International Women’s Day 2025

Hana – Tinco

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s achievements and supporting each other. As a business owner, I’ve faced challenges, but being a woman has made me more resilient. I hope this day reminds us to dream big and lift each other up.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

I studied culinary arts in South Korea and worked in Singapore, Japan then finally moved, settled in New Zealand, where I built my career as a chef. After years of experience, I followed my dream and managed Tinco Cafe. It hasn’t always been easy, but my love for food and the community keeps me going. Now, I enjoy not just running a café but also sharing my culture in Queenstown.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Just start – perfect plans don’t exist!
Starting a business is scary, and you’ll never feel 100% ready. But courage and persistence matter more than perfection. Stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to lean on other women for support. We’re stronger together.

Niki & Tori – xtravel

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in business. It’s about recognizing the challenges we’ve faced, the progress we’ve made, and the importance of lifting each other up. At xtravel, my business partner Tori Keating and I are proud to lead with authenticity, showing that success comes from passion, determination, and a strong community of support.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

My journey to co-owning xtravel was shaped by experience, opportunity, and the belief that great businesses are built on relationships. With a background in travel and a passion for helping people create unforgettable experiences, it was a natural step to take ownership of a business that aligns with my values. Partnering with Tori Keating – who is also a strong advocate for women in business – has reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared vision, and supporting each other through challenges. We’ve built xtravel not just as a business but as a community-focused brand that thrives on trust and connection.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Back yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Confidence isn’t about knowing everything – it’s about trusting that you will figure it out. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Success in business isn’t a solo journey, and having a strong support network – like the one Tori and I have built at xtravel – makes all the difference.

Miya – Wu Cha

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Respect, true equality and glory. It is an opportunity for the world to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women made in all aspects – no matter which nationality, race, language and culture.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

Years ago, I came to the beautiful country of New Zealand as an international student. During Covid, by a stroke of fate, I found myself in the stunning town of Queenstown which was where I started on my entrepreneurial path. The locals here have embraced our bubble tea shop as a weekend family tradition, celebrating special occasions and holidays with a cup of bubble tea. I’ve watched families grow up in this store, and I love that memories have been made in here.
Since launching this business, the warmth and sense of community have deeply touched me. I absolutely love meeting people from all over the world at my shop.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

My advice to give, is to have self-belief and bravery. Believing in yourself and your abilities is fundamental to taking risks and seizing opportunities. Be brave, so you can overcome all the difficulty.

Wendy – Bakers Lane

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A celebration of courage, resilience, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Recognising the strength of women who take risks and support each other along the way.

Tell us your story in a nutshell..

After over 20 years in engineering consultancy, I decided to be bold and leap into something completely different – opening a bakery! With no experience in the hospitality industry I knew I wanted to create a space that was inviting, welcoming and full of yummy looking treats! It’s been a journey of learning adapting and embracing the unknown, but one of the most rewarding parts has been feeling much more connected to my community. I get to meet people from all walks of life – people I might never have crossed paths with before – and that has been the most unexpected and wonderful part of this adventure.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Surround yourself with people who support and trust that you’re capable of more than you think. Believe in yourself, follow your passion, work hard and be courageous!

Lauren – Iron & Ivy Studio

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the resilience, strength, and ambition of women – past, present, and future. It’s about celebrating how far we’ve come while recognizing that there’s still work to be done. For me, it’s a reminder that women in business, leadership, and creative industries deserve a seat at the table – not just because we’ve earned it, but because we bring unique perspectives that drive innovation, change, and success.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

I started my career in hairdressing with a deep passion for creativity, connection, and helping people feel their best. Over the years, I worked my way up from being an apprentice to a stylist, eventually running a successful salon (Iron and Ivy Studio) in a foreign country.  Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about technical skill – it’s about leadership, resilience, and never shying away from opportunities. Every challenge, whether personal or professional, has shaped the way I approach business today. It’s been a mix of ambition, hard work, and sometimes just trusting the universe when the right doors opened.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready – because you never will. The best way to grow is to start before you feel prepared and figure things out along the way. Trust yourself, lean into your strengths, and don’t be afraid to take up space. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you in equal measure – success is rarely a solo journey.

Casey – Social Clothing

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International women’s day is a reminder to take a little pause and be proud of the Mother I am, the Wife I am and the friend. and also the achievements I have made regardless of those days that have been hard.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

I find I get my energy by being around people, helping others and having a good laugh. Creating my store Social was always about leaning into that. I felt that the store created a platform for me to try and reach further and really help others in my community. “Social Sessions” Ladies lunch is now in its 6th year. We get deep with all things mental health and raise much needed funds for special people in the basin.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Try to always look forward, stick with your vision and really focus on keeping that balance of working on your business as well as in it.

Natasha – The Colab Store

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me it’s a celebration on how far we have come in terms of equality in the workplace but also a reminder of what still needs to happen.

Tell us your story in a nutshell…

After I had my daughter I really struggled to be home not working but I didn’t want to work for someone else either, so I started a small boutique which eventually grew. I don’t believe in signs of the universe – hard work is the key to success.

What is one piece of advice you would give to women getting into business?

Be strong and demanding from the start, you will be taken advantage of constantly so setting that precedent from the start is the advice I wish I could give myself when I started out.