Smell of success for Dannevirke business
A Dannevirke woman’s hobby turned business is scrubbing up well with the mentorship and support of the Innovate entrepreneurial challenge.
Scrub Collab founder Stephanie Buckeridge‘s business making, allnatural body scrubs and scented bath bombs has earned her a place as a finalist in Innovate 2017.
Buckeridge has been a fan of coffee body scrubs and bath bombs for years. ‘‘They smelt nice, but I hated how it left a grimy ring around the bath and how it made my skin feel itchy.’’
So, she experimented with making her own until she figured out how to avoid those drawbacks.
At first it was just a hobby, but then a couple of people asked if they could buy some. As word got out, and her product range grew, it became a side business.
Buckeridge hoped Innovate could help her as she expanded the business into a full-time job for herself and at least two others.
New World banned scrubs containing micro-beads from their shelves on the same day Buckeridge finished her Innovate application. It was a good sign that there was a demand for all-natural products, she said.
Central Economic Development Agency business advisor Peter Ellingham has been Buckeridge’s guide through Innovate’s 10-week crash course on business development, to help her prepare her final pitch in November.
‘‘He’s been amazing. He’s always saying we can do this and that. And he knows a million people that can do something to help,’’ she said.
Buckeridge was making the most of her mentor’s connections to ensure she continues to get her ingredients entirely from New Zealand-owned companies as the business grew.
Ellingham’s contacts were also helping her keep an eco-friendly focus while developing and testing new packaging, she said.