When Tessa Larsen decided on a change of career to fit round her children, sustainability was top of her list. Photo / Ted Baghurst

When Tessa Larsen decided on a change of career to fit round her children, sustainability was top of her list. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Name: Tessa Larsen.
Age: 37.
Role: Owner of Mini Merino Kids Clothing.
Working hours: Approximately 20 hours per week but varies depending on time of year.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Horticulture from Massey University and Associate Diploma in Viticulture from Charles Sturt University (Australia). It would be nice to have a business partner to bounce ideas off but generally I am glad it is my business and I can make all my own decisions.

Describe what you do.

I design and organise the manufacture of a line of children's merino clothing - Mini Merino - that I sell through my website. I've been doing this two to three years.

Yet you initially worked in viticulture?

Yes, I graduated in viticulture and worked for Villa Maria in various roles.

After time overseas I returned and got a job with New Zealand Winegrowers Association as national co-ordinator of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Through this I became very interested in sustainability.

Therefore, when I had my children and decided I wanted to have a change and do something for myself, sustainability was top of the list.

I decided on designing merino clothing for children because I love the qualities of merino and found a merino fibre that was Zque accredited; a programme that ensures environmental, social and economic sustainability.

How well did your skills transfer?

It's amazing how much crossover there has been. In my previous roles I was co-ordinating growers and implementing, managing and monitoring programmes. I also co-ordinated promotional material to develop and market brand-awareness in New Zealand and internationally. I use all those skills with Mini Merino. And, whatever the business, you have to plan and budget.

What do you see as the key factor to consider when starting up?

Getting the co-ordination of everything right because there is a long lag time. It takes four to six weeks to get the merino fabric made and a similar time to get the clothing manufactured. I'm lucky I've a good relationship with my manufacturer, who is New Zealand-based and very accommodating with my manufacturing requirements. It would be much harder if they were overseas.

What is a typical week like?