZ owned and operated. Most people were surprised to learn we managed to support over 300,000 Kiwi clients from a single little office here in Nelson.
Seeing how much could be achieved by working with local businesses around the regions was inspiring and made me proud of the talent we have in this country.
Since launching NZ Collab, we’ve run countless Instagram giveaways and shared the love for all kinds of small NZ brands. It’s been a full family effort, with my girls helping behind the scenes and our fur babies happily testing out treats and toys. Occasionally, they even co-operate for a photo or two.
Miss Maddie (who joined the crew in November 2019) is exploring, wearing a dreamy @divinedesign.nz faux fur vest.