Ziah Lane, NSW OUR 2016 WINNER

NO ISSUES TISSUES

Ask anyone in business what the Holy Grail is for a retail outlet. They’ll answer Woolworths or Coles. So Ziah Lane hit the jackpot in 2011 when, as part of her Masters of Design project, she presented the concept for No Issues Tissues to Woolworths, along with a prototype box. They jumped at it. Five years later, her No Issues Tissues (made from bamboo and the only tree-free tissues on the market) are ranged in Woolworths, Coles and Harris Farm Markets.

“Bamboo is the future of the paper industry. I am an advocate and I want everyone to know that,” the 38-yearold from Sydney says.

With rapid growth over the past few years and a staff of seven, Ziah anticipates turnover to exceed $2 million next year in Australia alone, which also presents new challenges. “Cash ow and funding is hard; fast growth requires money all the time from different places,” Ziah says.

The strategy is to launch into petrol stations, airlines, independent retailers, hotels and then to overseas markets, and to expand the range.

“Winning this award means brand awareness for my product,” says Ziah.

No Issues Tissues wins $10,000 and Bauer Media advertising to the value of $25,000.