Meet the team

Rachel's seeds of entrepreneurship

I never planned to be an entrepreneur. Like many others, I started my career climbing the traditional corporate ladder, armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and positions at some of the most prestigious companies in NZ. From managing marketing for an arm of major national airline to working with one of the country's leading clothing manufacturers, and eventually landing at a global consulting firm – my path seemed set in the corporate world.

But something wasn't quite right. During my time as a consultant, I noticed a pattern that would eventually change the trajectory of my career. My clients were brilliant in their respective fields but often struggled with marketing. They were spending money on initiatives that weren't delivering results, and vulnerable to sales pitches that sounded good but weren't strategically sound for their businesses. I saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Finding courage in unexpected places

The decision to leave the security of corporate life wasn't easy. But I found inspiration in Susan Jeffers' book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway." The corporate environment I was in had become too risk-averse, too safe for my creative and analytic spirit. Winston Churchill's words echoed in my mind: "He who dares, wins." Those words resonated deeply with my background, having represented New Zealand at three world hang gliding champs; I was no stranger to calculated risks.

My experience running the New Zealand Joint Action Group for Outdoor Equipment and Apparel Manufacturers provided another push toward entrepreneurship. Working alongside successful business owners from companies like Macpac, Icebreaker, and Foot Science, I realized something profound: the most successful people I knew owned their own businesses. The path to success became clear; I needed to chart my own course.

The evolution of a vision

Initially, I planned to start a marketing consultancy as a stepping stone to launching an apparel company. I had identified promising opportunities in tourism apparel during my corporate days, but life had other plans. The marketing business took off so successfully in those first few years that the apparel venture took a backseat. Now, 29 years later, what started as a temporary venture has become my legacy.

Weathering the storms

Running a business for nearly three decades isn't for the faint of heart. I've learned that success isn't just about the good times. It's about how you handle the challenges. During economic downturns, I've discovered that survival often means catching the low-hanging fruit and being there for the eventual upswing. The key has always been relationships – being proactive, maintaining connections with existing and previous contacts, and constantly putting myself out there.

Embracing change and innovation

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, standing still means falling behind. While the pace of technological change can be daunting, I've positioned myself to stay ahead of most clients while remaining pragmatic about implementation. It's about finding that sweet spot between innovation and practicality – understanding where things are going while remaining grounded in what clients are ready for.

The integration of AI and other emerging technologies has opened new possibilities for delivering cost-effective solutions. By offering affordable monthly retainers and leveraging new tools, we've made professional marketing support accessible to businesses that previously didn't think they could afford it.

The heart of the matter

People often ask what drives me after all these years. The answer lies in a combination of perfectionism and a genuine desire to help others succeed. My broad experience across digital marketing, AI, web design, storytelling, advertising, and copywriting allows me to quickly identify what's working and what needs attention. It's not just about growing a bigger team or chasing numbers – it's about creating something sustainable that can run efficiently without constant oversight.

Looking ahead

My vision for the future isn't about building the biggest agency or having the most employees. Instead, I'm focused on creating a systematized, attractive business model that can operate autonomously and potentially appeal to other businesses. It's about pushing past personal ceilings while maintaining the quality and attention to detail that got us here.

The journey hasn't always been smooth, but each challenge has added another layer to our story. As we continue to evolve and adapt to new market realities, one thing remains constant: our commitment to helping businesses navigate the ever-evolving world of marketing with strategy, human oversight, and pragmatic solutions.

Lessons learned

Through this journey, I've learned that success in business requires:
- The courage to take calculated risks
- Resilience to weather economic storms
- Strong relationships and proactive networking
- Continuous adaptation to technological change
- A balance between innovation and practicality
- A clear vision beyond just growth for growth's sake

The entrepreneurial path isn't for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the challenges, stay true to their vision, and continuously evolve, the rewards extend far beyond the bottom line. It's about creating something meaningful that helps others succeed while pushing your own boundaries of what's possible.