Initiative and passion for their product is what drove three former Hawke's Bay sisters to create a natural body skincare range, set to launch in New Zealand next weekend.
The sisters, who were born and raised in Waimarama, based themselves in Hamilton, where they could grow and develop their brand Ora,
under the watchful eye of business incubator SODA Inc.
They have been working to perfect the product as a commercial skincare range for about three years and, after trials and tests, are finally ready to give New Zealanders their first taste, at a Gift Fair in Auckland on August 21. "We have been working on getting the product right, going to the market, finding where the gaps are," Ora CE Tessa Davis said.
"We wanted to work on something together that we all knew about, we have family that work in the industry at Hakikino [Waimarama], where they are starting to develop a nursery and we have always used natural remedies."
So, drawing on family friend Rob McGowan's extensive knowledge of the healing properties and uses of native plants, Ora was developed using only the best natural ingredients.
"He is well respected in his field and he has got the knowledge and background, which we have been able to tap into and draw on."
It is hoped Ora will fill a gap in the market for a natural, yet high-end product.
"I think a lot of natural products are packaged to look natural, whereas Ora is a premium packaged product that looks great and feels great."
The sisters want to launch a face care range in the next 12 to 18 months. In the shorter term, they aim to break into the overseas market and get their product into the goody bags at fashion week.
The range of six Ora products includes a signature Mamaku revival Gel, made from the koru of the black tree fern, which treats dry and sensitive skin.
"There have been studies done that show Mamaku can actually rejuvenate the collagen in skin. It is also very good for irritated skin," Ms Davis said.
Before the range is released, the sisters returned home for a special karakia (blessing) at Hakikino yesterday.
"We wanted to have a karakia for our products before the launch, because we use natural plants and we need to return them back to Papatuanuku, we also want to acknowledge family and friends for their support."
