Sisters cultivate whānau values of manaakitanga and aroha into thriving businesses

Amika Kruger, owner of Naturally Āio, and her older sister Moana Stanbury, owner of Lash Q Collective, represent the values of their whānau and have used those to ground their businesses. With kaupapa rooted in manaakitanga and aroha, these sisters have built thriving businesses and have become pillars of strength for each other.

Amika, 35, a mother of four-year-old Āio with another baby on the way, found her calling in rongoā Māori (traditional healing) and natural remedies. Creating and selling natural facial and body products from her home in Whangārei.

“My husband introduced me to kūmarahou and whenever my daughter would have a cough that would keep her up at night, we would give it to her, and her cough would be gone. We use it just like a cough syrup. It’s a very simple concoction,” Amika shares how she got started.

Amika says, “Learning and using natural remedies is something I’m really passionate about and something I’ve been conscious of since I was young. I make rongoā for my whānau first and foremost. But I also aim to share my knowledge of alternative natural remedies with others.”

Meanwhile, Moana, 40, found herself into entrepreneurship following her husband's life-altering car accident which almost took his life. With the encouragement and help of Amika, Moana renovated a dedicated space in her home and launched Lash Q Collective, offering quality eyelash extension services.

“My husband had a horrific car accident and starting my own lash studio was a way of focusing on something positive for myself, it was my safe haven, and a way for me to deal with the trauma. I pretty much jumped into the deep end, starting the business so I could also help bring pūtea in while he was off work,” Moana shares.

"Thanks to my sister for pushing me and helping me get up and running. My husband is so happy and proud of me for putting myself out there. Now, I’m two and half years in and loving it," Moana shares.

Last year, both businesses received a business support grant from the Ngāi Tahu Puna Pakihi programme. "We were so excited and grateful when we received the grant on the same day," recalls Amika.

Their businesses, while distinct, share a common thread of family values. "Our upbringing taught us to prioritise manaaki and aroha, spreading love and kindness," Amika reflects.

Supported by their friend Khinhtay, a fellow business owner and personal growth coach, the sisters find strength in their women's business group. "We get together, bring ideas, problem solve, tautoko each other and forge ahead ensuring we don’t get stuck in our businesses," explains Moana.

Looking ahead, Amika dreams of providing rongoā for free to those in need and hopes to establish a space where she can educate others in all traditional natural healing methods. "My goal is to make rongoā accessible to everyone," she says.

Similarly, Moana aims to expand her business, envisioning a dedicated lash store and to educate other wahine on becoming qualified lash artists.

As they continue to grow their businesses, Amika and Moana remain rooted in their shared values, driven by a commitment to their whānau and the knowledge that they will always have each other for support.