My Account
Young entrepreneurs Amy and Gideon Retief have started a boutique children’s shop, Little Collective in Matakana, to bring style and quality to children’s toys, clothing and accessories.
After searching for a business to channel their energy into, the couple decided Matakana was the ideal fit.
“We’ve always loved the area and we wanted to become more involved here with the goal in mind of living up here one day,” Amy says.
They looked for a need in the area, and found there was a lack of businesses focused on children.
“I’ve always loved kids – I have six nieces and nephews – and there are always lots of kids up here, but there’s nothing like this around.
“We are trying to do something that appeals to everyone, creating an inviting atmosphere with unique products that kids will love.
“We focus on organic, NZ made and cleverly designed products. A lot of what we do is also unisex and high quality, so you can reuse it as your family grows.”
Amy grew up in an entrepreneurial family – all three of her siblings own businesses – and she made use of that business instinct from an early age.
After studying to become a veterinary nurse, she worked as a fitness trainer. She went on to work as an account manager for supermarkets in the Auckland and Coromandel region, and designed and built her own house in South Auckland when she was 24. “But after starting my own business, I think I’ve learned more in the last 12 months than I have in the last 12 years.”
Gideon studied medicine before getting involved in a range of businesses in his homeland, South Africa. Since studying business at the University of Auckland he has been immersed in the digital technology world and also found time to be a director of the New Zealand Beer Festival in Auckland. He works for a digital production company in Parnell, and spends his evenings refining Little Collective’s online shop, littlecollective.co.nz.
