Today was a day filled with connections, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose at the Gift and Homeware Show. Amidst the vibrant array of exhibits, I had the extraordinary privilege of engaging with fellow Māori entrepreneurs within the the Māori collective section. This gathering not only highlighted a commitment to uplifting and supporting Māori businesses but also breathed life into the very essence of the event. Their presence, like a tapestry woven with passion and resilience, infused the show with a sense of authenticity that made every moment spent there truly invaluable.
With my heart brimming with enthusiasm and a stack of festive Christmas stickers in hand, I embarked on a mission to connect. One by one, I introduced myself and the venture I hold dear, extending a warm invitation for a genuine exchange of stories and experiences. The resulting conversations were nothing short of captivating. Each entrepreneur shared their unique journey of cultivating their businesses, each narrative a testament to their dedication, creativity, and unwavering spirit. I found myself humbled by the wealth of wisdom and inspiration encapsulated in these conversations. Looking back, I’m overcome with genuine delight that I embraced these opportunities for enriching dialogues.
Amidst the camaraderie and shared aspirations, a moment of serendipity struck, nudging me to unveil a long-held vision that has been brewing within me. What better place to lay bare this concept than amidst a gathering of kindred spirits who appreciate the profound value of Māori entrepreneurship? It was in this atmosphere of understanding and potential that I introduced my aspiration: to establish a unique Māori stationery emporium. Imagine the essence of Whitcoulls, but with a Māori flair that beautifully reflects our culture and identity. Our collective ingenuity would shape a name that resonates deeply and stands as a testament to our shared journey.
Our vision, the beating heart of this endeavour, aims to curate a diverse array of Māori-themed stationery. From the most mundane yet essential tools like erasers and pens, to the heartfelt artistry of greeting cards, the profound impact of educational resources, and the rhythm of time captured in calendars – each item a testament to our creative expression. And as we diligently craft each piece, our purpose goes beyond offering just stationery; it’s about infusing our heritage into everyday life.
Yet, as with any dream, we face challenges along this path.
- While numerous Māori-owned businesses craft exceptional stationery products, our efforts are somewhat scattered across the country.
- Our visibility often hinges on attending trade shows, where our products indeed stand out, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into immediate recognition. Attending these shows are expensive and most pakihi didn’t have the time to be fully prepared – and some were being called up 1 month out, some even closer to event.
- Mainstream stationery outlets tend to lean towards non-Māori-owned corporate giants that carry Māori products in their inventory.
In response to these challenges, a decision emerged – to foster collaboration within our stationery community. I shared this concept with my fellow entrepreneurs, igniting a spark of interest and hope. The unanimous response echoed my sentiments, and the potential for turning this vision into tangible reality felt both electrifying and promising. Among those I connected with, Geneva Harrison from Tuhi Stationery stood out. Her insights, honed from previous experience at Te Matatini, coupled with her logistical acumen, promised to fortify our endeavour in remarkable ways.
Our journey holds a parallel with a pre-existing model in the mainstream market, yet our distinctiveness lies in the infusion of our Māori essence. Moreover, as I ponder our conversations and shared dreams, I am reminded of a truth that resonates deeply. If Māori culture hadn’t borne the weight of colonisation, our present discussions would have been a norm, an unquestioned reality of our entrepreneurial landscape.
As I reflect on the richness of these exchanges, a newfound mantra rises within me – “Point of difference.” This phrase encapsulates not only the philosophy driving our collective endeavour but also the spirit that emanated from each Māori business owner present at the Gift and Homeware Show. Our uniqueness, our stories, and our dreams form the very fabric of this concept, promising to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Māori entrepreneurship.
Stay on the lookout for us at Te Matatini 2025. I truly believe this event will be the perfect stage for us to showcase the exceptional uniqueness we bring to our Māoritanga. Your support means the world to us!
Māuri ora
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