Female Entrepreneur: Jolene Powell
Company: FuzziBunz New Zealand Ltd
Location: New Zealand
What motivated you to start your business?
I was once a single parent, FINANCIALLY STRUGGLING with the cost of buying disposable nappies and DISGUSTED at the amount of stinky nappies I put out at my gate each week for the rubbish truck to collect. When pregnant with my 2nd child, that past guilt inspired me to design an eco-friendly and affordable nappy product. I DIDN’T want to put another 4000 nappies into landfill that would have still been there today, tomorrow and in 500 more years! Plus I wanted to save the money I would have otherwise thrown away!
After 6 months of research and many sleepless nights designing, and much excitement… my new invention of cloth nappy emerged. I applied for and was granted NZ & Australian patents, and within 6 months I supplied over 100 stores across New Zealand, with my reusable One Size Fits All Nappy with “adjustable leg-elastics”. My patents were later exclusively licenced by USA company FuzziBunz LLC which was such as honor! FuzziBunz now manufacture their own design of One Size Nappy, using my patented features. Their design won “Best Product of the Year” at the 2010 Stevie Awards in America! That really is something special.
Now, my relationship with FuzziBunz USA had developed and I am just beginning my NEW business – being the exclusive distributor for the FuzziBunz One Size Nappy – for Australia and New Zealand!
Tell us about your business…
I am just in the process of setting up my new distributing business. Very shortly I will begin selling this much loved the FuzziBunz One Size Nappy into New Zealand and Australia! Very exciting stuff going on right now…..! I will be wholesaling into retail stores and reaching as many NZ & AUS parents with this wonderful product as I can!!
What is a day in the life of you like?
I can honestly say that at this stage I am in control! I have a very supportive fiance, and together we get our 2 beautiful children off to school each morning and then I begin work from home. Setting up new business in two countries is challenging, exciting and interesting! I LOVE that I can (at this early stage) spend time with my children after school. Once they’re in bed I’m back on the computer!
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
My biggest challenge would have to have been dealing with a dishonest business partner and losing my first business in this roller-coaster ride of a journey I am on!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I understood the law, knew my rights and stayed strong!
What have you found to be the most effective way to get new clients?
Am still in the process of gathering my client database. However I have found that you can’t beat the internet and social media groups for finding them!
What advice would you give to other business owners?
If you are passionate and truly believe in your products or services, never give up your dream. If you have setbacks or things fall apart – take it all on board as a learning curve, LEARN, and do it better the next time. Success is 90% determination, 10% perspiration!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I read Female Entrepreneur Association’s digital magazine of course!
What’s your favourite quote?
“Feel the fear and do it anyway!”
Who inspires you?
I would have to say Tereson Dupuy, the founder of FuzziBunz LLC, and inventor of the original reusable pocket nappy.
Do you have a business philosophy?
Be yourself – people like that.
Get in touch…
Twitter: http://twitter.com/FuzziBunz
