One of our clients, Hey Mama Movement, is graduating this month! Founder Dairne Burns started with us at the beginning of this year. Her mentor has been Tara Lorigan, founder and CEO of Company of Women. Together they have built on what Dairne started and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here!

Hey Mama Movement, a web based platform launching in June, aims to bring women together through exercise, all from the comfort of their own home. Check out their website here to keep up with announcements. Before Hey Mama Movement graduates, read on to get to know the dynamic pair so you can get just as excited as we are!

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Interview with Dairne:

What got you into your line of work and how did you end up where you are?

I have always loved sports and being active. I have a Diploma in Sport and Recreation from Wintec and have had various roles in the industry.  I also have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and have worked in and managed early childhood centres for over ten years.

Three years ago, after having our second son, I felt really lost, unmotivated and unconfident.  It took time, but after encouragement from my family and realising that I needed some help to pick myself up out of the hole, I invited a few friends to workout with me in my garage.  Those few friends multiplied rapidly into 120 women a week in my ‘studio’ aka garage in the evenings!

I am a connector, I am incredibly passionate about helping women, and grateful to have been a part of our women’s amazing results from reduction of Type II Diabetes symptoms, increased circulation, assisting compartment syndrome symptoms, supporting healthy weight loss, mental health changes and increased self-confidence.

I am grateful to have been client #1 of Hey Mama Movement.    

What are you looking forward to getting out of this process with Soda?‍

LEARNING, in all areas of business!!! Being challenged. Collaborating. Working with amazing humans, like Tara Lorigan and the Soda Inc team! Developing relationships. Ensuring we get the foundations right.

Tell me something not everyone knows about you?

  • I’m 34 years old, mother of three, wife of one!
  • This year is my third year Managing the Waikato Bay of Plenty Netball Team in the National League and in 2019 Managed the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team.
  • I am a Director of Burns Construction, a building company in Hamilton with my husband.
  • I have written a children’s book.
  • I am a marriage celebrant.
  • As a child, my dream was to be a Fire Truck, that dream is still very much alive!
  • I have been on TV twice for my knowledge of song lyrics.
  • Bananas and I are mortal enemies.

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Interview with Tara:

What got you into your line of work and how did you end up where you are?

I had been running a business incubator and prior to that had my own marketing consultancy. When I was coming to the end of my time running the Incubator, I decided to explore the possibility of finding a business idea that I could scale.

That initial 6-month exploration is what led me (three years later!) to launch Co.OfWomen. It has been the hardest and the best thing I’ve done and the daily privilege of serving the aspirations and goals of business women across NZ is THE best job ever.‍

What are you looking forward to getting out of this process with Soda?

I’ve been aware of Soda Inc. for a number of years and impressed by how it’s developed so when I was approached, I was excited to work with such an awesome operation.

I’m always open to learn about doing an epic job of championing entrepreneurial success and seeing what I can add to my own journey.  I’m impressed by the savvy, focused and dedicated team I’ve met in Anna & Rachel.‍

Tell me something not everyone knows about you?‍

I’m a fiend for home improvement shows