Dec 06 2007
Small Biz down under
Small Biz Down Under
I arrived back in Portland Sunday night after a 26 hour trip from New Zealand. I left the sunny beaches of Aotearoa and it was snowing outside in Vancouver BC where I changed planes.
Small business is alive and well in New Zealand. I met people who own retreat centers, day spas and many other interesting ventures. However one man stands out for me. If you ever go to Nelson look up Ian Longley.. His business is called Concepts in Stone and he carves beautiful pounamu jewelry. He is one of the last hold-outs of someone who is choosing to not have a website in the day and age where most people would say you are just not with it if you are not online. He says, ” I prefer people to meet me in person and to be able to touch the stones. I like the personal relationships. A website would be too disconected.” He has all the work he can handle so he is happy. He is someone who knows his market and has carved a niche for himself. His carvings are beautiful and he is a true master of his craft. Pounamu is a Maori word for Greenstone or New Zealand Jade. Carving is a century old art and has survived the test of time. Ian has found a way to differentiate himself in a busy marketplace and his warm smile also helps. You can e-mail Ian at longley@xtra.co.nz. Tell him Kaya sent you.
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Yeah!! (Wrings hands)! Nice blog you have here. I’ve enjoyed much reading your last posts. Keep it that way.
Hi Jennifer
Thank you so much for your encouraging comments. I certainly will endeavor to keep it up. I am so glad you are present and with me. Thank you again and I hope you will share more of who you are too. Kaya