12/10/2026
Still buzzing from the Remuer | Cellular Wellness launch at THE HOTEL BRITOMART, hosted by FORM AGENCY last night. ✨
You might wonder why I’d attend the launch of a brand that’s potentially a competitor.
After two decades in fashion and beauty retail, I’ve seen more than my fair share of girl-on-girl hate crimes (often fuelled by lack mindsets, btw). I prefer to choose the happier path.
Breaking through in a new business is extremely hard, and I commend anyone doing so for their bravery and commitment to wanting better for themselves and their family.
My MBA taught me was that a rising tide lifts all boats.
When more brands enter a category, whether that’s wellness, skincare, haircare or anything else, they create more awareness, more demand and ultimately a bigger market for everyone.
It’s the opposite of a scarcity mindset. It’s the opposite of tall poppy syndrome.
Not every product is for every person, and that’s a good thing. I’d much rather have a small slice of a very big pie than a big slice of a tiny one.
And I genuinely believe this is how New Zealand grows. How we create more jobs, challenge the cheap-import culture that’s eroding our retail landscape and build a stronger, more recognisable identity for New Zealand brands on the world stage.
After all, K-Beauty wouldn’t be K-Beauty if there were only one Korean beauty brand.
Last night was also a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary talent we have here in NZ.
The panel featuring HANA ~ Grey Lynn & Parnell, Elo Wellbeing, Miss Polly’s Kitchen and was genuinely inspiring. So many brilliant business owners who are also mamas, sharing refreshingly balanced perspectives on healthspan, lifespan and what it means to live well - especially after the chaos of children.
The sound bath by Phoebe Hart was unlike anything I’ve experienced before and gave me a rare moment to reflect on my own journey.
The florals by SAFFY FLORA were INSANE, and the goodie bag was pretty epic too, featuring SAN MARGO | Skin • Hair • Collagen, BETTY BARS®, GULP SKIN and SŌEN | Natural Incense.
Congratulations to the team behind Remuer | Cellular Wellness. Here’s to more ambitious New Zealand brands, more women backing women, and a much bigger pie for all of us. 🥂
