"In the end, just give it a crack! Worst case scenario, it doesn't work out and you learn from it. Best case scenario, you're sipping on long island iced teas somewhere in Indonesia. She's a win-win."
UCE Involvement:
BSNS290 course (2017)
Entré $85K Challenge - Second Runner Up (2017)
SDS Business Case Competition (2017)
Other:
General Executive, The Gentlemen’s Club (2014)
Finance Officer, University of Canterbury Students’ Association (2016)
How did you come across the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE)?
A friend told me about BSNS290 as I needed an elective commerce paper and I absolutely frothed it! From this, I have had so many opportunities at UCE and haven’t looked back ever since.
How was the Entré $85K Challenge?
It was so awesome - it was a lot of work but I received super valuable feedback, resources, and networking. It’s all about meeting the right people. I had Wendy Swan as my mentor. She runs a consultancy firm for FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) in Auckland and works for the Chamber of Commerce, so it was perfect for my business as she advises people on getting goods into supermarkets.
What is your business?
It’s a family business - Eden Orchards - which sells cherries. However, my idea is to sell cherry juice alongside the cherries. I have two products: the first is a large bottle of cherry juice which has a lot of health benefits, and the second, a smaller bottle which is a single serve diluted carbonated healthy alternative to on-the-go beverages.
What have you learnt from the $85K Challenge about the business?
Ideas are never as simple as you first think. You need to get other people’s opinions and feedback. Also, being forced to be accountable to timeframes has been very valuable for me!
I went from having no plan with a product that sold out, to now having a thought out and planned venture which we can use to get into supermarkets and actually focus on hitting targets.
What are the challenges you’ve faced with Eden Orchards?
For me, because we can’t get the product until the summer (due to being a seasonal fruit), all we can do is plan.
What has been the reaction to selling the cherry juice?
So awesome! We have sold out all of our products in two months. I’ve had a good 100 or so emails from customers wanting to get more. They’ve said that it has done wonders for all the health things they’ve used it for. And that it’s delicious!
What advice would you give to a student wanting to begin their own startup?
Get involved in a competition like the Entré $85K Challenge – just go for it! The worst case scenario is that you talk to some people and they say it might not work. Make sure you talk to people, get help, and get feedback.
How has BSNS290 been?
It’s a really good course that is similar to the Entré $85K Challenge. They give you the criticism that you need and then help you think about all the different parts of your business, so you’re set up with the highest probability to succeed.
What do you find interesting or cool about being an entrepreneur?
I like it because all the work you put in is valuable to you. You’re building it for yourself. I’m more than happy to work twice as hard because I’m investing in myself.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to start and build up my own personal business in New Zealand and then eventually take it overseas. With Eden Orchards, I see us moving predominantly to cherry juice products and being the next Pic’s Peanut Butter!
