Our Journey through the Gift and Homeware Shows

As a small business owner, navigating the challenges of rising petrol costs while seeking new retailers across the motu (land) can be daunting. However, our fortunes took a turn for the better when we discovered the Gift and Homeware show. The first show we attended was in Auckland in August 2022, followed by another in April 2023, and the grand finale for the year, the August 2023 show at the Greenland Event Centre.

The Gift and Homeware show has been a boon for us, as it brings potential retailers together under one roof, making it much easier to connect with those seeking fresh and exciting products for their stores. With thousands of attendees, it has provided us with an exceptional platform to grow our business. Through building these connections, we have managed to expand the number of stores that carry our products, and that is truly remarkable.

Our journey began with the first show in Auckland, where we were fortunate to secure funding through a local business development fund, which allowed us to set up our first stall. This was a thrilling opportunity, and my daughter Phoenix joined me on this exciting venture. The show took place at Spark Arena, and as first-timers, we were uncertain about what to expect. To our surprise, our new stand, He Mihi, along with our greeting cards, was an instant hit! This early success filled us with hope and reinforced our commitment to both business and kaupapa (purpose).

For the second show, I went alone, armed with a new car that promised to save on fuel costs for the journey from Whanganui to Auckland. The convenience was appreciated, but the setup process was a challenge. I vowed to invest in a trolley dolley to ease the burden of multiple trips between the car and the stall. Unfortunately, the success we experienced at Spark Arena was not replicated this time around. The market seemed tough, and even Whitcoulls showed little interest in our offerings. Nevertheless, we persisted, hopeful that things would pick up. Although we didn’t secure significant sales, we received smaller orders and established valuable new connections. Regardless of the order size, we are deeply grateful for every retailer that welcomes us into their store. As we prepare for the upcoming show, we are excited and better prepared, having gained experience and seasoned ourselves for the journey ahead. Our primary goal is to reach the event safely and embrace the entire experience.

Throughout this journey, we have been fortunate to have the support of our whānau (family), and we cherish that greatly. Looking forward to the next show in August, we anticipate meeting new people, reconnecting with old acquaintances, and sharing our mahi (work) so we can mihi (greet) each other in te reo Māori through our greeting cards.

The Gift and Homeware shows have been pivotal for our business, offering us the chance to create relationships with retailers and customers alike. From our humble beginnings at Spark Arena to our anticipation for the upcoming August show, we are grateful for the opportunities that have come our way. As we continue to build our business, we remain committed to our kaupapa and aspire to spread the beauty of te reo Māori through our greeting cards. With the unwavering support of our whānau and the connections we make at the Gift and Homeware shows, we eagerly embrace the path that lies ahead, knowing that the journey itself is a blessing worth celebrating.

Shout out to the organisers especially Sammy Milicich and the Spark Arena Security team for giving me that much needed break when I needed it.

Mauri ora