New Zealand’s Love for Entrepreneurship
In the land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, entrepreneurship is thriving. New Zealanders have a unique spirit of embracing opportunities and turning them into successful ventures. A perfect exemplification of this is the story of two sisters, Kate Cullwick and Prue Watson, who decided to launch their online business, Foxtrot, when faced with plummeting wool prices.
A Silver Lining
Living on farms in Gisborne’s Waimata Valley, Kate and Prue had witnessed the ups and downs of the agricultural industry. However, nothing prepared them for the blow they experienced when the cost of shearing sheep doubled the price at which wool was sold. Faced with this financial dilemma, the sisters decided to leverage their creativity and turn the lamb’s wool into blankets.
Foxtrot is Born
Foxtrot was born out of a need to sustain their family farms amidst turbulent times. By gathering wool from their own flock and other local sources, the sisters started creating beautiful blankets that showcased the natural beauty of New Zealand’s wool. The blankets became more than just a product; they became a symbol of resilience and determination.
Battling Mental Health in Rural Areas
Growing up in a rural setting, both Kate and Prue had faced their fair share of challenges, including battling mental health issues. For them, Foxtrot became more than just a business; it became a platform to raise awareness about the mental health struggles faced by rural women. They strongly felt that mental health was not receiving the attention it deserved in these remote areas, where access to mental health services was limited.
Joining Forces with Rural Women NZ
Foxtrot’s association with Rural Women NZ was not just a strategic partnership; it was a personal one. The sisters joined forces with the organization to amplify their impact and provide support for rural women’s mental health. They believed that by shedding light on the issue and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, they could create a safe space for women in rural areas to seek help and support.
Providing Comfort Beyond the Physical
Foxtrot’s blankets became more than just a product; they became a source of comfort and solace for those in need. The softness and warmth of the blankets enveloped individuals, creating a sense of security and reassurance. The sisters realized that they had created a wraparound service that went beyond the physical product. They were offering emotional comfort and support to those who needed it most.
Expanding Perspectives on Rural Mental Health
Isolation in rural areas often leads to a lack of access to mental health services. Kate and Prue experienced this first-hand and were determined to change the narrative. Their partnership with Rural Women NZ allowed them to leverage their platform to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by women in these remote areas. Through sharing their own stories and experiences, they aimed to create a space for open conversations about mental health.
Breaking the Silence
One of the biggest hurdles in addressing mental health in rural communities is the culture of silence. Kate and Prue recognized that individuals tend to suppress their struggles and simply move on, as there is a lack of awareness and support. Through Foxtrot, they aimed to break this silence and provide a safe space for rural women to speak up and seek the help they needed.
Championing Mental Health Support
Foxtrot’s association with Rural Women NZ not only raised awareness about mental health but also mobilized efforts to provide support. By aligning their business goals with a larger cause, Kate and Prue were able to contribute to the provision of mental health services in rural areas. They understood that support systems in remote locations needed strengthening, and they were determined to make a difference.
The Power of Unity
The success of Foxtrot can be attributed not only to the sisters’ entrepreneurial spirit but also to their ability to create meaningful connections. By joining forces with Rural Women NZ, they tapped into a network of like-minded individuals who shared their vision and mission. Together, they were able to create a ripple effect of change in rural communities.
Summary:
In the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, entrepreneurs thrive on opportunities. Kate Cullwick and Prue Watson, the founders of Foxtrot, found an opportunity when faced with plummeting wool prices. They decided to turn lamb’s wool into blankets and launched their online business. Growing up in a rural setting, the sisters had battled depression, which inspired them to raise awareness about mental health, especially in rural areas. Their association with Rural Women NZ provided them with the support and platform to champion this cause. Their blankets not only provided physical comfort but also became a symbol of resilience and support for those struggling with mental health issues. Through breaking the silence and providing a safe space for open conversations, Foxtrot aims to provide much-needed support and recognition for rural women’s mental health.
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New Zealanders love a good hustle, they see an opportunity and take it with both hands.
Sometimes that opportunity can be lurking right under your nose, as sisters grown on two farms can attest.
Kate Cullwick and Prue Watson decided to join forces and launch the Foxtrot online business a few years ago, after wool prices plummeted.
In fact, the cost of shearing the sheep was double the price the wool sold for. So the sisters decided to turn the lamb’s wool into blankets.
Growing up in Gisborne’s Waimata Valley, both sisters have battled depression, which makes Foxtrot’s association with Rural Women NZ a personal one.
“We feel that rural women’s mental health is not as well supported, recognized or thought about as it should be,” Cullwick said.
“Being isolated in rural areas from mental health services, we tend to just shut up and move on.”
The blankets have provided a kind of wraparound service, allowing these sisters to provide some comfort to those who need it most.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/06/21/sisters-business-thriving-empowering-rural-womens-mental-health/
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