Nicola Todd is the latest to be accepted into our Lift Lite Programme. The trend setting entrepreneur is building her business, Zay - Handwoven Bags. Zay creates simply beautiful vibrant bags that aim to make people feel happy using them, because of their design, utility and strength. Not to mention they are eco-friendly.
Nicola's mentor is the incredible self-starter Brianne West, Founder and CEO of Ethique.
We recently asked the new duo a few questions so you can get to know them better.
Interview with Nicola:
What got you into your line of work and how did you end up where you are?
I was living in Myanmar and loved using the handwoven bags to buy my fruit and vegetables at the markets. I wanted to see how they were made and eventually found an incredibly skilled weaver making beautiful bags and heard, how for generations, her family's traditional weaving skills were handed down from mother to daughter.
When New Zealand announced that they would be going plastic bag free in 2019, I knew that these bags were a perfect alternative and would bring much-needed income to the women that had few opportunities while weaving in their homes.
What are you looking forward to getting out of this process with Soda?
Having the incredible opportunity to learn from Ethiques founder Brianne! Also seeing how Zay will evolve with the knowledge and support from Soda Inc.
Tell me something not everyone knows about you?
I obsessively doodle and love to Paint.
Interview with Brianne:
What got you into your line of work and how did you end up where you are?
I have always wanted to save the world – ridding the world of plastic bottles through solid beauty bar alternatives is the first of many initiatives to protect our environment! It’s been a long, hard, but incredibly rewarding eight years with Ethique so far, I look forward to the next eight.
What are you looking forward to getting out of this process with Soda?
I cannot wait to see Nicola & Zay grow and watch her turn this into an incredible business.
Tell me something not everyone knows about you?
I started my first company when I was eight – a pet detective agency!