Never give up - July monthly ramble

Some may say there are times when you should give up. But what does that really mean?  Giving up may just be a form of changing direction or pivoting. Is it just semantics? But I think not giving up is about trying your hardest so you have no regrets. I have no regrets.

I am currently coaching some business owners and there are many conversations about giving up or pivoting due to the economic recession we are currently in. I think back to the covid times for my current business, if we did not pivot by keeping our sewers busy with making masks we would not have thrived. We thrived over that period due to pivoting quickly. I recall at the time there was no way I was going to let all my hard work go to waste. I was in control of whether to give up or not. I do look back now and believe it was really down to my mindset.

I also recall when we first went into a recession I needed to pivot quickly and paid off an enormous amount of debt due to finding new sales channels, moving old stock, cutting costs to name a few things. It was also at a time when my personal life was taking a dive. But again it was a mind set along with getting fit and healthy as I needed to ensure my base line held me together. As well as seeking out people to help me and reading books like they were delicious lollies. I also wanted to ensure I kept my mind and heart open to new opportunities. And I do wonder when you are at your most vulnerable some of the best opportunities in the world present themselves.

Over those times when you are ready to give up, we can make emotional mistakes. One of mine was that I took my business to the market to try and sell it as I thought this would help my personal life. I met a number of buyers and one was our biggest competitor. Unfortunately being so naïve at that time I gave away far too much information and subsequently that competitor has taken to market a number of our R&D lines. So I will be much more careful if I ever want to sell again. Why did I take it off the market in the end, well, that is for another day.

I think times when you question whether you want to continue are times to knuckle down and do the hard graft. It is time to think creatively, think outside the box and YES ‘never give up’. It is a way of respecting oneself.

I have had people give up on me over my life. Well in fact one key person and it was completely devastating. But I knew that I would not give up as I am a silly optimist!! I truly believe there is always a way, you just need to find a different path. But this is only if you are true to your purpose. I have a close friend of mine that use to be a monk and he lives by purpose rather than values or identity. I do think all those concepts are tied up but if you know your greater purpose it allows you to get through all aspects of life. Yes there is more to unpack here but that is for later.

Lets be real, life is not always easy. Although I dispute the idea that life is hard or we are here to suffer. Quite frankly I find that insulting as it is not being grateful for life. I know many religious ideals are about suffering but really!?

So I think even if others give up on you, all that really matters, is if you don’t give up. So to all those retailers who are struggling out there don’t give up; pivot, try new things and then you might go down a different path. But that is not giving up, that is seizing a new exciting opportunity. For all those people who have had people give up on them, that is their issue not yours, you were the one that did not give up. That is what is important. That is self respect. Don’t give up. I like the saying. I am keeping it in my box of sayings.

Another little pivot we did recently was our rebrand in June. We love it and it was definitely the right thing to do. I have to admit it took me three years to get there with a number of business coaches pushing me along. Due to the rebrand we also launched a number of cleaning lines and we would love you to try them. Insert FREEBTABLETS to get a free tablet of your choosing ie glass, bathroom or kitchen cleaner when you buy our spray bottle. BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE (thanks Ron Popeil of Veg-o-matic)….when you write a review on our website we will give you even more tablets.

Till next time.
Anna
www.nilproducts.com
nil waste nil harm

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In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, our beauty routines offer a significant opportunity to reduce waste and lessen our environmental impact. The beauty industry, while providing us with products that help us feel and look our best, also contributes substantially to plastic pollution and waste. From single-use packaging to non-recyclable containers, the environmental cost of our beauty habits can be quite high. Fortunately, there are numerous ways we can make our routines more eco-friendly without sacrificing the quality of the products we love.

1. Choose products that come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging

Our entire nil beauty range comes in recyclable packaging! Say goodbye to the plastic wrap that comes with most makeup products.

2. Choose refillable products

Here at nil, we offer eco store shampoo and conditioner in our refillery, so you don't need to buy any extra plastic. We also offer shampoo and conditioner bars made in New Zealand that last forever and come in cardboard packaging.

3. Shop locally

We offer some really cool products from local companies such as Antipodes and Seasick sunscreen. When you buy locally made products from us they are always sustainable, eco friendly and cruelty free. What's not to love?!

4. Buy reusable products

Our makeup wipes are made from 100% wool, so simply toss them in the washing machine between uses. No more single use cotton pads that will just end up in landfill!

By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your beauty routine, you can make a significant impact on reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Remember, the journey towards a greener beauty routine is a gradual process, and even the smallest changes can contribute to a healthier planet. Let's embrace the challenge and take pride in making conscious choices that benefit both our beauty and the environment.  

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We are thrilled to be awarded with a BUMP&baby Magazine Gold Award for our Munch Food Pouch. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and satisfaction  provided to BUMP&baby subscribers.

Our reusable food pouch was created to prevent single use supermarket food pouches that end up in landfill. Our side spouts make pouches easier for children to hold and can self-stand so are MUCH easier to fill from the top with a wide, easy fill opening.

Here are some reviews we have received:

“Toddler loves this”

“My sister used this and found it super convenient”

“Useful for a bit of baby food in the go”

“Perfect for my toddler”

“Love this reusable pouch- always looking forward to using it”

Find them here.

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A wedding should be one of the happiest days of a couple’s lives. The event brings friends and family together in a celebration of love. Drinks flow, food is devoured and, hopefully, everyone goes home having had a great time.

In all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the impact a wedding might have on the environment. Sustainability is being spoken about more now than ever. Luckily, if this is something you want to take into account on your wedding day, you can.

A blog post written by 77 Diamonds. Find the full story here: https://www.77diamonds.com/sustainable-weddings

Eco-conscious wedding attire

Looking good at your wedding is a must. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise when it comes to your sustainability efforts. There are a handful of ways you can take a green approach while still looking the part.

It’s easier than it’s ever been to find a wedding dress or a suit which have been manufactured from sustainable materials. Thankfully, satins, hemp-based silks, organic cotton knitted lace and general fairtrade products are all common bases of modern dresses.

Ethical conflict-free rings

Whether it's your engagement or wedding ring, there are ways you can ensure the precious stone you’re using has been sourced ethically.

Find out as much as you can about a jeweller before you purchase from them. Look at the supporting of initiatives which ensure the safe production of diamonds and precious gems. Check if they promote that their gems are ethically sourced. 

Conscious consumer wedding registry

If you’re asking your guests to come with a gift from a wedding registry, you can give them an entirely sustainable list of options to choose from. This could include earth friendly gifts, fairtrade gifts or small and local gifts.

Eco-friendly décor

You don’t have to compromise on your perfect décor just because you’re trying to make your wedding as green as possible. There are a number of clever techniques you can use to remain sustainable without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of your big day. Buy biodegradable confetti, use solar panels for lighting, and bamboo and recycled options for place cards and invitations.

Planning an eco-friendly wedding isn’t easy. But if you follow the advice we’ve offered here, you’ll find it doesn’t have to be as much of a challenge as you may first suspect. 

https://www.77diamonds.com/sustainable-weddings

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Are we fearless behind the lion or should we be in front of the lion ready to fight head on? I have never been the one in front ready to fight as I have always believed in taking time. knowing ones surroundings and being conscious of the intent of the mind before I take action in a difficult situation. Along with how my actions may fit with my values. For me it has always been how I handle myself and not necessarily the outcome.

In my opinion being fearless also requires being comfortable with ones identity in all aspects of life. Along with knowing that identity should be related to values and then understanding the true intent of the mind.

As Marwa Rakha states - Human beings have three dimensions; how you see yourself, how others see you and how you want others to see you. The closer the distance between the three dimensions of identity, the more at peace you are and the more stable you become'.

So how does my short ramble about fearlessness, identity, values and intent relate to anything? Well, so many of my Wellington friends are losing their jobs at the moment. Many in the mid tier level positions. All hold higher degrees and many have high mortgages. Last I heard in the news was that 6000 jobs will go and that is a lot of people out of work. It was a year ago that many SMEs felt the pressure of the restriction of the economy. So I am not surprised that the government sector and large corporates are now tackling these issues. And to top it off companies like the Body Shop went into liquidation and Trade Aid is closing all their brick and mortar stores. And Allbirds valuation is down from 4 billion to 200,000 million.

So with the likely hood of many people being out of work, how does this effect ones identity and can one find their 'fearlessness' to move to the next step in life? Do we associate our identity with our work? The books will say we should not but I think many people do and it is not surprising considering how much time we spend at work. But maybe we all need to look at the Japanese philosophical term Ikiga. which essentially says one should connect the values, what you are good at, what brings you joy, with making a living.

I do believe there is always a positive in everything but we have to also be real, reflective and ready for change which could mean disassociating oneself with the old identity to something new and exciting but one will need to find ones 'fearlessness'. To my friends who have lost their jobs - hang in there and maybe it is time to look at 'identity and values'.

I will be writing another message at the end of the month to talk about our REBRAND. YES how exciting. A REFRESH..

Signage goes up at end of the month and our official opening is 1 May with brand launch night mid May.

Below is a pic of the latest climate change march whereby I accompanied my 14 year old and his friends. So love all his passion and drive for change. Love young people! Feeling so grateful to have three beautiful boys.


Anna Mills x

PS I hope this post is not too preachy as personally I get annoyed at those that preach and prefer to hear stories without judgement etc. Apologies if so.

PSS The photo above was taken sometime ago in Zimbabwe when we trekked lions, I was young and fearless with a strong deep hope for the goodness in the future. You can tell the era by the style of the sun glasses. Lol.

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