Talking about oceans and wellbeing with Natalie Jones, Seasick Sunscreen Co.

The realisation that sunscreen chemicals and plastic bottles are contributing to ocean pollution hit Natalie Jones, founder of Seasick Sunscreen Co, some years ago when on a snorkelling trip in Hawaii.

As a long time environmentalist/conservationist Natalie (Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa) was concerned to learn that the sunscreen she used on a daily basis could be damaging the coral reef and wildlife she was swimming with.

How then to have an effective sunscreen while limiting impact on the reef environment?  For Natalie, the answer was to return home and begin researching how to make a better product.

The result is Seasick Sunscreen Co – a social enterprise on a mission to be Aotearoa’s most sustainable sunscreen brand.  After much experimentation, trialling and tweaking Natalie created a sunscreen formula made with just seven naturally-derived ingredients including non-nano zinc oxide.

As well as containing no animal products, Seasick Sunscreen Co has been independently certified as providing broad spectrum SPF30 protection.

As a social enterprise,  two percent of Seasick Sunscreen Co’s income is donated to ocean conservation projects such as Wellington’s Love Rimurimu Project, piloting the regeneration of kelp forests around Aotearoa’s takutai (coastline).

Like all beginning businesses Natalie has faced challenges and is candid about how the journey from idea, to start up, to self-supporting sustainable business has not always been smooth.

Seasick Sunscreen Co began as a sidegig whilst Natalie worked a full time job in conservation along with studying.  She had to contend with learning the ins-and-outs of doing all the things a sole trader has to manage – product development, production, marketing, social media, sales and associated administration, as well as submitting product for the rigorous certification process.

Eventually Natalie reached a junction, needing to decide on growing the business or keeping it as a hobby business.  She took the step of leaving her full time employment and was accepted into Kōkiri, the business accelerator programme for Māori entrepreneurs.  With encouragement from the course participants and her mentors Natalie then took the step of upscaling her business and outsourcing production.

However the adrenaline buzz new businesses experience in the early days of setting up is, as Natalie found, not sustainable.  For all businesses there comes a plateau point when an analytical eye needs to be cast over the future of the business.  Natalie admits to reaching a crossroads after planned progress did not proceed as intended and resulted in a highly stressful situation. Natalie refers to this as her “long, dark night of the soul” and is something most, if not all, entrepreneurs can relate to!

The support received from the contacts she had made through Kōkiri, and the wider Wellington small business networks gave Natalie the perspective and strength to deal with the problems and continue growing her business.

“I defined what my success looks like and part of that is looking after my hauora and wellbeing.  If I’m feeling healthy and balanced, for me, that’s what my success looks like”

Ahead of the UN World Oceans Day on the 8th June we sat down to have a kōrero with Natalie about the health of our oceans and looking after yourself as a sole trader business.

Want to know more about the importance of our marine environment and how you can take steps to care for it?
Check out some of these resources from Wellington City Libraries collections

Help for Kelp
This winter, baby giant kelp is being planted into Wellington Harbour / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where great seaweed forests once thrived.  North and South, June 2023 : P 16-17
Accessible through Libby Magazines

The Kelp
Where do young sea creatures spend their first weeks? What’s at the root of oceanic food chains? Kelp forests are to Aotearoa what coral reefs are to other marine ecosystems. Or they used to be.
NZ Geographic Issue 176 Jul-Aug 2022

For further reading on the impact of sunscreen on marine environments search in our range of
Science & technology/Pūtaiao me ngā hangarau databases.

In the Wellington City Libraries book collections you can find the following books on marine life and reefs and

Life on the rocks : building a future for coral reefs / Berwald, Juli
“Coral reefs are a microcosm of our planet: wondrously diverse, deeply interconnected, and critically imperilled. They sustain entire ecosystems and protect vulnerable coasts. But corals across the planet are in the middle of an unprecedented die-off, beset by warming oceans, pollution, human damage, and their own devastating pandemic. Even under stress, they are out-of-this world gorgeous, sending out warning flares in fluorescent bursts of yellow, pink, and indigo. Juli Berwald fell in love with coral reefs as a marine biology student, entranced by their beauty and complexity. While she was concerned by bleaching events and coral disease, she didn’t fully understand what a dead reef meant until she experienced one on a dive: barren, decaying, and coated in slime. Deeply alarmed, she travelled the world desperate to discover how to prevent their loss. Life on the Rocks is a meditative ode to the reefs and the undaunted scientists working to save them against almost impossible odds. Berwald explores what it means to keep fighting a battle that can’t be won, contemplating the inevitable grief of climate change and the beauty of small victories”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Future sea : how to rescue and protect the world’s oceans / Wright, Deborah Rowan
“Rather than continue to focus on discrete, geographically bounded bodies of water, ocean advocate and marine-policy researcher Deborah Wright urges a Plan Sea, which reimagines the oceans as the continuous ecosystem it is, not disconnected buckets of salt and plankton. This book proposes that the global marine environment be protected under the precautionary principle. It argues that the policy framework for such protection already exists — it just needs to be enforced. In a series of case studies, with first-person vignettes woven throughout, Wright encourages us to begin every conversation about ocean policy with the assumption that any extractive or polluting activities in the world’s oceans should require special permission. Her argument invokes the Public Trust Doctrine already embedded in many constitutions, and hinges on the Law of the Sea, which was established by the U.N. in 1982 to protect the “high seas,” or the remote parts of the ocean considered international waters. To some, Wright’s plan may seem idealistic, but its audacity might also be seen as a welcome nudge to our collective imagination. Many scientists are convinced that ocean ecosystems are on the brink of collapse — there’s something to be said, then, for a book that’s radical enough to unlock new thinking about what might be possible, and maybe necessary, in terms of their protection”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Blue new deal : why we need a new politics for the ocean / Armstrong, Chris
“The ocean sustains life on our planet, from absorbing carbon to regulating temperatures, and, as we exhaust the resources to be found on land, it is becoming central to the global market. But today we are facing two urgent challenges at sea: massive environmental destruction, and spiralling inequality in the ocean economy. Chris Armstrong reveals how existing governing institutions are failing to respond to the most pressing problems of our time, arguing that we must do better. Armstrong examines these crises–from the fate of people whose lands will be submerged by sea level rise, to the exploitation of people working in fishing, to the rights of marine animals–and makes the case for a powerful World Ocean Authority capable of tackling them. A Blue New Deal presents a radical manifesto for putting equality, democracy, and sustainability at the heart of ocean politics”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Saving the reef / Lloyd, Rohan
“While in the past Australians wrestled with what the Reef is, today they are struggling to reconcile what it will be… To do this, we need to understand the Reef’s intertwining human story. The Great Barrier Reef has come to dominate Australian imaginations and global environmental politics. In Saving the Reef, environmental historian Rohan Lloyd charts the social history of Australia’s most prized yet vulnerable environment, from the relationship between First Nations peoples and colonial settlers, to the Reef’s most portentous moment – the Save the Reef campaign launched in the 1960s. Through this gripping historical narrative and interwoven contemporary essays, Lloyd reveals how the scale of damage caused to the Reef has forced twenty-first century Australia to reconsider what ‘saving’ the Reef really means.” (Catalogue)

Your life, your planet : what you can do right now / Ebbs, Geoff
Your Life, Your Planet is the toolkit and the manual that you need to nurture yourself – and the environment that nurtures you. It is full of tips that will help you to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a healthier and more satisfying life. A century and more of incredible growth and consumerism has been and is dangerously damaging our environment and has taught us that we ultimately depend on each other and the natural systems that provide our air, water, food, shelter and clothing. Unless we take personal responsibility and look after ourselves, each other and the natural world in a balanced and harmonious manner, the situation has little chance of improving. In order to tackle issues such as carbon emissions, our fossil fuel dependency, plastic and other pollution, and species loss, we need to actively engage with the people and the world around us and address the habitual way we seek convenience and ease. In doing this this, we will not only reduce our environmental footprint, but we will take the first steps toward Cat Greens ideal of converting our homes from centres of rampant consumption to hubs of environmentally friendly production.” (Catalogue)

On the WCL movie streaming platforms Beamafilm and Kanopy (accessible with library registration and login) you will find the following documentaries of interest.

Blue
Duration:  1 h 16 min
Country: Australia
Rating: PG
Year of Release: 2017
Half of all marine life has been lost in the last 40 years. By 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. The way the ocean operates is different to how we thought of it 100 years ago. We can no longer think of it as a place of limitless resources, a dumping ground, immune to change or decline. BLUE takes us on a provocative journey into the ocean realm, witnessing a critical moment in time when the marine world is on a precipice. Featuring passionate advocates for ocean preservation, BLUE takes us into their world where the story of our changing ocean is unfolding. We meet those who are defending habitats, campaigning for smarter fishing, combating marine pollution and fighting for the protection of keystone species. This feature documentary comes at a time when we are making critical decisions that will decide the legacy we leave for generations to come. BLUE shows us there is a way forward and the time to act is now.

Revolution: The Fight to Save Our Oceans
Released 2015, Duration : 1hr 22min
In this multi-award-winning film, Rob Stewart embarks on a global journey to uncover the grave dangers threatening the world’s oceans — and ultimately, humanity — as well as to learn what it will take to reverse the challenges to life on earth.

From the coral reefs in Papua New Guinea to the rainforests of Madagascar, Stewart’s travels reveal that our fate is tied to even the smallest of creatures. Stunning scenes of underwater sea life bring viewers face to face with sharks and lemurs, into the microscopic world of the pygmy seahorse, and on the hunt with the deadly flamboyant cuttlefish.

The Urban Ocean: Human Impact on Marine Life
2018, Duration : 35min
Our high-tech use of the ocean for food, transportation, and energy has far-reaching effects, particularly on certain species. Focusing on issues from noise pollution to microplastics, we can mitigate our impact to provide better futures for ourselves as well as for marine life. The work begins with understanding the extent of our true impacts.

For a business owner, particularly a sole operator, workloads can be high and burnout a reality.
Check out the resources offered in the following blogs :

Stages of burnout, triggers and warning signs by guest author Jess Stuart and Burnout

Startup Founder Burnout Rates Are Alarmingly High: What’s the Solution?
Startup founders often sacrifice their personal life by working tirelessly in exchange for rewards they hope to reap down the road. Progress in business often comes at a steep cost. The currency with which an entrepreneur pays to grow his or her business is invaluable—sleep, time with loved ones, rest and relaxation, and, eventually, mental and physical health.  In this article, we’ll explain some burnout mitigation strategies and highlight the benefits they can offer to entrepreneurs.

Dark nights of the soul : a guide to finding your way through life’s ordeals / Moore, Thomas
“Thomas Moore explores contemporary anxieties and securities to guide you through life’s ordeals” (Catalogue)

 

 

If you would like more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Talking Ginger beer and Business with Tim Key, Peacock’s Tail

But listen — if you’re feelin’ dry,
Just see there’s no one near,
And go and wink the other eye
And ask for ginger beer.

This week in our Business blog we acknowledge International gingerbeer day, recognised on 13 March.   We delve into the history of gingerbeer brewing in Wellington City and talk to one of Wellington’s newest ginger beer brewers, Tim Key of The Peacock’s Tail.

Ginger beer – a refreshing beverage resulting from the fermentation of ginger, sugar, yeast and water – is believed to have originated in the Britain around the mid-1700s, taking advantage of the increased trade in goods like sugar and ginger from the Caribbean and India.  Usually it was bottled in sturdy, earthenware bottles that allowed for wide distribution. 

It’s not surprising then, that no sooner had the first Pākehā settlers arrived on the shores of Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and they began using natural springs to brew a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Gingerbeer was one of the many beverages popular with the new immigrants and the first recorded brewers in the fledgling settlement believed to be John Osborne (Osborne and Co) and John Roots both of whom were documented as being merchants or manufacturers of gingerbeer by 1843.

As the colony grew so too did the number of manufacturers of “aerated waters, cordials and syrups” all of which made up the broader “softdrinks” (ie those without alcohol).  While some businesses flared and died within a short period of time, others became generational and established a solid reputation for product quality and service.

It was these family run operations that sometimes gave some women an opportunity to move into the business world, albeit due to the necessity of needing to support themselves and their families on the untimely death of their husbands.

Colonial life was harsh and Mary Roots took over John’s business following his demise a few years after establishing his business.  Also continuing on, and successfully expanding, the family business was Emma Dixon (Mrs Geo Dixon), following the death of her husband George.    George had in turn earlier taken over the aerated water and ginger beer manufacturing company started by his father Edward (who was ably assisted by wife Catherine) in the mid-1850s.  Other of Edward and Catherine’s offspring either branched out into starting cordial businesses in the Manawatu, Wairarapa or Nelson (for the sons) or, in the case of their daughters, married into manufacturing families.  Emma Dixon eventually sold the business to a competitor company, Bennet and Ready in 1897 and they in turn continued manufacturing softdrinks until 1920.

Around the same time as the Dixon business was established Thomas Cooper, and eventually his son George, ran an aerated water business first in Molesworth Street and then Thorndon Quay, continuing production for over thirty years.

Other names that became brands associated with the brewing of gingerbeer in Wellington included the Strikes who formed numerous companies over a forty year period.

Thomson and Co was a respected business that began in Dunedin, and through partnership, expanded operations into Wellington.  Becoming Thomson and Lewis in the late 1880s,  the company Thomson Lewis and Co. still has registered offices in Ngauranga.  A remnant of Thomson Lewis manufacturing can be found in the well at the entrance to Moore Wilson’s in Te Aro. 

F W Niven & Co. :[Thomson, Lewis & Co., Te Aro House. 1895]. F W Niven & Co. :View of Wellington N Z [ca 1895] from Aurora Terrace. F W Niven & Co. [lith] Ballarat, [Victoria, ca 1895]. Ref: D-002-005-002. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23007862

The big brand international names of Schweppes and Coca-cola moved onto the Wellington softdrink manufacturing scene in the 1930s.  

Ginger beer remained a popular refreshment, particularly with those who abstained from alcoholic drinks, until some time after the Second World War, when popularity began to wane. 

The 1990s saw a resurgence in popularity of the ginger brew as noted in this article in City Voice from July 1995.

Throughout the decades there have been as many as 70 different Wellington gingerbeers.

Tim Key, a musician and self-described Fizz Whizz, and his Peacock’s Tail kawakawa infused gingerbeer are the latest to join the long list of Wellington gingerbeer brewers.

With the increased popularity in fermentation and its health benefits, along with a growing interest in alcohol free drinks we are again seeing a revival in gingerbeer and it was both these things, along with a desire for a less heavily sweetened drink, that led Tim Key to begin experimenting in his kitchen several years ago.

Tim operates his small batch gingerbeer brewing business out of the Vogelmorn Bowling Club community centre,  where he first began offering his product through the on-site cafe before venturing into wider sales via his website.

The name, Peacock’s Tail is, Tim advises a reference to its symbolism in alchemy and in turn the fermentation process the gingerbeer ingredients go through to become the end product.

Using the juice of freshly pressed root ginger, and infusing it with several leaves of kawakawa, Tim has arrived at a brew that is a dry, warming and refreshing addition to the non-alcohol options available locally.

Gingerbeer isn’t Tim’s first venture into beverage production having been involved in the start up of a chai manufacture some years previous.

Assisted by his daughter Ela who oversees the bottle labelling after school,  Tim’s gingerbeer is a unique, 21st century addition to a manufacturing industry that has a long history in Wellington. 

Watch our video as we talk to Tim about making gingerbeer and future plans to grow his business.


If you want to know more, check out some of Wellington City Libraries’ historical resources and some of the books we have that might encourage you to begin your own brewing.

A pictorial guide to collecting New Zealand ginger beers / Baldwin, Bruce
“Lists every New Zealand ginger beer bottle known to date, March 1996″–Pref.” (Catalogue)

  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

The aerated water and soft drink industry in New Zealand, 1845-1986 / Robson, Peter E. W

  • The origins and early development of the industry –The soft drink industry in New Zealand — Further developments in the industry — The N.Z. Soft Drink Association.
  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

Capital thirst : Wellington’s soft drink industry 1843-1988 / Fisher Peter

Traces the development Wellington’s softdrink manufacturing industry through bottles.

Better for you : entrepreneurs who broke big soda’s stranglehold on the USA and New Zealand / Lewis, Lisa A.
“In Better for You, Lisa A. Lewis examines the rise of a global healthy drinks market and presents profiles of entrepreneurs who dared to create innovative “better for you” beverages in two distant countries”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

Kombucha & co : tips & recipes to make your own kombucha, kefir, jun, ginger beer, honey mead & more / Evans, Felicity
“Kombucha and other fermented drinks are great for gut health, but they’re expensive to buy and you can’t be sure of the quality. But it’s easy to make your own kombucha when you know how. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans has you covered with step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious flavours of gut-friendly probiotic drinks, including troubleshooting tips and inspiration for alcohol-free happy hour at home. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead, learn to confidently make your own fermented drinks and transform your health from within.” (Catalogue)

Wild drinks : the new old world of small-batch brews, ferments and infusions / Flynn, Sharon
“Wild Drinks is the definitive book on infusing, brewing and fermenting delicious and often nutritious things to drink, from mead to kombucha to cider to kvass. With the entertaining and assuring voice of fermentation expert Sharon Flynn, it is a perfect jumping off point for anyone who is curious to learn more about this magical and witchy world. Across six chapters, Wild Drinks features more than 60 recipes. Learn the basics of wild fermentation and read about the equipment you need to start your fermentation journey. Discover drinks made from grain, including doburoku (farmhouse sake), wild beer and kvass; explore recipes for wild apple cider, country wine and wild soda; try water kefir, kombucha, ginger beer and fruit vinegars, and come to understand the art of imparting flavour, from shrubs to flavoured waters to syrups and liqueurs. And in the spirit of reducing waste, the final chapter shows how to use fermentation byproducts – ranging from crackers made from sake lees to kimchi pancakes, nettle risotto and Basque cider chicken. Recipes include fascinating historical context and quick tips, and Sharon considers the traditions associated with these ancient fermentation practices too”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Probiotic drinks at home : make your own seriously delicious gut-friendly drinks / Evans, Felicity
“Take the next step after green smoothies, with probiotic drinks for gut health. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead – learn to confidently handcraft your own beautiful elixirs and transform your health, one ferment at a time. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans provides step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious probiotic drinks. Including expert guidelines and troubleshooting tips so that you ll soon be brewing delicious drinks to make your gut happy.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Talking Raising Capital with Roscoe Price Moor, Roady

Dragon’s Den.
Shark Tank.

Many readers will be familiar with these reality television shows in which fledgling entrepreneurs pitch their business start-up idea to experienced business people, seeking their investment.

In 2020 Roscoe Price-Moor stood in front of a group of potential investors and pitched his idea for an app, Roady.

Roady began in 2017 as bespoke itinerary planning business for independent international travellers.

Roscoe worked with clients to design a self-drive road trip taking in aspects of Aotearoa that appealed to independent travellers.

It was though, a labour intensive process. Taking inspiration from Pokemon Go Roscoe began thinking about a similar app style that could be used by tourists, whereby they could use the app to devise their own itinerary while adding a game element to a road trip.

Originally trained as a Physical Education teacher, Roscoe worked on his business and kept thinking about potential app development whilst continuing to work as a relief PE teacher.

Then in early 2020 along came Covid and no one was road-tripping anywhere.  Two years on Roscoe says, with hindsight, that Covid was a good thing because it forced him to consider his options and “Put the old model to bed”.

With his travel app idea still very much a concept, Roscoe signed up for a Creative HQ incubator course.

The Incubator is a 6-month hybrid programme open to startups based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington.

The Creative HQ programme allows participants time to concentrate exclusively on the development of their idea, whilst providing them with the information required to start a business alongside mentoring from experienced business people.

An invitation followed to participate in a development accelerator programme specifically for tourism at the end of which Roscoe’s idea was refined and he then pitched the concept to a group of Angel HQ investors.

“Raising capital was completely new to me.  It was certainly something Creative HQ and the mentors in the programme helped with … making me aware of the options out there …

… you really need to be confident and have a clear plan.  You really need to be able to articulate to these investors what their money is going to get them as a result of the funding…” 

The resulting funding allowed Roscoe to get Roady off the ground, employ a staffer and formally launch the business in August this year.  Free to download, Roady is now tracking at 18, 000+ downloads with more expected as the summer holiday period approaches and inbound tourism numbers increase.

Following the successful uptake in New Zealand the company is now planning expanding into the Australian market.

Learn more about the Roady journey and development plans in Wellington City Libraries’ interview with Roscoe.

If you want to know more about how to successfully seek investor funding we’ve collated some resources for you.

Online resources and articles

Callaghan Innovation has created and made available, “Capital education resources to help businesses understand the equity capital raising process in New Zealand. No matter what age or stage your company or innovation is at, these resources offer expert advice on how to raise the capital needed to build a thriving business – even in a COVID-19 impacted environment.  You can find them here

Late last year the University of Auckland published research “documenting the experiences women entrepreneurs have had when trying to raise capital has revealed the challenges they face navigating entrepreneurial ecosystems”.

Dr Janine Swail’s research Raising Capital in Aotearoa New Zealand: Insights From Women Entrepreneurs provides insights from 26 female entrepreneurs.

Business.govt.nz outlines what lenders look for if you are Applying for a Loan
“Lenders want to see good financial habits, a clear vision for the future, and a funding proposal supported by processes and a strong team. See what else they look for and how you can improve your chances of getting finance”.

Samantha Novak’s article 7 Creative Financing Options for New Businesses and Startups looks at some of the alternative, less traditional routes to raising investment to help develop your fledgling business.

Jason Yeh, Adamant Ventures, shares some of the lessons learned from over 15 years in business in How to Avoid Your Biggest Fundraising Mistake and Successfully Raise Capital

8 Things to Know Before Raising Startup Capital offers advice from business owners and lending experts to those seeking startup capital for new ventures.

Books in the WCL collection

Pitch like Hollywood : what you can learn from the high-stakes film industry / Desberg, Peter
“A clinical psychologist and writer/producer share secrets to overcoming presentation anxiety and crafting the perfect “award-winning” pitch-no matter what industry you work in! From impromptu elevator pitches to full-board presentations, sales and marketing professionals face an “audience” daily-often with make-or-break consequences. No matter what business you’re in, you can up your game substantially by incorporating elements of a classic Hollywood pitch: driving emotion, piquing curiosity, and ultimately winning over decision makers with top-notch persuasion and performance. Pitch Like Hollywood, clinical psychologist Peter Desberg and writer/producer Jeffrey Davis take you on an insiders’ tour of the entire process, from defining the fundamentals to smart strategies for overcoming stage fright (pitch panic). They also include a step-by-step guide so that you can adapt the Hollywood Pitch for your next board meeting or sales call…”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Backable : the surprising truth behind what makes people take a chance on you / Gupta, Suneel
“No one makes it alone. But there’s a reason why some people can get investors or bosses to believe in them while others cannot. And that reason has little to do with experience, pedigree or a polished business plan. Backable people seem to have a hidden quality that inspires others to take action. We often chalk this up to natural talent or charisma…either you have “it” or you don’t. After getting rejected by every investor he pitched, Suneel Gupta had a burning question: could “it” be learned? Drawing lessons from hundreds of the world’s biggest thinkers, Suneel discovered how to pitch new ideas in a way that has raised millions of dollars, influenced large-scale change inside massive corporations, and even convinced his 8-year old daughter to clean her room. Inside are long-held secrets from producers of Oscar-winning films, members of Congress, military leaders, culinary stars, venture capitalists, founders of unicorn-status startups, and executives at iconic companies like Lego, Method, and Pixar. Backable reveals how the key to success is not charisma, connections, or even your resume, but rather your ability to persuade others to take a chance on you. This groundbreaking book will show you how.” — Goodreads.” (Catalogue)

The entrepreneur’s guide to raising capital / Nour, David
“Ask any established business owner to identify his or her toughest challenge when just starting out, and you’ll likely get this answer: raising capital. Most aspiring entrepreneurs know far too little about the sources of money that can help start a business or fuel its growth. Where do you get capital? What are investors looking for? How do you ask for money in a way that gets results? This book answers these and many other critical questions… The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Raising Capital, designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the money-raising maze, shows how to attract financing to fund the start-up and growth phases any business moves through. It answers the most common_and the most perplexing_questions entrepreneurs have about financing a business: How do I put together a credible request for funds? How do I choose wisely from among the plethora of financial and strategic investors, consultants, investment bankers, and other intermediaries? How do I identify and avoid the risks associated with various sources of capital? How do I plan for the right kind, amount, and source of smart capital as the business evolves? How do I get the highest return on invested capital? How do I avoid the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when raising capital? This book provides real-life, pragmatic advice from entrepreneurs who have raised money from friends, family, angel investors, and banks, as well as institutional investors such as venture capitalists and private equity firms. It details the process from start to finish while spotlighting the danger spots and ways to avoid them. It will be especially useful to those who are uncomfortable making important financial decisions, and to those who are confused by all the conflicting opinions offered by advisors_both well meaning and otherwise. By showing readers the financing ropes, Nour removes a major source of stress for budding entrepreneurs and moves them closer to their dream come true: a successful business.” (Catalogue)

Funded : the entrepreneur’s guide to raising your first round / Hague, Katherine
“The venture capital world is often intimidating and hard to navigate, even for the most seasoned entrepreneurs. But it doesn’t have to be. Entrepreneurs who run effective fundraising processes don’t do it by accident. With this book, you’ll learn what it takes to successfully raise a round of funding for your company. Author Katherine Hague explains how the venture capital industry works, and walks you through each step necessary to plan, execute, and optimize your own fundraising round. Packed full of exercises, checklists, and templates, this book guides you through the process from start to finish. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs raising later rounds of capital, as well as those just starting out.
Gain an understanding of core venture capital concepts and standards
Learn how to develop and hone an investor pitch
Come away with a plan to hit the fundraising trail for your company
Develop the confidence you need to negotiate key terms in a funding deal
Understand best practices in fundraising, and learn how to avoid the top 10 fundraising mistakes” (Catalogue)

Building wealth through venture capital : a practical guide for investors and the entrepreneurs they fund / Batterson, Leonard A.
“Venture capital demystified, for both investors and entrepreneurs Building Wealth Through Venture Capital is a practical how-to guide for both sides of the table–investors and the entrepreneurs they fund.” (Catalogue)

Angel : how to invest in technology startups-timeless advice from an angel investor who turned $100,000 into $100,000,000 / Calacanis, Jason
“One of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors shares his rules for investing in startups. There are two ways to make money in startups: create something valuable-or invest in the people that are creating valuable things. Over the past twenty-five years, Jason Calacanis has made a fortune investing in creators, spotting and helping build and fund a number of successful technology startups-investments that have earned him tens of millions of dollars. Now, in this enlightening guide that is sure to become the bible for twenty-first century investors, Calacanis takes potential angels step-by-step through his proven method of creating massive wealth: startups… He guides you step by step through the process, revealing how leading investors evaluate new ventures, calculating the risks and rewards, and explains how the best startups leverage relationships with angel investors for the best results. Whether you’re an aspiring investor or a budding entrepreneur, Angel will inspire and educate you on all the ins of outs. Buckle up for a wild ride into the world of angel investing!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Crowdfunding intelligence : the no-nonsense guide to raising investment funds on the Internet / Buckingham, Chris
“Crowdfunding’s time has arrived! Through the power of the Internet, it represents one of the most exhilarating ways to raise investment funds for your dream project. It enables you to get exposure in the public domain and can mean a seal of approval being given to your ideas by the masses. Developed from crowdsourcing – where people get together to generate ideas and solve problems – crowdfunding is an extension of this, only now the crowd add money (funding) to a project. It offers investment solutions to project needs in all sorts of fields, from apps to zoos. This book provides unrivalled explanations and frameworks to help any entrepreneur or business to prepare and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign and raise the capital they need. It contains expert insights and advice from the major players in the sector, including the leading crowdfunding sites, on how success can be achieved.”–Amazon website.” (Catalogue)

Last, but not least, if you are interested in tourism development this new publication from Bridget Williams Books may interest.

100% Pure Future: New Zealand Tourism Renewed
Sarah Bennett (ed).  Contributors: Dave Bamford, Susanne Becken, Hugh Logan, Rod Oram, Raewyn Peart, David Simmons, Erna Spijkerbosch, Te Ngaehe Wanikau and Tony Wheeler.
Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on New Zealand tourism, but the industry was already troubled by unchecked growth and questionable governance that has put pressure on the environment, infrastructure and communities. In this urgent collection of essays, nine writers outline their vision for sustainable tourism, the barriers to achieving it and how they can be overcome. This BWB Text is a rallying call for a genuine tourism ‘reset’ that puts the environment first and creates more meaningful exchanges between visitors and their hosts.

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Talking about a passion for pinball with Hamish Guthrey, Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe

“Ever since I was a young boy
I’ve played the silver ball.
From Soho down to Bond St *
I must have played ’em all”  

Wait! Where? Bond Street?  (*Apologies to The Who)

Yes, Wellington’s pinhead community already know there’s a new game venue in town and now word is getting out that Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe (YOPS)  has opened in Bond St in Wellington’s CBD.

Hamish Guthrey, a self-described AV integration geek, has turned a long-time passion for pinball into one of Wellington’s newest niche businesses. YOPS is both a pinball arcade and a showroom for Multimorphic machines for which Hamish holds the NZ distributorship. He is also able to help enthusiasts source and import machines produced by other companies and provides an installation and maintenance service as well.

When I dropped by in early January the windows were covered in newspaper and what appeared to be a very random selection of words – bumpers, gobble hole, draining. My first exposure to the international language of the pinball afficionado. 

Since then, the fitout has been completed, the front doors opened for business and regular monthly pinball tournaments are being hosted.

Fun fact #1
A precursor to pinball evolved in France in the late 17th century and eventually became known as bagatelle.  The game continued to evolve with the first coin-operated gaming machines being invented in the USA in the 1930s.

The day Wellington City Library visited Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe a diverse clientele popped in for a quick couple of games, and included a preschooler unable to see the table top but who seemed to know what the buttons were all for.

From design to implementation and installation Hamish has been hands-on all the way through undertaking much of the work himself with the help of likeminded friends. The result is a 21st century tech meets 1970s vibe and is welcoming to all.

Fun fact #2
In America pinball was viewed by some as a game of chance (like gambling) and was therefore banned in many cities. New York didn’t lift its ban until 1976.

Wellington City Libraries sat down with Hamish and asked what led him to make the leap from being an enthusiast to setting up a business based on his long held passion passion.

This is a two part video – part one – below – will focus on the business side of setting up a business from scratch.  Part two will look more at the pinball side of the business.

Following on from Part 1 of our talk with Hamish from Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe about how he has turned his long time passion for the game into one of Wellington’s newest niche businesses, we take a look at the long history of pinball, the art and design of the machines, and hear more from Hamish about his plans to develop his business in the months ahead.

At the end of this blog we have included a curated list of pinball related items, some of which are available in the Wellington City Libraries collection

But first some resources to help you turn a passion into a business :

It starts with passion : do what you love and love what you do / Abraham, Keith
“How to ignite your passion, live with purpose, and succeed in life and business. No matter what you want to achieve in life, the secret to doing it is passion. For people to be happy, they need to find meaning in what they do and in the roles they play in their lives, careers, and communities. When we identify the personal passions that drive us, the byproduct is focus, satisfaction, and achievement. But it’s not always easy to find our passions. In this book, Keith Abraham shows you how to ignite the passion in your life, as well as in the lives of your colleagues, employees, and associates. He includes in-depth research, easy-to-understand concepts, inspirational stories, and clear visual models to show you how to find out what’s meaningful to you and pursue it with passion and energy. In the process, Abraham shows you what you can achieve when you align your purpose, passion, and personal goals.” (Catalogue)
Also available as an e-audiobook

Passion, purpose, profit : sidestep the #hustle and build a business you love / Killackey, Fiona
“The must-have book for anyone starting a business or looking to fall in love with their business again. It’s one thing to have a business idea, or even to start a creative business. It’s quite another to scale it sustainably without increasing your financial and emotional stress. For most small business owners, what starts as something energising quickly turns into something overwhelming and energy depleting. You spend so much time in your business, it’s hard to find any time to work on your business. In this practical guide, experienced business coach and creative consultant Fiona Killackey shows you how to scale the business without scaling the stress. From validating your business idea (whatever stage in its development), mapping out your money and specifying your business goals, through to hiring staff and defining your marketing plan, Passion Purpose Profit gives you a clear understanding of where you’re going and exactly how you’ll get there. Complete with step-by-step tips and templates, as well as case studies of successful creative business owners, Passion Purpose Profit will have you empowered and excited about business again.” (Catalogue)
Also available as an e-book

Crush it! : why now is the time to cash in on your passion / Vaynerchuk, Gary
“Do you have a hobby you wish you could do all day? An obsession that keeps you up at night? Now is the perfect time to take those passions and make a living doing what you love. In CRUSH IT! Why NOW Is The Time To Cash In On Your Passion, Gary Vaynerchuk shows you how to use the power of the Internet to turn your real interests into real businesses. Gary spent years building his family business from a local wine shop into a national industry leader. Then one day he turned on a video camera, and by using the secrets revealed in this book, transformed his entire life and earning potential by building his personal brand. By the end of this book, any reader will have learned how to harness the power of the Internet to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. Step by step, CRUSH IT! is the ultimate driver’s manual for modern business. Gary Vaynerchuk has captured attention with his pioneering, multi-faceted approach to personal branding and business. After primarily utilizing traditional advertising techniques to build his family’s local retail wine business into a national industry leader, Gary rapidly leveraged social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook to promote Wine Library TV, http://tv.winelibrary.com, his video blog about wine. Gary has always had an early-to-market approach, launching Wine Library’s retail website in 1997 and Wine Library TV in February of 2006. His lessons on social media, passion, transparency, and reactionary business are not to be missed!”–Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Launch your dream : a 30-day plan for turning your passion into your profession / Partridge, Dale
“Provides a thirty-day plan for starting a new business, teaching readers how to hone their ideas, build an audience, construct an online presence, master social media, craft a brand, and create great customer experiences. — Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

If your interests extend more to pinball than business  check these other interviews featuring Hamish :

From the Pinball blog Knapp Arcade there’s New Zealand’s Amazing New Pinball Arcade – Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe.  Read it here

Listen to Hamish’s interview on Radio Active

In the Wellington City Libraries collection we have :

Pinball : a graphic history of the silver ball / Chad, Jon
“Jon Chad illustrates the little-known story of pinball – how it works and why it all matters in an age of special effects and on-screen gaming.”–Amazon.com” (Catalogue)

 

In the interview we talk about the Guns ‘n Roses game – learn more about Slash’s input into the design of the game with the article Guns N’ Roses Guitarist Slash On New ‘Not In This Lifetime’ Pinball Machine, Collaborating With Jersey Jack Pinball

Fun fact #3
There are pinball museums to be found across America, throughout Europe and in Australia

If film is more your thing you can access this doco via the Library’s Kanopy streaming site.  It’s free but you do need a library card to register.

Wizard Mode: An Autistic Teenager’s Quest to Become World Pinball Champion
2016  (Kanopy)  Library registration is required to access
Runtime : 1hr 37min
In the game of pinball, there is no greater reward than Wizard Mode – a hidden level that is only unlocked when a player completes a series of lightning-speed challenges. Robert Gagno has dedicated most of his life to mastering Wizard Mode, and is now one of the top pinball players in the world. He also happens to have autism.

Special When Lit (2009) 
What made more money than the entire American movie industry through the 50s and 60s? Pinball. Special When Lit rediscovers the lure of a lost pop icon. A product of the mechanical and electrical age, the American invention swept the world and defined cool. Now it is relegated to a nostalgic footnote deserving a better fate. Joining the fans, collectors, designers and champion players from across the globe who share a world many of us didn’t know still existed.  This documentary is available on Youtube

It’s not just Guns N’ Roses that have their own machine.  Ed Robertson from the Canadian group Bare Naked Ladies is also a pinhead and has recently had input into the design of a series of pinball machines dedicated to the group.  Read about it here
You can find BNL music on compilation albums in the Library’s music collection but for a dedicated pinball song but for a song dedicated to pinball check out Silverball on Youtube.

Last up, and it’s a bit cliched, but what’s an article about pinball without the sound track from the rock opera Tommy by The Who?  

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Side hustles

Have you considered a side hustle as an extra income generating stream?

A side hustle is defined as a way to make money alongside one’s main form of income or employment.

A side hustle can be an entrepreneurial way to test a business idea on a small scale without giving up the security of your day job. Then, if it looks like it’s going to work out, you can transition more easily to a client base that is already partially established.

What kind of things can you do as a side hustle, whether to develop a business or just earn a bit of extra cash?

Within the WCL audiobook collection best selling author Chris Guillebeau presents an ideabook featuring 100 stories of regular people launching successful side businesses that almost anyone can do.  Check out : 

100 side hustles : unexpected ideas for making extra money without quitting your day job / Guillebeau, Chris
“… This unique guide features the startup stories of regular people launching side businesses that almost anyone can do: an urban tour guide, an artist inspired by maps, a travel site founder, an ice pop maker, a confetti photographer, a group of friends who sell hammocks to support local economies, and many more. In 100 Side Hustles , best-selling author of The $100 Startup Chris Guillebeau presents an “idea book” filled with inspiration for your next big idea. Distilled from Guillebeau’s popular Side Hustle School podcast, these case studies feature teachers, artists, coders, and even entire families who’ve found ways to create new sources of income. With insights and takeaways that reveal the human element behind the hustles, this playbook covers every important step of launching a side hustle, from identifying underserved markets to crafting unique products and services that spring from your passions. Soon you’ll find yourself joining the ranks of these innovative entrepreneurs—making money on the side while living your best life.” (Catalogue)

Although American in focus this article from Entrepreneur distils this idea further into a list of  50 profitable side hustle ideas while Moneyhub narrows down the 50 to a list of 8 profitable side hustles they consider suitable for New Zealand.

So now you have an idea – how do you develop it?  WCL have a number of resources to assist.  Amongst the resources are books in both hard copy and audiobook format also by Chris Guillebeau.

Side hustle : from idea to income in 27 days / Guillebeau, Chris
“For some people, the thought of quitting their day job to strike out on their own as an entrepreneur is exhilarating. For many others, it’s terrifying. After all, a stable job that delivers a regular paycheck is a blessing. And not everyone has the means–or the desire–to take on the risks and responsibilities of working for themselves. But what if we could quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job? Enter the side hustle. Chris Guillebeau is no stranger to this world, having launched more than a dozen side hustles over his career. Here he offers a step-by-step guide that takes you from idea to income in just 27 days. Designed for the busy and impatient, this detailed road map will show you how to select, launch, refine, and make money from your side hustle in under a month. You’ll learn how to: brainstorm, borrow, and steal to build an arsenal of great side hustle ideas (Day 3); apply “Tinder for Side Hustle” logic to pick the best idea at any time (Day 6); learn, gather, or create everything you need to launch your hustle, then set up a real-life way to get paid for it (Days 13-14); start raking in the money by channeling your inner Girl Scout (Day 18); master the art of deals, discounts, and special offers (Day 21); raise your game: improve, expand, or make more money off your hustle (Days 24-26). A side hustle is more than just another stream of income; it’s also the new job security. When you receive paychecks from different sources, it allows you to take more chances in your “regular” career. More income means more options. More options equal freedom. You don’t need entrepreneurial experience to launch a profitable side hustle. You don’t have to have an MBA, or know how to code, or be an expert marketer. You don’t need employees or investors. With Chris as a guide, anyone can make more money, pursue a passion, and enjoy greater security–without quitting their day job.”–Jacket.” (Catalogue)

Also in hardcopy is Bec Evans’  How to have a happy hustle : the complete guide to making your ideas happen

How to have a happy hustle : the complete guide to making your ideas happen / Evans, Bec
“How to Have a Happy Hustle shares the secrets of innovation experts and startup founders to help you make your ideas happen. If you’re looking for fulfilment outside the day job, have an idea but don’t know where to start, or are held back by a lack of confidence, experience, time or money, Bec Evans will help you get off the starting blocks with this complete guide to making your ideas happen. There’s no getting away from it – hustling is hard work – but with practical tools, inspiring stories, science-backed research and guidance every step of the way, you’ll find what makes you happy as you build your side hustle.” — Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If it’s taking it to the next level that interests you,  Susie Moore asks and answers the question  What if it does work out? : how a side hustle can change your life

What if it does work out? : how a side hustle can change your life / Moore, Susie
“In What If It Does Work Out? life coach and professional side-hustler Susie Moore offers expert tips and guidance to help you earn an extra source of income by doing something you love. In her energetic and encouraging style, she guides you through all of the planning stages and potential obstacles, showing how to overcome any hesitation or fear, create multiple revenue streams, and more. Susie also presents inspiring stories from fellow side hustle successes, including the founders of Spanx and MindBodyGreen. Recommended by Entrepreneur magazine as a book “entrepreneurs must read to dominate their industry,” What If It Does Work Out? features all you need to take the practical steps toward living the life of your dreams”–Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

Finally The Side Hustle Show offers a series of podcasts across a range of related topics and Side Hustle School also provides daily podcasts.

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.