Brightwater’s youngest entrepreneurs
Cece Biggs and Millie Hay have set up a custom clothing business. Photo: Jo Kent.
Twelve-year-olds Millie Hay and Cece Biggs could be Brightwater’s youngest entrepreneurs now they’ve set up custom clothing brand, The Cutie.Co.
Mum Anna Hay, who owns Brightwater Four Square, says the girls have been best friends for just over a year after her family made the move from Christchurch.
“Millie uprooted her whole life to come here, so it’s great she’s found a like-minded buddy. The girls just decided they wanted to do something fun and make a little bit of money selling stuff they were passionate about, and off they went.”
Selling outside the store, the girls sold a few water bottles and bracelets, and have had large custom orders from local businesses.
“Alioke Eatery in Berryfields commissioned the girls to make some fun tops saying things like ‘cookie ambassador’ and put them on display in store, and the girls take orders through their Instagram account.”
Custom orders for staff uniforms at Baby on the Move Nelson have also kept the girls busy. Millie says working with Cece is great fun and the best bit is being able to custom-make whatever they want.
“We loved making stuff and then both just had the idea that maybe we could turn it into a hobby business.”
Anna says that together with her husband Nate, they’ve supported the girls by initially buying the ‘cricut’ machine needed to print off the vinyl decals which then get applied to
the merchandise.
“We’ve probably been the business’s biggest supporters to be honest, but it’s so nice to see such inspiring little 12-year-olds who want to do something constructive and are making it happen.” Cece’s mum Marianne says that the girls have hit the market at just the right time. “Custom clothing is huge right now and loungewear is having a real moment, so they’ve really tapped into retail at the right time.”
She says she’s stoked Cece is using her brain and learning essential business skills at such a young age.
“I just want my kids to be really good humans, be reliable and use their ideas to make money and turn it into an income. If they can find something they are happy doing, all the better.”
For more info, find thecutieconz on Instagram.