Being in business is not for the faint-hearted. It demands strength, courage, and unwavering determination. Every day as a small business owner, I find myself leaning into this whakataukī: Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong in your vision, be brave in your actions, and be steadfast in your commitment.
The Tenacity of a Small Business Owner
Running Timmy Smith has been a journey of resilience. It is one thing to dream, but another to turn that dream into something tangible, something that not only sustains itself but thrives. There are days filled with wins—when a customer finds the perfect piece of jewellery that speaks to their soul, or when I see the impact of my kaupapa reaching further than I imagined. And then there are days of doubt, when challenges seem insurmountable, and the weight of responsibility feels immense.
It is in these moments that I return to the strength within. Kia kaha. Stand firm. Remember why you started. Know that this work matters.
Courage in the Face of Challenges
Owning a business requires bravery—not just in taking the first leap but in continuing to leap every day. It’s about stepping outside of comfort zones, having hard conversations, asking for help, and sometimes making difficult decisions. There is no guaranteed path, no absolute certainty—only the knowledge that you are forging something uniquely yours.
Kia māia. Be courageous. Trust yourself. Take the risks that align with your values.
Staying the Course
Steadfastness is perhaps the most critical of all. Growth takes time, and success is not always linear. Some seasons are abundant, others are lean, but what carries you through is manawanui—a deep, unshakable commitment to your purpose.
Kia manawanui. Stay the course. Keep going even when the path is unclear. Believe in the work, in the impact, in the legacy you are building.
A Business Built on Strength, Courage, and Commitment
Timmy Smith is more than a jewellery brand; it is a reflection of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Every piece I create is a testament to this journey: crafted with intention, infused with meaning, and designed to be held close, just like these words.
To those walking this path of business ownership, know that you are not alone. Keep going. Be strong. Be brave. Be steadfast.