Pop up glamping business launched
After being disappointed with a lack of local wedding hire and accommodation options, Melinda and James Evans saw a gap in the market, and have since developed Franklin’s first pop up glamping business.
Just Hitched, officially launched on Friday, which the Onewhero couple began planning on their honeymoon.
Evans hoped it would be the perfect option for couples who wanted a honeymoon closer to home.
‘‘We got married in February and we had a big issue finding vendors that would come out this far, and we couldn’t find any accommodation.
‘‘We were really looking for pop up glamping option.
‘‘There was nothing local and no one delivered. We want to be able to take away some of that stress.
‘‘Having just been married, it’s fresh in our minds how stressful the day is.’’
The pair now offer a glamorous camping option, which is a fivemetre wide bell tent, with a queen bed, hot tub, a trailer converted into a bathroom, complete with a flushing toilet, and other luxuries that a boutique hotel would offer.
They also have items to hire for weddings, and a vintage caravan that is used as a bar or cafe.
Evans said their business idea came at the perfect time.
‘‘We found out that James got made redundant and I’m a qualified psychotherapist but I’ve struggled to find a job locally.
‘‘You may as well make your own opportunities.
‘‘The whole concept is new. There is glamping, but it’s at fixed locations. For me, I don’t do camping, so it’s luxurious. It’s all about the little touches for us.
She added it was important to be customer focused, as well as giving back to the community.
‘‘The customer service wasn’t very good (for us), so we want to be more customer focused.’’
A small percentage of each booking they receive is donated to Well Women Franklin, and they hope to collaborate with local wedding vendors in the future.