UCE Involvement:
48-Hour Health Challenge 2018
Summer Startup Programme 2017/18
NZTA Kaikoura Challenge, winning team 2017
Lane Neave Lawtech Bootcamp 2017
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What project are you working on at UCE?
I am working on a sustainable fashion label, The Dandy Club, which eliminates cotton and synthetics due to the harm they have on the planet. I am starting with men鈥檚 clothing, so I can focus on getting one thing right first. I am using innovative material such as milk waste, hemp and bamboo.
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How and when did The Dandy Club start?
The Dandy Club started about 3 months before the Programme. I had heard about the Summer Programme and knew that it was coming up. I did a fair bit of research into sustainable fashion then pushed myself into applying for the Programme to start developing my idea.
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Why sustainable fashion?
I am aware of the bad place the fashion industry is in and hear it crying out for changes. I am interested in anything to do with saving the environment and fashion is something I have always been passionate about so I want to see if I can improve the industry.
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What are people鈥檚 reactions to The Dandy Club?
It can be mixed. For the most part, people react well and get my idea. They don鈥檛 need a lot of info, once they hear sustainability they react well. It鈥檚 the people who have already researched the topic that question and push me a little further, which is really good.
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What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
The logistics of sourcing and shipping new material to manufacturers. I have to communicate extra clearly not only how the clothes are manufactured but instruct manufacturers how to use these new materials. This is a new experience for manufacturers and not everyone is up to the task.
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How did you find the UCE Summer Startup Programme?
Without doubt, the best thing I have done at university, I cannot recommend it enough. Working with such great people in a close environment for a long period of time was so great. When I first started, I noticed everyone was a little hesitant to share their idea but then warm up and eventually everyone knows each other鈥檚 ideas inside and out. Everyone just pushes and helps each other really.
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What is your most memorable moment this summer at UCE?
There were a few really good laughs, but UCE pushing me to speak at Ministry of Awesome, Coffee & Jam was a whole new experience. Speaking in front of a fresh audience then opening the floor to questions was exhilarating. You have no idea how they will react or what they will ask.
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How was the NZTA Kaik艒ura Challenge?
It was good, totally on the other end of spectrum to the programme. Being involved in the Challenge, helped push myself to do something I have never done before. It was a full-on weekend, Friday through till Sunday. I didn鈥檛 know a single person and definitely felt out of my comfort zone. It gave me one of a kind, practical hands on experience with business owners who had just lost their business. The Challenge was positively intense, if that is such a thing.
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How was the Lane Neave Lawtech Bootcamp?
It was good again for another reason, UCE provides variety in their different Programmes and Challenges. For the first time, I was not the only Law student participating. The Challenge was held at a law firm which was a good experience for law students.
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So you鈥檝e just scored an internship, Ministry of Awesome, tell me a little bit about that?
I actually just had my first day as an intern at Ministry of Awesome today. It started when I spoke at Coffee & Jam. I decided to approached Ministry of Awesome myself as I really like what they do and what they are part of. My first day was good, everyone was friendly, and I knew a few people. I am excited to be part of the future city activator also. This internship is a step up and a new experience for me which I am really thankful for.
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What do you find interesting about being an entrepreneur?
I never shy away from risk. In something that seems safe I get bored easily, uncertainty is not everyone鈥檚 cup of tea, but it is exciting for me. I also like the flexibility, for example if you start out looking for fashion, you can take always take those skills and put it into another startup. I also like the people aspect, you have to push yourself to go out and meet people and make connections, I really enjoy that.
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What advice would you give to another student considering starting up their own venture?
Do it but do it with UCE!
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What are your plans for this year?
I have three months working for the Ministry of Awesome and will continue working in The Dandy Club while studying.
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And what are your aspirations for the future?
To take a startup from the ground up and be successful, whether that鈥檚 via an exit strategy or progress it onto something I will do full time. Obviously, it would be great for The Dandy Club to become successful, but it will most likely pivot and change. I don鈥檛 think many people would get that lucky with their first start up. I鈥檓 optimistic but realistic.
