Green BespokeNZ From stress to success

From stress to success

Running your own business is stressful at the best of times, let alone during a crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic so, it’s more than timely that a local author has recently published an award-winning book designed to offer hope and practical advice to anybody who is feeling burnt out, ANGELA KEMP reports.

Ifyou are feelingstressed and overwhelmed, you are not alone. Although life has largely returned to normal for most ofus, few entrepreneurs are seeing‘business as usual’ let alone increasing demand for their goods and services.

For some there is a very real threat ofbusiness closure even ifthey’ve survived so far. We only have to lookat the empty shops and units in our own area to see the economic effects ofcoronavirus.

Someone who is hopingto lend a helpinghand is Karaka resident Linda Wells, authorofTransforming Your Stress into Business Success: Take Back Control, Regain Balance, Fuel Your Success.

It’s just been named as one of the best career books of2020 in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards by the Independent Book PublishingProfessionals Group, the world’s largest bookawards programme for self-published authors and independent publishers.

“I know from my own experience how overwhelmingstress can be, and I’m committed to helping people to have better lives,” says Linda.

She spent more than 20 years in teachingand management roles within Bay ofPlenty and Waikato secondary schools, the last four of those years as a deputy principal, before becominga top performing real estate agent. That’s when she experienced the kind of stress that just won’t let you sleep.

“I’d lie awake, excited about my business but longingfor my brain to slow down and stop fixatingon events ofthe day, and what I should and shouldn’t have done, and what I needed to do tomorrow.

“I was sufferingphysically, which often happens with pent-up anxiety and, in my case, my hair began fallingout in clumps. I realised that what I really wanted –and needed –was success without the stress!”

Linda spent a lot oftime learning to breakdown the components ofanxiety and find a way to help her mind relax. Meanwhile, as she coached promisingsales agents she realised that stress was everywhere.

“All around me in real estate I could see the results ofstress which wasn’t handled well –there were relationships collapsing, people drinkingtoo much as a means ofescape, and often spendingtoo much money as well.”

After 11 years she decided to leave real estate and study to become a highly-skilled mindset practitioner.

“I know from my own experience how overwhelming stress can be, and I’m committed to helping people to have better lives.”

As a business behavioural specialist, Linda has innovated a unique method ofaction and gives presentations, seminars, and workshops to businesses and groups throughout New Zealand, Australia, and North America. She is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker and coach.

In her bookLinda shares how she learned to control her personal stress and how she has helped her clients to do the same.

She says Covid-19 aside, the strategies and techniques in the bookare relevant at any stage. Stress needs to be stopped in its tracks before it quickly builds into somethingwhich is very difficult to manage without qualified help.

“The weight ofuncertainty, that feelingofhow can I deal with the unknown with what I don’t know, is possibly the most difficult emotion to handle right now. Yet you cannot be 100% certain of anythingso focus on what you can control.

“One ofthe best strategies is to take control ofyour response to what’s going on. There are 16 excellent chapters in the bookgiving you practical techniques on how to do this, for example becomingcomfortable with uncertainty; controllinganxious thoughts; keepingcalm under pressure.”

She recommends schedulingtime and activities to stop over-thinking and start takingaction as a way to regain control ofthe day. Develop healthy habits ofeating, sleeping and relaxingand seekhelp from trusted people.

Duringher teachingyears, Linda was heavily involved in netball –playing, coachingand achieving a New Zealand Netball umpire’s award.

When not speaking, coachingor travellingshe says she enjoys curlingup with a good book, workingfor charity, walkingand spendingtime with family and friends.

“My bigmantra, which is behind everythingI do, is ‘in order to do more, you need to do less’.”

Dynamic Women

This year New Zealand has been rocked by Covid-19 and seen internal politics take a hammering but in Franklin district, dynamic women continue to emerge as strong leaders and successful business operators. Once again SOUTH shines the spotlight on some of the best.

KIM-MAREE OSBORNE

Harcourts Port Realty 201 Ph 0274 919 205 Email kim-maree.osborne@harcourts.co.nz

Sellingor buyinga home can be complex and often exhaustingunless you’ve met Kim-Maree Osborne. Twenty years in real estate have convinced her that negotiating the market should be a team effort. She ensures that everyone, vendors and buyers alike have the same view.

“Understandingthe process, combined with

BROOKE TRENWITH Potential to Performance Ltd 17 Te Awa Kite Rd, Onewhero Ph 021 541 019 www.potentialtoperformance.co.nz

Education is a vital buildingblockin society, made possible by trained, talented teachers but, perhaps the best teachers are those who inspire students to want to do well and provide them the means to do so. Education consultant and director ofPotential to Performance, Brooke Trenwith, coaches students, parents and teachers. “I workwith families and students to support diverse learning, social and emotional needs. My online and face-to-face courses aim to turn the intent ofeducators into impact, specifically for students with additional learningneeds.” Brooke has taught across the education spectrum and is president ofthe NZ Association for Gifted Children. Askabout her online support courses –$285 per year for educators (one new course added every month) and $20 a month for families (one new course added every two months). honest feedbackis so important,” says the Harcourts real estate consultant, whose career started in her well-known, former Clarks Beach family business, Osborne Realty.

Kim-Maree has always been informed, proactive and had abundant energy from the very beginningofher real estate career. She joined the Waiuku/Clarks Beach Harcourts team earlier this year in order to return to her passion –hands on grass roots selling. “Makingthings happen for my clients is extremely satisfying–willing buyer; willingseller; my aim is for everyone

COLLEEN

WALTERS

Landmark Homes Auckland South &

Franklin, 458 Karaka Rd, Karaka

Ph 09 294 6411 www.landmarkhomes.co.nz

When Colleen Walters made a ‘Landmark’ decision late last yearto buy Landmark

Homes Auckland South & Franklin, Covid19 was lurkingout ofsight. But the fact that herbusiness is prosperingdespite its ensuingimpact, speaks volumes for

Colleen’s longtime industry experience and hercommitment to client satisfaction.

Focused on providingan enjoyable buildingjourney founded on exceptional buildingpractices, she says: “I’m very much a systems/process orientated person. Relationships are key to a good business and delivery on promises crucial.” Married to Michael, the Walters owned a plumbingand roofingcompany fora numberofyears and Colleen’s former residential construction role earned her high praise. While boatingand fishingare favourite pastimes, today she is focused on ensuringherfranchise lives up to its

‘LandmarkHomes’ promise. to be happy with the process and the outcome.”

Kim Maree’s passion, knowledge and skill ensures that this is the reality for her many satisfied and return clients –she is a woman with passion and vision; a real asset to

the Harcourts team. Call her today.

JAN ROBINSON

5 Tiffany Close, Totara Park Ph 021 294 1532 Email jan.robinsonnz@gmail.com

It takes a special person to juggle the roles ofmarriage celebrant, Justice ofthe Peace, Papakura Local Body deputy chair and Senior MP Support to Papakura MP Judith Collins. And, Jan Robinson is, indeed, special. Havingcome from a career in nurturing and nursingroles in the UK and Australia, followed by 12 years in office administration at Papakura High School, Jan has always related well with people so dealingwith requests, questions and the frustrations ofelectorate constituents, is a role she has embraced since 2008. “I’ve relished workingwith Judith’s office but I wanted to contribute more to the district so last year I stood for the Papakura Local Board and, wonderfully, I’m now its deputy chair. I still workfor Judith two days a weekbut beingon the board presents new and satisfyingchallenges. I’m keen to make a difference.”

SAM GIDDY & EMMA TOCKER

Harrington West Hair Salon Cnr Harrington Ave & West Street, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 1259 www.harringtonwest.co.nz

Ifthe decor at Harrington West Hair Salon suggests ‘tropical’, then the talents of owners, Sam Giddy and Emma Tocker radiate’ topical’ –their longstanding relationship as industry colleagues, and as friends, givingthem a keen understandingof what’s trendingin the hairdressingworld.

Havingworked together for seven years in Pukekohe before Emma headed for Australia, the two decided to aim for their own salon after Sam called Emma in Perth and said: “Come home, let’s do it our way in our own salon.”

Emma came home, and 18 months ago their well-executed plan came to fruition and flourished –not even seven plus weeks in a Covid-19 lockdown was a deterrent. Loyal and

BOBBIE-JO BUTLER Conveyancing Plus Waiuku, 26 Queen St; Pukekohe, 50 King St; Papakura, 20 Broadway, Ph 09 236 5016; 022 050 3403

One lookat Bobbie-Jo Butler’s CV–careerand personal –and you know she’s a go-getter. She studied as a legal executive while raisinga family. Latershe gained herNZ ConveyancingDiploma doingmuch ofherstudy while travelling by train to hercity job. In between job, study and family, she played and coached netball, then, eight years ago, opened herown business, ConveyancingPlus with branches in Waiuku, Pukekohe and Papakura. Industry experience has taught herbuyingand sellingproperty is huge forany client especially when starting out on a new direction. “We aim to give the best possible customerexperience includingunderstandingand empathising with client needs. Honesty and transparency is a team priority and our intention is to support clients’ decisionmakingand ensure they have confidence around theirconveyancingtransactions.” enthusiastic clientele –established in just 12 months –eagerly returned when the salon reopened at alert level two and business Sam Giddy continues to grow to the point that Sam and Emma have now taken on an apprentice.

Their success can be attributed to Sam and Emma’s friendly but absolutely professional manner, the warm salon atmosphere and exceptionally high standard ofservice which includes a free initial consultation.

“We want the very best for our clients and, therefore, have ensured our salon services go above and beyond today’s exactinghair requirements from the latest cut and colour techniques through to weddingand special

SHARON

HOGAN

Karaka Chocolate House 145 Great South Rd, Papakura

Hours 8am-3.30pm (Mon-Sat)

Ph 09 296 1222

When Sharon Hogan’s youngdaughter was a patient at Starship Hospital, her happy place aftertreatment was the

Parnell Chocolate Boutique. Memories ofthose delicious morsels were the catalyst forSharon settingup the Karaka

Chocolate House in Karaka two years ago. Havingnow relocated to the former

Canopius Café’s premises in Papakura, hershop has fast impressed itselfon the business community and shoppers who are marvellingat the exceptional calibre and range ofconfection. “Emphasis is on high quality products which have been ethically sourced and are only found in specialty stores,” says Sharon, who has a knackforsurprisingpatrons with exclusive treats. “I’ve looked forthe very best with somethingofan international flavour–beautiful French pastries, mouth-watering

Italian gelato and fabulous, handmade NZ chocolates.”

Emma Tocker

occasion hair with the services ofa makeup artist available for the ball season,” Sam says.

Emma adds: “In addition we also specialise in Great Length hair extensions, a process which requires a high degree oftrainingand care. We are so lucky to be doingthe work we both love and beingable to engage with great clients.”

Harrington West is open Tuesday to Saturday with two late nights –Tuesday and Thursday.

All enquiries welcome.

KIRSTY BULLEN

Campbell Tyson Chartered Accountants Pukekohe, Papakura, Te Kauwhata Ph 09 238 9219 www.ct.co.nz

Campbell Tyson Chartered Accountants celebrate 98 years in business this year and Kirsty Bullen, managing director, credits this longevity to a love ofbusiness and a passion for growing businesses and successful business people. Kirsty is “passionate about the growth ofher clients, their businesses and the CT team she leads”. She believes the relationship with your accountant and other professional advisors is integral to the success of your business allowing you to focus on what you do best. The business environment changes rapidly so the team at Campbell Tyson is constantly thinking forward ofways they can help their clients –an example ofthis is the implementation oftheir 24/7 help desk recognising that business doesn’t just happen between 9 and 5.

ACG STRATHALL AN: Challenging lessons, remarkable rewards

Determination. Discipline. Sheer willpower. Ryan Clover is living proof that if you truly set your mind to something, anything is possible.

Eighteen months ago, ACG Strathallan student, Ryan Clover suffered a concussion, and the consequences were life-changing.

“To this day, I still have migraines on a daily basis. For the first two to three months I could only do halfdays at school because the migraines were so bad,” says the Year 12 student.

While it would have been easy to lose his academic focus, Ryan dugdeep, determined to make himself, and his parents, proud. His efforts paid offwhen he received outstanding2019 Cambridge IGCSE scores, includingfive A* grades (90% and above).

“It meant the world to me to have achieved such great results. It’s the best outcome I could have dreamed ofand I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Ryan says the support he received from his teachers played a significant role in his success.

“They were absolutely amazingin helpingme keep up to date with my classworkand informed about what was done in class each day.

“At ACG Strathallan teachers take such pride in supportingtheir students to achieve results they can be proud of.

“Students are given every chance to askquestions, get one-on-one support, and understand anything they are strugglingwith.” But academics are not Ryan’s only focus. This year, he is a Deputy House Leader, an ACG Strathallan representative on the Papakura Youth Council, and a keen footballer.

Plus, he’s workingtowards his Duke ofEdinburgh bronze award, participatingin Relay for Life, and –had it not been for Covid-19 –would currently be in Nepal with a team of14 students as part of World Challenge.

“This experience has taught me that hard workreally does pay off. But, even more importantly, I’ve learnt that you need to find your passion.”

So, where does he see that passion takinghim?

“My goal is to become an oncologist and help those suffering with cancer. We’ve had a tough year with my dad who has a rare and aggressive benign fibromatosis in his shoulder.

“This has inspired me to want to help other families who are going through similar experiences as I know firsthand that it is far from easy.”

If you’d like to know more about ACG Strathallan, please join us for our next Open Morning on Wednesday, August 5, or visit strathallan.acgedu.com

MAKE GUMMIES A DAILY VITAMIN DOSE

Takinga daily vitamin boost has never been easier especially for children and that’s because Healtheries’ new Gummies vitamin range is delicious tastingand available in two variations –Multi Gummy Bears and Vit-C Gummy Bears for kids (RRP $16.99, not suitable for children under the age offour years) and Multi Gummies and Vit-C Gummies for adults (RRP $22.99).

These come with great-tasting flavours –berry and tropical –in dome shapes for adults and cute bear-shaped varieties for kids which means the days of vitamins sittinguntouched, or the kids throwingtantrums when asked to take their dose, are likely to disappear. However, always read the label and use only as directed.

Free from artificial flavours, colours, and sweeteners, and not sugar coated, Healtheries Gummies are available in supermarkets and select pharmacies.

KEEP DENTAL DISEASE IN CHECK

DrNikki Frost BSc BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), seniorvet at Franklin Vets Pukekohe talks about dental care forpets

Did you know that 80% ofcats and dogs over the age ofthree years have dental disease? This may include broken teeth, overcrowding ofteeth, retained baby teeth or periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the buildingup tartar on the teeth which leads to inflammation ofthe gums (gingivitis). With that inflammation comes a looseningofthe gum to tooth junction which then allows bacteria under the gum line. toothpaste, it can be done and is

Once bacteria gets under the gum line they can produce substances that create more inflammation. This leads to looseningofthe tooth and down on them.

loss ofthe supportingbone, which usually means havingthose teeth removed.

HOW CAN THIS BE PREVENTED?

• Dental chews for dogs. These can

• Regular dental checks by your vet. We recommend checks every sixmonths to assess ifdental treatment is needed. For humans it is recommended to have a professional clean and checkevery sixmonths so why would it be different for pets, especially given pose a riskofintestinal blockage.

they don’t brush and floss twice a day? The aim is to bringan animal in for a clean before damage is done under the gum line and to prevent this from happening.

hard but with a little trainingand pet-friendly, chicken-flavoured

the gold standard for keepingyour pet’s teeth clean. However, it does have to be done daily be effective.

• Dental diets. Royal Canin Dental and Hills t/d are designed to help chip offtartar as the pet crunches

help prevent build-up, but the dog does have to chew for two minutes for these to be effective.

• Water additives. Add these to your pet’s main water supply to help reduce plaque formation.

We are often asked about bones as a means ofkeepingteeth clean. While they are pretty good at this, they are also one ofthe main causes ofbroken teeth and can • Tooth brushing. This can be

Ifyou have any concerns feel free to call us.

Small, cosy centre for mixed ages (0-6 years) situated in the heart of Pukekohe

ECE 30 hours available for 2-6 year olds WINZ subsidies available for all qualifying families Opening Hours 7.00am-6.00pm

29 Queen Street, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 1795 www.blossoms.co.nz Email: pukekohe@blossomseducare.co.nz

Need a vet?

Franklin Vets Papakura and Pukekohe are open 7 days and late nights

KIDS BOOKS

STAYING HOME BOOK SERIES

We live in frighteningtimes. And, yet, for one in five Kiwi children life itselfis frightening. Based on her personal experiences offighting anxiety and depression, Emma Pascoe presents a bookthat’s specifically designed to help children understand how to live with such conditions or, at least, appreciate how they impact on many others. Raindrops can be greeted as pennies from heaven –especially after a drought! –but sometimes we just want them to go away! In this book, curious youngster, Abigail, is offon another magical adventure as she and her mum discover where the raindrops come from and why they are such an important part ofour world. Matthew Cunningham & Sarah Wilkins (illustrator): Abigail and the Restless Raindrop | RRP $19.99 | Picture Puffin Explainingwhy the world is in turmoil to children is not easy. However, a new book series is set to help parents tackle this task.

Identifyinghow even the smallest Kiwis can identify and meet challenges, this series (first released duringChina’s lockdown) features sixbooks: A Journey of 9000 Millimetres, Grandpa’s Fourteen Games, Levin the Cat, The Mask that Loved to Count, The Empty Lunchboxand Mum is Hiding.

Published by Twinkling Books, these titles (RRP $16.99 each) are all intended to help

THE GIRL WHO WAS SCARED OF EVERY THING

ABIGAIL AND THE RESTLESS RAINDROP

children adapt to a changing world.

OCEAN & VEHICLES FOR KIWI BABIES

The latest additions to Fraser and Matthew Williamson’s ‘For Kiwi Babies’ series, these two board books introduce little ones to wonders natural and man-made. Brightly illustrated, these books contain text in both English and Maori to further fuel young minds.

Fraser & Matthew Williamson: Ocean & Vehicles for Kiwi Babies | RRP $12.99 each | Picture Puffin