Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
Claire Sawyers tells us what it takes to start your own website and help charities at the same time. And she's only 21...
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? What’s the story behind it?
The idea for www.DonateNZ.com was born one day near a rubbish bin, of all places! Living in a small house, I was doing some cleaning out and found myself throwing out some perfectly good stuff – I just didn’t want it anymore. It should have been given away to someone… however, since I had left school and begun working, I no longer had any ties to community organisations to give it to. Not to mention the whole process of finding someone who wanted my old magazines or computer screen seemed labourious! That’s when I thought “There should be a site for this!!!” and the idea grew from there. After months of hard work, the site launched last month and allows every New Zealander to donate things or time to groups in their community that need it. The donating service is free to all Kiwis, and recipient members (Schools, Community Groups & Non-Profit Organisations) pay a small annual membership fee to be able to receive on the site, which keeps us in business!
Why would I want to trade places with you? What are the best things about your life?
I feel great about my job because I know that my service is helping every New Zealander become more involved in their community. It also provides active assistance to people who need it, and an invaluable service to our precious environment. If there was one thing I wanted to do in my life, it was to make a difference, and I believe I am well on my way to achieving this goal.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
In the future, I see myself still working on DonateNZ - but on a larger scale, both within New Zealand and internationally. There isn’t a site like it in the Southern Hemisphere so, assuming all goes to plan, I’d like apply the site to other populations around the world and then oversee the operation and growth of these. However, New Zealand’s where my heart is!
What’s the best decision you’ve made in business? And the worst?
The best decision I have made was to run with an idea I have a passion for. It allows me to get up with a spring in my step every morning. Worst decision - none thus far, but I’ll keep you posted!
Describe yourself in five words.
Determined, Passionate, Approachable, Helpful, Ambitious
Which nzgirl most inspires/inspired you?
My Mum. She’s the Director of www.RosesareRed.co.nz (where I worked previous to DonateNZ) and a keen businesswoman and entrepreneur. She instilled in me a passion for leadership and taught me that things don’t have to be done the ‘usual way’ in order to be successful in life.
What are three important lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
1. A knowledge of the law will prove useful more often than you think
2. Genuine passion, care and honesty go a long way in business
3. Planning is essential. Set achievable goals, for short, medium and long term.
Any advice for nzgirls?
Be strong and confident in who you are and what you do. Within you is the possibility to achieve great things. You may not know it now, but know it will happen. If you have a big idea, write it down in a book somewhere – the very fact it’s recorded increases its chances of becoming a reality 10-fold. Don’t spend your life in the waiting room, be proactive and in control of all you do – you only live once! And, most importantly, donate your old stuff to www.DonateNZ.com!
.jpg)
Claire Sawyers tells us what it takes to start your own website and help charities at the same time. And she's only 21...
Any advice for nzgirls?