In the world of Fair + Square, the journey began as a personal passion for creating practical products free from unnecessary chemicals and fragrances. What started as a simple hobby slowly blossomed into a thriving business, although the growth was a gradual and organic process. The mastermind behind Fair + Square found inspiration and knowledge through various sources, particularly podcasts like "How I Built This" with Guy Raz, which offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship. Engaging with purpose-driven brands and conversing with fellow entrepreneurs also played a significant role in shaping her understanding of business.
Presently, Fair + Square operates both as a direct-to-customer business through its Shopify website and as a wholesaler, supplying around 170 stores across New Zealand and one store in Japan. The brand's commitment to offering sustainable and consciously crafted products has garnered a loyal customer base and fostered positive relationships with retail partners.
As a woman in business, the founder acknowledges the pressure to shoulder all responsibilities, attempting to prove herself by doing everything alone. However, she recognizes that this approach can impede business growth and create an unhealthy work-life balance. A pivotal piece of advice she received was to "put aces in their places," encouraging her to seek assistance where necessary. It was when she enlisted the help of a designer to establish a solid brand identity and create conscious packaging that Fair + Square truly flourished. Embracing vulnerability and seeking support became essential aspects of her entrepreneurial journey. Success, she realized, relies on a collective effort, and surrounding oneself with capable individuals greatly increases the chances of achieving it.
Balancing the demands of both business and family constitutes one of the greatest challenges for the founder. It often feels like an uphill battle, accompanied by feelings of guilt regarding the allocation of time. Nevertheless, she acknowledges the importance of spending quality time with her children and understands that it can be challenging amidst the daily hustle without external support. Striving to be fully present in her children's lives while also involving them in her business when appropriate allows for a more harmonious integration of work and family.
Fair + Square's philosophy revolves around simplicity, focusing on identifying the essentials and eliminating unnecessary elements. By stripping away the superfluous, the founder has been able to stay true to her vision and concentrate on creating exceptional products for her niche customer base. The brand aims to cater to environmentally conscious individuals who seek high-quality items without compromising the well-being of the planet. Success, for the founder, is defined by pursuing work that she loves, which doesn't feel like a chore, and simultaneously supporting her family and the local community in their small rural setting.
In the world of Fair + Square, passion, purpose, and collaboration converge to create a business that thrives while making a positive impact on both customers and the environment. It is a testament to the founder's unwavering dedication and willingness to embrace vulnerability, seeking assistance whenever necessary. As Fair + Square continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and the pursuit of a fulfilling, balanced life.
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