Fashion and bold colours helped Michaela Holm overcome her low self-esteem.
Today, through her fashion store Love Labels Boutique, she loves helping people boost their confidence through the clothes they wear.
Holm opened her store, which is connected to the Hatuma Cafe on Takapau Rd, Waipukurau, just five months ago.
"I have been blown away by the support I have received from locals and people passing by. It's just been amazing," Holm said.
"We stock the popular Augustine range, which I have always loved, along with Rose Road, a popular New Zealand designer, Nude Shoes, C.Reed who also makes Minx shoes, she's another fantastic NZ designer, Honey Denim and much more."