"I just went, 'oh my God, that's my name'.
"It's so cool to think of people like Karyn and I, trundling away in our little kitchens in little old Martinborough and Featherston, doing everything ourselves, getting recognised like this."
As founder of MartyGirl Skinfood, Mrs McMaster not only makes her own plant-based products, but collects the ingredients, sources the pottles and labels, does the packaging, manages her website and social media, and runs beauty therapy workshops for schools, businesses, and community events.
"All the hard work and husking weeds has paid off," she said.
"At first, it seemed like nobody cared or recognised what I was doing -- but after a while, people started taking notice."
She said she most wanted to thank the group of women who volunteered themselves as "guinea pigs" and tested her products -- and is looking for test subjects for her new men's range, MartyMan.
Featherston's Ms Carter, who started doggytreats this year after relocating to Wairarapa, said on her Facebook page receiving the People's Choice Award, combined with being a finalist in the Solo Meo category, made her feel like "one happy puppy".
"I'm delighted -- and so grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in me," she said.
She said she looks forward to receiving "a nice, shiny certificate" and feedback from the judges on developing her business further.
"You don't win anything as such -- but you get the kudos and bragging rights, which is awesome."
