The Hive NZ | Shop Small & Support Small Kiwi Brands - The Hive NZ is your home for shopping small. Discover a curated marketplace of unique products from small Kiwi brands. From handmade crafts to boutique finds, support local and shop small New Zealand.

Living in a small area the options of what I could do, once my children didn’t need me the same, has been really hard to fill.

I have always had a passion for plants as well as for creating things.  So it seemed a good fit as a small business.

I am severely deaf and this has limited my options in life, more so in the last 10 years when my hearing became worse.  I have worn hearing aids for 20 years and received a Cochlear Implant 2 years ago.  Definitely helps, but some situations are still impossible.

This business gives me a challenge, it pushes me to interact with people.  When you are deaf, you often shy away from certain interactions.   

I sell plants online, at markets, and by word of mouth. I have made some really good friends since beginning this journey.  People who have the same interests and frustrations as me.

Also, I enjoy learning and trying new things.   So upskilling, learning new techniques etc keeps me moving forward.  All this online, website, social media etc has had its challenges.

Another challenge was 2 months in Europe in 2016, as my 1st major trip.  This included 2 weeks solo.  Pictured here at Neuscheanstein Castle in Germany.