Taranaki Teenagers Thrive with Home-Based Businesses on Family Farm

Two enterprising teenagers from Taranaki, New Zealand, have successfully launched home-based businesses, supported by their extended family. Instead of pursuing university education, 18-year-old Ashley Howard and her 17-year-old sister Caitlin have embraced entrepreneurship right on their parents’ farm, demonstrating the power of familial collaboration.

Ashley has founded Cake Obsession, specializing in custom celebration cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Launching her business in late 2022, she quickly gained traction, serving customers throughout Taranaki and beyond. The success prompted her to partner with her friend Charlotte Muggeridge, and together, they often work long hours to fulfill urgent orders.

Caitlin, on the other hand, has established Egg Obsession, focusing on selling eggs from pasture-raised hens. Her venture began in February 2023 after testing a smaller flock. Despite being too young to be a director, she has taken on approximately $150,000 in debt to set up her business, with strong support from her parents, Diane and Bryce Howard.

Family Support Fuels Success

The Howard family’s dedication to their farm has created a supportive environment for the young entrepreneurs. Diane Howard highlighted the collective effort involved in managing both the farm and the businesses. “Everybody is busy, and it takes everybody to make it work. When it’s on, it’s on. You just get it done; you don’t worry about tomorrow. Everyone steps up,” she stated.

The family dynamic includes not only Diane and Bryce but also Caitlin and Ashley, their grandfather Ray Collins, and their partners, Kodie Green and Conrad Pohe. This collaborative lifestyle allows them to share responsibilities, from feeding animals to assisting with deliveries. Bryce, a mechanic, maintains the farm machinery and handles meal preparations, ensuring the family stays well-fed and cohesive.

Diane remarked on the nostalgic return to a communal living arrangement, reminiscent of past generations. “We joked about having all the people living here – now it’s happening,” she said. This setup enables the family to enjoy communal meals, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Innovative Farming Practices

Caitlin’s chicken farming venture is particularly innovative. The pasture-raised chickens are housed in mobile “caravans,” allowing them access to fresh grass daily. This method not only aligns with sustainable farming practices but also promotes the well-being of the hens. The chickens’ diet, consisting of natural ingredients like soya meal and flaxseed oil, results in eggs that are lower in saturated fat and higher in protein compared to conventional alternatives.

Inspired by a conversation with nutritionist Grant Richards, Caitlin transitioned from considering veterinary studies to chicken farming. “The chickens have kind of brought it all together,” she explained. “I love my chickens. I never thought I’d become a chicken farmer, but here we are.”

To meet biosecurity standards, Caitlin has implemented rigorous record-keeping systems and recently upgraded her chicken caravans with solar power and automation. This new setup facilitates easier mobility and enhances the safety of the hens against predators.

The community’s response to both Ashley and Caitlin’s businesses has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for supporting local enterprises. Diane expressed her pride in the girls’ dedication, noting, “People have been incredible; they have really invested in the girls. There are a lot of good people out there – they are really kind.”

Both businesses operate at the Taranaki Farmers’ Market each Sunday, allowing the sisters to connect with the community and engage with customers directly. They also accept orders through social media platforms, further expanding their reach.

As Ashley and Caitlin continue to grow their businesses, their story exemplifies the potential of young entrepreneurs harnessing family support and innovative practices to succeed in today’s market.