ELISHA WATSON

Community

What do you do? I’m the founder of Nisa, a lingerie label that employs women from refugee backgrounds in Wellington, New Zealand. When did you start? I quit my job as a litigation lawyer in mid-2017 to set up Nisa. I’d been thinking about the concept of starting a social enterprise for months, and felt strongly that I had to give it a go. Why did you choose that path? While I was working as a lawyer, I was also volunteering with the Red Cross to help resettle recently arrived refugee families. They were so ready to start their new life in NZ, and it broke my heart to see them struggle to find work. I noticed many of the women could sew, and wanted to offer them opportunities to use the skills they already had to thrive in their new country. One thing we should know about you? I’m a sneezing champion – my record is 21 sneezes in a row. Best piece of advice you’ve received? If it were easy, it would already have been done. What inspires you? My team. I love coming to work, as I’m surrounded by a group of what feels like the strongest women in the world. What are you working on right now? We’re in the process of setting up our own permanent shop in central Wellington! We wanted to be able to invite our customers into our workshop so they could see their garments being made. Greatest achievement so far? We often get feedback from our customers describing their organic cotton briefs and bralettes as the comfiest and cutest they’ve ever owned. I read the feedback to our entire team and it makes everyone so happy. What keeps you going through the hard times? If I’m feeling particularly down, I look at job ads and imagine what it would be like to go back to a ‘normal’ job. I always come to the conclusion that I’d rather stick at what I’m currently doing. Biggest lesson you’ve learnt? That cash flow and capital matters. A rather boring lesson, but crucial for anyone wanting to start a business. What does winning a Good Stuff award mean to you? It’s about telling our story to our lovely Australian friends and, most importantly, recognition and a big ka pai (well done) from a magazine that matters. What’s your next goal? Launching a sleepwear line, and we’re thinking about making men’s underwear, too. Where can we see your work? nisa.co.nz, or on Instagram at @nisawomen.

Community judge Grace Mcquilten says: Nisa is a smart and generous enterprise. They’re creating a fun, practical and sustainable product at the same time as providing solid employment outcomes for women from refugee backgrounds. Secure employment is a strong platform for community development and capacity building. Even better, their marketing celebrates diverse women of all sizes, shapes and cultures.