The 2021 NorthChamber Northland Business Excellence Awards uncovered some superb local talent and our Good News – Great Business highlight this week is Dargaville based business owner Heather Carrigan and her micro-business Flax and Fibre.
A first-time entrant Flax and Fibre was the winner of the Creative Northland sponsored Excellence in Creative Industries Award, NorthChamber Judges Choice Award and a finalist in both the More FM Customer Choice and ASB Excellence in Business Micro Business Awards. The business specialises in all aspects of flax floristry, from cultivation of a Pa Harakeke, to harvesting, processing, dyeing, flower making and arranging. Heather also runs an online Flax Floristry School in New Zealand and is passionate about growing the flax floristry industry in New Zealand.
The Judges appreciated that Heather is using harakeke (flax) for weaving, building on traditional Māori techniques to develop contemporary artworks and that her innovative products, create economic benefit with sustainable environmentally sound practice. The judges feel confident there is an exciting, and thriving, long-term future for Flax and Fibre.
For Heather, she says it was humbling and surprising to win two sections and be a finalist in two more, despite this being her first time entering. “The success has helped me have more faith in my gut instinct in business, instinct based on both integrity and respect for tikanga and what is good for our environment. That’s really important to me, as is the fact I set my business up at home to create an income for my family and still be able to care for my son who has some support needs.”
However, such success in the awards surprised Heather as she is not used to people ‘getting’ her business. The success has spurred a change in mind set about herself and her business management. “It has made me value my unique skill set more, I realise I am doing a lot. It’s also reminded me that you’re only as good as your last customer interaction and that when you achieve, you set an even higher expectations for your customer … so I guess the hard work comes now because I am in a better place to pivot! Not only is Flax and Fibre much more visible in her community, but it has also put the flax floristry industry on the map. “What I am really proud of is that our business continually strives to move gracefully between Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā, to exemplify a united Aotearoa. Implementing both tikanga and good business practice helps keep my business balance. Our difference is my why, and that is co-partnering in kindness with our customers to send messages of love and appreciation in flax flowers that make that message last for years.”
Heather says her business model provides a lowrisk opportunity for wāhine to own and operate their own businesses around their whānau responsibilities, without large capital investment and with profitable returns almost from their first sale. Education, encouragement, and empathy mean an opportunity grows where none grew before. As for encouraging other wāhine to enter the 2022 awards, Heather has this to say: Do it! The awards provide you with a proven business framework on which you can sort and build out your business. While winning is an incredible honour, the real win is having the opportunity to work on your business, spot the flaws before they affect you and gain confidence from seeing your strengths in ink and praised by people who know good business when they see it! www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz
