RAWINIA RIMENE - GIRL NATIVE
Tell us about yourself and your business journey.
My name is Rawinia Rimene and I am a Māmā, Partner, An Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Girl Native, Co-Founder of Kawhe Coffee Shop, Co-Founder of Studio 9 Exclusive Offices and Property Manager, Public Speaker, Writer, Culinary Connoisseur, Designer, Car Enthusiast, Reiki & Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner, Rongoā Māori Practitioner, Facilitator, Digital Creator, Chef and Business Mentor.
My business journey started at Te Wananga O Aotearoa Porirua with a Money Management, Small Business Management, Business Growth & Development and Project Management Qualifications. I then went on to establish 5 businesses.
Girl Native is now an internationally recognised brand and has achieved success through multiple avenues such as a featured skincare brand in British Vogue Magazine, Glamour Magazine UK, Timeiconic Magazine, House of Coco Magazine Europe & UK, Viva Magazine, Pure Beauty Awards London Finalist, Global Pure Beauty Awards Highly Commended for Best Inclusive Beauty Product, Swag Bag Sponsor for the Emmy Awards L.A, A finalist at The Wellington Gold Awards, Shortlisted for He Kai Kei Aku Ringa for Māori Excellence in the New Zealand International Business Awards 2023 + many more achievements. In 2019, I travelled to London to attend the prestigious Pure Beauty Awards and went on to travel to L.A, U.K, Paris and Amsterdam.
Top tips to stay motivated?
I have a 3 P’s pillar system that helps me stay motivated which is:
Purpose - What is my purpose
Passion - What am I passionate about
Profit - How can I make profit whilst staying aligned with my purpose and utilising my passions.
Daily Affirmations
Writing everything down and keep yourself organised and accountable. I have to-do lists literally everywhere!
What are your future plans for your business?
At present, we are structuring a fresh rebrand and new range of products. The long-term strategic vision for Girl Native is to be a leading international beauty brand. Promoting indigenous beauty from Aotearoa through Mātauranga Māori. To stay connected to the company vision our core values/tikanga is what sets Girl Native apart when it comes to business and ensures that māori cultural and social expectations and requirements are met in ways that are relevant to business operations. It is the Mauri - Life Force and the principles for a healthy organisational culture.
What made you get into business?
Time-freedom and financial freedom were the core reasons for wanting to get into business. After establishing my first business my idea of success changed and became more purposeful and culturally driven.
What are your top tips for other women wanting to get into business?
Understand your WHY? Why are you wanting to start a business.
Ask yourself what does success look like to you and where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Have a basic understanding of business management and financial literacy
Set SMART GOALS with objectives and an Action Plan
Founder Well-being is a priority. Look after your health, mental health and well-being. When your cup is full you can pour into other priorities
Find a business mentor
Utilise free resources available to you especially online
Business = solving a problem
Learn from people who are in positions that you would want to be in one day
Work - Life balance is important
Words that you live by?
Learning is a life long journey. You’ll make mistakes along the way own them and allow them to help you grow and evolve they are our biggest learning lessons. Your time is valuable - use it wisely.
You are a bad b*tch - Slay queen!
