Carla Ashton, 27, owner of CJs Hair Boutique, is one of a collection of young professionals bringing their own flavour to business ownership in Kapiti. Photo / Cloe Willetts
Carla Ashton, 27, owner of CJs Hair Boutique, is one of a collection of young professionals bringing their own flavour to business ownership in Kapiti. Photo / Cloe Willetts
Business ownership in Kapiti is booming and, according to Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce's Liz Koh, young business owners are among the array of talented professionals standing out in the crowd.
In a local market set for big things as the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway Project weaves its way through and the coast continues to expand, some of Kapiti's clever and creative young minds are already stepping in to leave their mark.
Kapiti News reporter Cloe Willetts spoke with a collection of local business owners under the age of 30 whose stories will be shared over the next few weeks and show that, as well as running successful businesses, they're doing it with a stroke of individuality.
Walking up the drive of Carla Ashton's back section property, it feels like any coastal suburban family home; a pirate ship settled in the front yard and a dog rearing its head from the couch at the lounge window, as sand from the nearby estuary gathers on the path.
What you don't see though, is the buzz filling a freshly refurbished spare room at the back of the Paraparaumu house, its sliding doors spilling scents of hair spray and freshly burned candles.
Bright butterflies in mid-flight layer the walls besides soft-toned artworks and a large antique-style mirror, the ornate decor soothing and equally intriguing.
Buddha ornaments rest on the salon's brand new white counters besides a pale pink hairdryer and stacks of glossy latest edition women's fashion and lifestyle magazines.
CJs Hair Boutique, a home-based salon and Carla's first step into business ownership, launched in June this year and is a well-earned venture for the 27-year-old mother and seasoned hairdresser.
"Since I was a young girl, I used to visit my local hair salon and was fascinated by the creativity of the stylists and the atmosphere in the salon," said Carla, who has spent 13 years in the industry.
"At 11 years old I asked the owner for a job, any job, and was hired to sweep the floors after school.
"From there I went on to work as a salon assistant at several salons and began my apprenticeship at 14.
"Now, I can't imagine doing anything else."
Five years ago, with a toddler in tow and the desire to establish a flexible work-family balance, Carla noted that one day, she would open her own salon.
Carla Ashton, pictured with son Jet Whittaker, 6, and family dog Motely, chose to work from home to have more family flexibility. Photo / Cloe Willetts
"Back then my son was only young so my options were more limited.
"With him at school now, I decided I needed to do more to secure and build a stable and comfortable future for my family.
"With my partner and I having three young children between us, being flexible and working from home is a perfect situation for us."
Now, like a collection of younger professionals in Kapiti running businesses from home as they get their feet on the ground, Carla is proof that with the right skills, determination and knowledge, transitioning into business ownership on the coast is possible.
"There were many steps I had to take to take, including researching and working under the regulations of Kapiti Coast District Council, purchasing all the equipment, furniture and tools and creating a welcoming environment for my clients."
She said since starting her own business, which had quickly picked up new business thanks to social media platforms including Facebook, her confidence in herself and her hairdressing abilities had grown considerably.
"It's given me a new boost to want to work harder and be more motivated for the salon to be as successful as it possibly can be.
"I feel the salon reflects my personality and I'm very lucky to be working in a beautiful environment every day."
Carla, who shifted from Wellington and its bustling inner city salons eight years ago, encouraged other young professionals to take the leap.
"My advice is to know what you want and where you want to be and allow yourself time to get there," she said.
"There's a lot involved in starting your own business and planning and staying motivated is key.
