of Pheonix Renata; founder of Phoenix Cosmetics and makeup artist for Annah Stretton. "I didn't know where to go next with the label and Phoenix suggested
I contact Annah. An initial conversation was followed with a one-on- one meeting and viewing of my work. This was supported by an email suggesting how we should proceed. For me it was a rhetorical suggestion, but I've been blown away with her response. "Annah has given me the opportunity to do what I want to do but with
a safety net. Thanks to Annah I have been given a space to work in with access to some amazing fabrics to do what I love doing. "Nobody does that. This industry is so small and everyone is fighting for
that niche market. Nobody was willing to help like Annah is helping me." But Kiri admits she is receiving so much more than floorspace and
thread. She is learning first-hand the essential skills of building a successful business – something that many (Annah included) have had to learn the hard way. "There are so many amazing designers who don't make it past the first
year because, although they are incredible designers, they have no clue about running a business. I think I learned more about business through reading Annah's book Wise Heart than I have in my entire life! "Kiri quips. "We aim to do a job and do it well to provide for our families without
putting them at risk. Thanks to Annah Stretton this has been made possible." Garments will be available in selected Annah Stretton stores in 2012.
www.annahstretton.co.nz www.kirinathan.com
HER MAGAZINE | December/January 2012 | 85
