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How to Become an Entrepreneur in New Zealand
Skills of an Entrepreneur: Lessons from Olivia's Journey
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur: What Sets Olivia Apart
Building a Business Through Vintage Fashion and Retro Outfits
Vintage Clothing Christchurch: Where to Source and Sell
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion and Eco Fashion Practices
Business Entrepreneurship: Managing Two Brands at 23
Op Shopping as a Business Model
10 Characteristics of an Entrepreneur From Liv’s Experience
Final Thoughts: The Success Factors of Entrepreneurship
In this episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble sits down with Olivia Hay-Smith, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who has already built two successful businesses in New Zealand. Olivia shares her journey from graduate burnout to launching Loved by Liv, a vibrant vintage clothing brand, and Marketing with Liv, a boutique social media marketing consultancy. Their discussion offers rich insights into the mindset, habits, and realities behind becoming a business owner in your twenties.
Whether you're dreaming of starting a fashion brand, building your own marketing agency, or simply curious about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, Olivia's story is packed with practical lessons and inspiring moments.
How to Become an Entrepreneur in New Zealand
Becoming an entrepreneur often starts with a mindset shift. For Olivia, it was about recognising that her passions for fashion and marketing could be more than just hobbies. After leaving her graduate job, she made a bold decision to become fully self-employed.
"One of the reasons why I went self-employed is to have the flexibility and to be able to do these fun projects when they just get thrown at you last minute." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
For young adults in New Zealand, like Olivia, entrepreneurship can offer a purpose-led lifestyle. The accessibility of online tools and platforms also means you can launch a business with minimal overheads, making it easier than ever to test ideas and refine your offering.
If you're ready to explore what that might look like for your own career or personal brand, a personal brand styling consultation can help define your direction and visual identity.
Olivia's experience highlights some key actions that aspiring entrepreneurs can take:
Identify what you love doing and explore whether it solves a problem or fills a gap
Use moments of unemployment or transition as opportunities to create
Be prepared to experiment and evolve as you grow
For those considering entrepreneurship in New Zealand, this story illustrates how starting small and growing organically can lead to long-term fulfilment and meaningful impact.
Skills of an Entrepreneur: Lessons from Olivia's Journey
When we consider the essential skills of an entrepreneur, Olivia embodies many of them. From sourcing products and managing inventory to content creation and digital marketing, she wears multiple hats every day.
This kind of multitasking requires not only technical abilities but also emotional and mental resilience. Olivia juggles her responsibilities with careful planning and focus. She mentioned using tools like ClickUp to assign herself tasks and stay on top of weekly and monthly deliverables.
Key entrepreneurial skills highlighted in the podcast include:
Time management and task tracking (she uses ClickUp to stay on top of her workload)
Self-motivation and discipline to maintain momentum without a boss
The ability to communicate and collaborate, especially with clients and customers
Her story shows that the traits above are key to achieving success in entrepreneurship, particularly when operating across multiple disciplines.
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur: What Sets Olivia Apart
Some of the most telling characteristics of an entrepreneur can be seen in Olivia's daily habits and mindset. She describes giving herself "the gift of flexibility," while also showing deep commitment to her clients and followers.
"I've given myself the gift of flexibility." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
Olivia's personality and values have directly influenced her business success. She shows up authentically and consistently online, engaging her audience and clients with a strong sense of purpose. Her business isn’t just transactional. It is built on community and creative expression.
These traits stand out:
Courage to leave a stable job for an uncertain path
Curiosity and willingness to learn and improve
Vision and personal style that sets her apart in both the vintage fashion and marketing space
By sharing her journey openly, Olivia helps to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneur. It’s not just someone with capital and a business plan. It is also someone who sees opportunity and creates value in their own unique way.
Building a Business Through Vintage Fashion and Retro Outfits
Vintage fashion isn’t just Olivia’s personal style. It's the foundation of her brand Loved by Liv, where she sells carefully curated retro outfits sourced from op shops, vintage resellers, and thrift stores across the country.
"I do base it [vintage collection] off my own style, and I think that's why every vintage reseller does well in their own way." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
This business isn’t about random second-hand finds. It’s about storytelling. Olivia selects pieces that reflect her aesthetic while also catering to customers looking for statement pieces and sustainable fashion alternatives.
Some of the standout features of her fashion business include:
Regular stalls at The Nifty Markets on Cashel Street (Instagram)
Her own website: Loved by Liv
Sales through platforms like Depop and Facebook groups such as Wet Rat
Olivia’s TikTok and Instagram presence
She also creates “curated vintage bundles” tailored to personal styles—a clever way to make vintage shopping more accessible. In doing so, she bridges fashion, personal identity, and sustainability in a highly engaging and commercial way.
Vintage Clothing Christchurch: Where to Source and Sell
For those looking to enter the world of vintage clothing in Christchurch, Olivia shares several local gems that are rich with opportunity. These locations are more than just thrift shops. They are treasure troves for anyone looking to start or sustain a vintage fashion business.
"The benefit of thrifting and vintage shopping is it's the more affordable option." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
City Mission Op Shops (multiple locations, consistently low prices)
Toff's $2 Recycled Clothing Warehouse in New Brighton
Each of these sources offers a unique atmosphere and price point. As Olivia notes, keeping inventory affordable while maintaining style is a constant balancing act. Entrepreneurs in this space need to know how to curate, price, and market vintage pieces effectively to turn a profit.
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion and Eco Fashion Practices
Olivia and Stephanie share a clear stance on avoiding fast fashion. As Olivia puts it, “Thrifting is affordable.” She proves that sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend. It’s a viable business model.
"I think that's the thing too. That's what I'm really hearing from you is, you know, you pick up something, you've got a sense that it's gonna work for you." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Key benefits of eco fashion and second-hand clothing:
Reduces textile waste and environmental impact
Offers access to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces
Allows consumers to experiment with style at a lower cost
If you're curious about making more intentional style decisions in your everyday life, a wardrobe audit could be the next step. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce fashion waste while identifying what truly works for you.
Olivia also encourages reworking garments to fit current trends or personal taste. This not only increases the lifespan of clothing but enhances creativity. Her advocacy for eco fashion aligns with a growing movement among young entrepreneurs in New Zealand who are making sustainability part of their brand DNA.
Business Entrepreneurship: Managing Two Brands at 23
Juggling two businesses at 23 is no small feat. Olivia runs:
Her dual role as a creator and consultant showcases the flexibility and creativity at the heart of building a business as an entrepreneur. She uses her marketing knowledge to support her own brand and help others develop theirs through social media strategy and content planning.
"I wanted to be in that niche of helping. Small to medium business owners who deserve to have some good marketing." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
As a Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, Olivia helps small businesses and solo founders build clarity, visibility, and growth across Facebook and Instagram. She’s even a content creator for Northlands and appears on the Northlands Instagram.
This blend of creative work and professionalism reflects the real-world versatility entrepreneurs need to build credibility and long-term success.
Op Shopping as a Business Model
Op shopping is more than a hobby. It’s a sourcing strategy. Olivia describes the process of digging through racks to find “designer gems” and how the thrill of discovery fuels her brand.
Tips for those interested in turning op shopping into a business:
Be patient and consistent in your sourcing
Focus on quality fabrics, standout prints, and timeless cuts
Think in terms of resale value, audience fit, and how pieces photograph
What makes op shopping profitable for entrepreneurs like Olivia is not just what you find, but how you present it. Capturing pieces well and engaging an audience through social media platforms plays a key role in her success.
10 Characteristics of an Entrepreneur From Liv’s Experience
Drawing from Olivia's story, here are ten defining traits that help answer the question: who is an entrepreneur?
"No week is the same because I'm also constantly out there networking myself, meeting with potential new clients." ~ Olivia Hay-Smith
Vision – Olivia had a clear idea of what she wanted to build, even from a young age.
Initiative – She didn’t wait for permission. She started with what she loved.
Resilience – When challenges arose, she adapted and kept moving.
Authenticity – Her brand is rooted in her personal style and values.
Adaptability – Olivia continues to refine her offers based on feedback and trends.
Financial Savviness – She understands how to keep her business affordable yet profitable.
Digital Competence – From TikTok to Instagram to Depop, she’s fluent in online platforms.
Customer Awareness – Olivia thrives on face-to-face feedback at local markets.
Sustainability Mindset – Her values drive her rejection of fast fashion and preference for circular fashion.
Confidence – Built over time, through action, learning, and visible results.
These characteristics are not just aspirational. They are observable in how Olivia manages her time, communicates with clients, and shows up online. Her approach confirms that these traits are essential to the success of entrepreneurship, especially in creative industries.
Final Thoughts: The Success Factors of Entrepreneurship
For anyone interested in learning how to become an entrepreneur, Olivia's story offers a blueprint. She didn’t wait for everything to be perfect. She made bold choices, committed to her values, and grew her knowledge through real-world experience.
Some key success factors of entrepreneurship highlighted in the podcast include:
Authenticity: Let your personal story and values shape your brand
Consistency: Show up regularly, especially on social platforms
Connection: Collaborate with others and stay open to new opportunities
In a market where both young entrepreneurs in New Zealand and seasoned professionals are looking for flexible, impactful careers, Olivia Hay-Smith is a shining example of what’s possible. Her journey reminds us that the path to entrepreneurship is rarely straight, but it is deeply rewarding for those who dare to follow it.
If you're looking to refine your image, elevate your presence, or feel more aligned in what you wear daily, Bright Red offers a variety of fashion styling services designed to help you step confidently into your next chapter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Olivia Hay-Smith to become an entrepreneur?
Olivia was inspired by a desire to turn her passions into a business. After leaving a graduate job that didn’t align with her expectations, she started experimenting with vintage fashion reselling and marketing consultancy. This transition gave her the flexibility to build a career around what she genuinely enjoys.
How did Olivia get started with her vintage fashion business?
Olivia began her fashion business, Loved by Liv, during a short period of unemployment after university. What started as a passion for thrifting quickly evolved into a curated resale brand, selling through Instagram, Depop, and local markets like The Nifty Markets in Christchurch.
What platforms does Olivia use to sell vintage clothing?
She uses a variety of platforms including her own website, Loved by Liv, her Instagram, Depop, and Facebook groups like Wet Rat. Olivia also attends vintage markets and collaborates with consignment stores, giving her brand multiple points of contact with customers.
Why does Olivia focus on sustainable fashion?
Olivia values sustainability and affordability. She believes vintage clothing allows people to experiment with style in a more eco-conscious way. Her brand encourages slow fashion by reselling quality pieces and promoting the reworking of garments instead of discarding them.
What marketing services does Olivia offer through Marketing with Liv?
Olivia offers social media strategy, content planning, and user-generated content (UGC) creation for small to mid-sized businesses. She particularly enjoys helping clients who can't afford agency prices but still want to grow their presence online. More about her offerings can be found on her website, Marketing with Liv, and her Instagram account.
What challenges has Olivia faced as a young entrepreneur?
Some of Olivia’s challenges include time management, maintaining motivation, and learning to structure her day without a traditional work schedule. Despite these, she has found ways to stay disciplined using tools like ClickUp and keeping her client work top priority.
What role did Stephanie Rumble play in Olivia’s journey?
Stephanie was one of Olivia’s early supporters and clients. Olivia began assisting her with LinkedIn and Instagram strategy, and their collaboration led to further opportunities, such as styling shoots and content work for Northlands. Stephanie’s mentorship helped boost Olivia’s confidence in going fully self-employed.
How does Olivia source her vintage pieces?
Olivia sources pieces from op shops like EcoShop, City Mission, and Toff’s in New Brighton, as well as online resale platforms like Vinted. She looks for quality, unique fabrics and styles that reflect her personal aesthetic and resonate with her target audience.
What are curated vintage bundles?
Curated vintage bundles are personalised collections Olivia assembles based on customer preferences like size, style, and colour. This service makes vintage shopping easier for those who want a cohesive wardrobe refresh without the digging.
How can someone align their wardrobe with their entrepreneurial goals?
If you're building a brand or stepping into the public eye, your wardrobe is part of your visual identity. Services like a personal style consultation or wardrobe audit can help you feel more aligned and confident in how you present yourself.
