The Marketing Adventure: My journey to building a thriving business in FMCG marketing services...

It feels absolutely surreal to be sharing this story with you today, reminiscing on a dream that often felt distant and moments when giving up seemed easier. But here I am, ready to rewind and take you back to where it all began... As a little girl, I possessed an inherent passion for solving problems and helping others overcome challenges. I thrived on connecting with people from all walks of life, earning me the endearing nickname "social butterfly" from my older brother. Little did I know that these qualities would shape my future career in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Fast forward a few years, and I found myself in this breath-taking land of Aotearoa. Adjusting wasn't easy due to cultural differences—I had to adapt to calling my lecturers and bosses by their first names (quite a departure from the hierarchical society I grew up in). I won’t even start on the rainy winter… I had to find my voice, assert myself, and learn to say no, all of which felt unfamiliar. But living in New Zealand opened many doors, including scholarships that allowed me to pursue part of my Bachelors and Master’s degree study in the Netherlands.

During my studies, I had the privilege of working with prominent institutions such as ASB, ANZ and Teijin Aramid NL. And upon completing my master's degree, I embarked on an exciting journey with well-established FMCG companies like Unilever and Integria Healthcare (pioneers in the natural health industry in New Zealand and Australia). This experience shattered the discouragement I had faced for choosing a career that others deemed unconventional for immigrants. It reinforced my belief that with a supportive family and unwavering faith, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Life was unfolding beautifully— I was learning new skills, travelling to new places, and then an unexpected twist. An injury to my shoulder led to surgery and a recovery process that didn't quite go according to plan which forced me to bid farewell to my job at the time. Little did I know; this detour would lead me to the world of non-profit work. Volunteering soon turned into a full-time role with ADRA New Zealand, where my passion truly met its purpose. It was immensely fulfilling to contribute to a cause greater than myself, and it felt empowering to advocate for change that would shape the future for generations to come. Just as I was revelling in the joy of making a difference, life had yet another surprise that would change my world forever —I was going to be a mum! The emotions were overwhelming and ranged from excitement, to fear, and an impatience to hold my baby in my arms. Months later, I bid farewell to my wonderful colleagues and embarked on this new journey of motherhood.

Sleep deprivation, endless piles of laundry, and an all-encompassing love became my new reality. It was a blissful and challenging experience, especially for a planner like me who thrived on to-do lists and the satisfaction of checking off tasks. Motherhood brought a different rhythm, where the list became a luxury and completion was a relative concept. I learned to silence my inner critic, and embrace the beauty of constantly pivoting and finding joy in the ever-shifting landscape of responsibilities.

In the midst of the chaos, I started a cake baking business. Again, I was learning new skills and gaining invaluable lessons along the way. It was at this time that I realised I was ready to embark on the adventure of running my own marketing business. This would allow me to utilise the diverse skill set I had acquired over the years and, more importantly, provide the flexibility I needed to navigate the responsibilities of being a mother. And so the adventure of PIG Marketing Agency began...

Stay tuned to read more about the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned on this exciting journey of passion, purpose, and building something extraordinary!