Pay It Forward

I’m Ginny, the Manager and New Projects Worker for Neighbourhood Trust (NHT), a charitable trust set up in 1999. The whole idea of Pay It Forward had been whispering to me for a long time – around 18 months before doing much about it. It was a concept of having a range of activities operating from one site that would increase the well-being of the community, as well as foster a sense of generosity and encourage creativity.

The start was a combination of factors. I’d done quite a bit of research around social enterprise – businesses set up with a social purpose and there were lots of vacant shops in the Mairehau area attracting graffiti and starting to look really run-down. Being faith-based, I felt it was a God nudge to have a base in the heart of Mairehau, but didn’t have a clue what form that would take. One of the shops had once been a second-hand book store, owned by an older man and when he fell ill, he just closed it down.  People in the community had missed it, so second-hand books and promoting a love of learning was the start point. But I knew there was much more to the project.

I noticed all the craft markets going on and the lack of a base for Canterbury crafts people with the Arts Centre not able to be used. It was natural to talk with Hazel about the possibility of creating a hub and retail outlet for artisans. From there it kind of snow-balled as the first query put on her website had a host of replies and lots of enthusiasm for the idea.

As well as the retail side of things, there was a need to rebuild the sense of community in this suburb, which had been torn apart by the earthquakes and school closures. I saw Pay It Forward as becoming a meeting place for people, where they could browse at leisure, use the shop as a base for walking groups, learn new crafts, have discussion groups on special interest areas and be a place to swap resources and skills.

At the same time Council had recognised the lack of community meeting places in Mairehau and supported the project with a grant from their Endowment Fund. This gave the confidence to look at purchasing one of the shops. We took out a lease on a corner shop, with SeniorNet (who teach new technologies to older adults) coming on board as partners and using the back part of the shop, while we set up a pilot project shop in the front part. There is also a children’s books swap box out front and it is delightful to see children stop and take a book and the surprise from their parents that they are free. We’d love some more donations into the box as they disappear quite quickly.

We love the name 'Pay It Forward', we're all aware of the concept, but why this name for the store? The idea for the name came from the sense of a place where people would share what they had to offer with others, a place of warmth and welcome. A place where crafts people learn from each other, with knowledge and expertise shared. A place where others can learn new skills and pass them on to others. A place to give in to (children’s books, produce) - to experience the ‘buzz’ of giving without expecting something back. 

Each of us have people in our lives who have given to us freely – of time, money, resources, gifts that made us feel good when we were down. We may never be able to pay them back but know that they would be happy that we had passed on this good fortune to others. That we are prepared to listen to the story of someone who needs to be heard; to share a book with a child who might not otherwise have books; to share knowledge and expertise and pass on the love of making something ourselves.

It’s a statement against our ‘me first’ world of consumerism and is a reminder that we live in a community and each of us are affected by the acts of others.

How does the store work? The store is a co-operative that houses 21 artisans, with currently 19 inquiries from potential new crafters. Each brings skills and expertise in different areas with them, so there is an amazing buzz in the room when meetings are held. Commission is charged on sales and this helps to pay the bills and bring resources into the shop. The commission is based on the number of hours the person contributes into the running of the project, whether it is working in the shop or helping with advertising, Facebook page, delivering flyers, processing new artisans or doing displays. The project remains under the Neighbourhood Trust umbrella, so any surplus goes back into the community.

How can artisans get involved with the store? As we have a large number of people already involved, the group decided to set up a curator’s panel, which meets every couple of months or so. We have an application form that newcomers can fill out and then we ask them to bring in a few samples of their work for the curators to view. There is a matrix of criteria and a rating system to try to maintain a fair process. The current shop is small and even when we move we won’t have heaps of room, so the curators have to be discerning around what fits in with the style of the shop and what will complement the current items on offer, as well as having got a feel for what sells best through this outlet. If they give a ‘no’ it therefore doesn’t reflect on quality or even attractiveness of the product. Having said this, we love to see new creations and welcome newcomers. You can pick up an application form from Pay It Forward (cnr Nancy Ave and Weston Road), or email ginny@nht.org.nz or inquire through the website payitforward.kiwi.nz

Because the store is a co-operative, the artisans have the opportunity to make decisions around every element of the store. It’s their place, but without the huge overheads that normally apply to running a shop. And they have support from day one from their peers.  If they have questions around for example, tax law, they can ask another crafter who is also a chartered accountant. If they have questions around branding, one of the crafters is a graphic designer. There’s also a mix of people who have been creating their craft for a long time and have developed it into a substantial business and those who are just starting out. There’s a generosity in those who have worked through different issues that come up when you are creating objects for sale, being willing to pass on what they have learned, so there is a coaching element. It can be as simple as where’s the best place to purchase boxes for packaging.

We have a ‘secret’ Facebook page for discussions, questions and formulating policies and ways of working together.

It’s exciting because it’s still in the formative stage. Artisans have the ability to feed in ideas about how the new shop might look and what services it might provide. And they know they are backed 100% by NHT. It’s also stimulating, as this is a new concept – having social services alongside a retail outlet, so we are all learning as we go.

Where to next for Pay It Forward? Earlier this year, we purchased a bigger shop two doors down from the current pilot project, but didn’t immediately have the resources to be able to develop it. A grant from The Canterbury Community Trust Social Enterprise Fund has made it possible to set in place plans to turn this into both a larger retail outlet and a meeting/learning place. There’ll also be computers set up with internet access and assistance for those who need it, a mail-drop box for people in transitional accommodation and an automated coffee and hot chocolate machine. We believe it will become a destination shop, where people will hang around for a bit and enjoy the atmosphere. We’re excited to be at the stage where work will begin on alterations and Pay It Forward can expand.

We also spoke with a couple of the artisans themselves about Pay It Forward, this is what they had to say. 

Kirstee from Hibiscus, why did you decide to get involved in Pay It Forward? When I answered the call for Pay It Forward applications, I was fairly new to the Christchurch indie design scene, and I was really focused on getting feet in doors and fingers in pies, so to speak. I pretty much jumped on into anything that came my way, and the results of the frightfully busy six months that followed have catapulted me into 2014 with great gusto and a gargantuan appetite for more.

What is the best bit about being involved in the co-op? I've said this before, and I'll say it again. It's the gathering together. Gathering of amazing talent and fruitful minds, all focused on one, ultimate goal. By each individual bringing independent dreams, significance and ideas and by releasing them into the encompassing support of the Pay It Forward pot, the soup which has evolved in these last seven months is one of spirit, zest and soul. Pay It Forward is not only a gorgeous little shop on a quiet suburban corner in Christchurch, it is that courage, inspiration and love of the thirty four faces behind it. Co operative. It's an outrageously uplifting place to be.

Koral from Handled with Care, why did you decide to get involved in Pay It Forward? I decided to get involved as I had a window of opportunity whilst on maternity leave. It allowed me space to be more creative, and this also provided a good artistic outlet whilst juggling my gorgeous baby boy.

What is the best bit about being involved in the co-op? As a new addition to the group, I am learning the benefits of being part of the Pay It Forward co-op as I go! It was great to attend my first committee meeting last week and put a number of faces to the names I was aware of, and see the amazing insight and vision that the group has for expanding the brand. This is the first time I have sold products I've made, and it is great volunteering hours at the shop to meet your potential customers. I'm immensely enjoying it!

Rose In Thorns

Rose in Thorns has been my creative outlet for quite some time now. It began many years ago as rose among thorns, a brand I used for freelance graphic design work. A couple of years later I decided I would like to get back into candlemaking again, and I setup a stand at Craft World as ‘Candles by rose among thorns’. This was put on hold for a few more years to make time for our OE and then our wedding. At the same time the local craft scene was beginning to grow, so I decided to join in!

I looked into different alternatives to the rather unsustainable paraffin wax I had been using, and found that recycling old candles and using soy wax were two options worth exploring further. Since then, the range has evolved quite a lot, and I made the leap to self-employment after I discovered permanent jobs aren’t always permanent. I still dabble in graphic design, and have worked on the Pay it Forward brand.

You are actively involved with Pay It Forward, what do you enjoy most about being involved with this project? I like having our own wee shop! It’s something I’ve always dreamed about, but the reality of setting one up and running it means it never got past that stage. Unlike having your products in other stores, you get to choose what to display, and how to display it. I really like having that input, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. It’s great working with the other designers behind the scenes too, everyone has different skills, and together we’ve created something quite special.

You have a background in Graphic Design, how do you think this has shaped the brand in front of us today? My logo has evolved along with the business, I think it’s on its third incarnation now! It definitely helps to give my brand a more professional feel, though like all specialists in their field, I never seem to spend enough time on it as I think I should! I often get comments from people saying how they love the look of my brand.

What does an average day look like to you? I have a one year old son, so there is no such thing as an ‘average’ day! I try to sneak in some work while he naps, but often there’s a juggle between that and the household chores. I have some regular candle and design clients, so I’ll often try to keep up to date with their work, and I’ll make any candle orders, or replenish stock that is running low. Candle making is a disjointed process, as once the candles are poured, I usually wait to the next day before I can finish them. Consequently there can be several half finished batches of candles in progress at any given time! If there is any spare time, I might work on some new designs, or do some marketing on social media. Then of course there is the paperwork that always takes longer than I would like it to!

Who do you consider to be your muse? I don’t really have one, to be honest! I’ve always tried to keep my candles a little different to what’s already out there, so I’m usually looking for the gaps to fill, or what’s not there.

What does your creative look like? Do you keep sketch/recipe books? Have an online journal? It mostly lives in my head. I aspire to be organised, and keep track of everything, but I tend to end up with lots of bits of paper. I have lots of lists to help remind what I want to do next, but it almost seems to be a lot longer than the available time I have to do it.

What is the best piece of creative advice you've learnt on your creative journey? You don’t know until you try.

Where to next? Where do you see Rose in Thorns heading in the future? I still have a list of things I thought I could make when I first signed up to Felt all those years ago. Some I have tried, some given up on, and some still sit there, waiting. I like drawing and painting, and would love to get into illustration, and do a range of greeting cards and maybe other stationery or prints. I do have a new project I’m working on at the moment. It’s getting closer to completion, so hopefully I will be able to reveal all soon!

Bubbalino

Today we'd love to introduce you to our newest sponsor 'Bubbalino', I first meet Vanessa the face behind the brand at our annual blogger's conference last year, a super sweet and stylish Mumma whom I'm sure all of you are going to come to love just as much as I do!

Bubbalino was born in 2009 about three months after my daughter arrived. Her little spills, followed by nonstop teething dribble made it very hard to keep a pretty outfit pretty for too long. Conventional bibs, traditionally made for feeding, were too cumbersome and bulky and always crowded her ensemble, while other available dribble bibs still looked like a bib. And so I set out to design and make a more stylish option.

From the airport lounge to the supermarket checkout, the playground to coffee group gatherings, I repeatedly received compliments and comments on the 'Bibette' I'd created and I saw an opportunity for a wee run-from-home business.

Now, replicas of the dribble bib are a dime a dozen and I see them all over the place, but Bubbalino has been around for over five years now which makes me pretty proud. I have a fantastic number of repeat customers which tells me that the product does the job it was intended to do: look great and be functional all at the same time. For those customers I am grateful. Most of my business comes from word of mouth which is how I find all of the baby products I love myself, it's an organic process and recommendations are the best form of advertising, and because I don't have a lot of money to throw into traditional forms of advertising or PR, this for me is satisfying.

What does an average day look like to you? At the moment, I spend most of my free time staring at my beautiful nine week old baby boy – that is after I’ve breakfasted the older two and dropped them at school and Kindy, hung out several loads of washing, tidied up the kitchen, made the beds and found time for a shower. Orders are packaged up, a call placed to the courier and a few admin details are taken care of.  Because I also have my blog, I try to edit photos, write up recipes and plan posts, as well as updating social media sites on a regular basis.

We see your bibettes all over town, who or where is the most fabulous place you've seen your bibettes? Seeing a little one wearing my Bibette at the park for the first time was a huge thrill, I got such a kick out of it. I also love getting calls or texts from friends telling me that they’ve seen kids at different places around the country rocking a Bibette.

We love following your blog - who inspired you in the kitchen? I spent a lot of time in the kitchen while growing up. I am the eldest of four kids and Saturdays were baking day – something that as I got older became my responsibility. My earliest memories in the kitchen however are with my Nan. A mother of five with a keen love of food and the passion to create everything from scratch, she taught me well. Being in the kitchen was always fun, apart from getting to lick the wooden spoon, I just remember being happy there with her, wearing my own little pinny and being given jobs to do which made me feel a part of the process. Eating the finished product was always a highlight of course! 

What do you enjoy most about blogging and sharing your recipes? I love the creative outlet that blogging gives me. I have always loved to write, and to cook, and being able to marry these passions together and in turn receive the comments I do from people who have tried recipes and loved them too is pretty encouraging. There is also something magical about the community that lives in Social Media and the friendships I’ve formed with readers (which on occasion have become real life friendships too) is so lovely.

Who would be your top five ultimate dinner party attendees? Jennifer Lopez (because she’s just gorgeous and seems really fun), Michael Jackson (because I think he was one of the most talented humans to walk the planet), Jamie Oliver (for his fun and casual approach to dining), and Beyonce & Jay-Z (I want to know what really happened in that elevator!)

What is the best piece of creative advice you've learnt on your creative journey? To be true to myself. It’s advice I think best applied to everything.

Where to next? Where do you see Bubbalino heading in the future? With three little ones life is pretty hectic, so I don’t see much opportunity for expansion for Bubbalino at this point. I have a few ideas in the pipeline and time will see those come to fruition I hope, but for now, I am enjoying the relaxed pace at home with my family and soaking up the magic of each day with my babies whilst they’re young. I am all too aware that these days are rushing by and I want to enjoy them in their entirety. There will be plenty of time for business and development in the future I’m sure.

Photos courtesy of Bubbalino.

Copper Kowhai

Mel Hopkinson of Copper Kowhai makes pretty jewellery...

 

 

100% handcrafted Sterling Silver Jewellery made in Christchurch, NZ.

 

You could pop on over to Copper Kowhai on Facebook and look through the lovely photos she has of her unique creations.

 

 

Working with mainly semi-precious metals, such as Sterling Silver, Copper and Bronze and often adding stones, vintage hand painted cabochons and more recently broken china into her designs.

A commissioned item.

Mel is a full time mum of two wee girls and the process of creating her special pieces are great escape from every day responsibilities, being able to go into her workshop
and bang, saw and play with fire!

Her items are stocked in three locations, or simply email copperkowhai (a) gmail dot com for more info:

Lava Gallery - Beach Akaroa and Pop up Store @ Northlands Mall Christchurch
HAPA - Re:Start Mall Christchurch City
Moko Artspace - 24 Pye Place, Hot Water Beach, RD1 Whitianga

The Busy Finch

If you love good quality, unique, stylish and trendy all in the same place, neatly on your crockery shelf (or even better, in your hand with a nice hot tea), then look no further.

The Busy Finch is a Christchurch based comany who crafts beautiful and unique artisan ceramics for the home.  Hand spun from New Zealand clays and glazed in a delicious array of colours, each piece is crafted with a noble use in mind.

You might find the perfect gift here or a special treat for yourself, but do stop by often as you never know what might be added to the collection...

HAPA

If you've been to the Container Mall in Christchurch, surely you've been to HAPA.  If you haven't been to the cute little shop, make sure you haven't got a time limit on your visit because you just might get stuck admiring "an interesting, unique, bespoke range of gifts, jewellery and homewares that we have carefully curated to delight our customers."

Not only do they have one shipping container of amazing items that any guy or girl would love to own, but a little birdy tells me that they have just opened up a new space at The Colombo.

You can sign up to their email newsletter here and follow HAPA on Facebook. There is a special right now at 'HAPA haus' The Colombo offering a 15% discount for this week only, 18th - 24th November. OR if you're the online shopper type, you could make use of their free shipping within New Zealand for November only.

HAPA's collections truly have been curated to delight their customers.