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Girl Boss: Lana, once upon a slime

Lana is a passionate and dedicated young entrepreneur, she has honed a variety of skills. Lana is a Youth Ambassador and youth leader for the Otaki Kids Market. 


Lana is a regular stall holder at the Otaki Kids Market (Run during the School holidays) and the Sunday Otaki Market. She crafts all her products by hand, including original artwork for bookmarks, Christmas sweets and treats and handmade earrings ensuring unique and high-quality items. She regularly themes her products for Christmas and Easter markets.

She independently sets up her own market stall, showcasing her abilities in marketing and advertising.



At the Otaki Kids Market, Lana manages her sales and finances with precision and efficiency. She has excellent customer service skills, representing the Otaki Kids Market at the Kapiti Food Fair, she demonstrated outstanding customer service skills, with her edible Christmas treats being extremely popular and quickly selling out. She was the only team member at the Kapiti Food Fair who stayed all day, all the other team members worked in shifts. 


Lana is a regular stallholder at the Otaki Market, consistently engaging with customers and the community. Lana is eager to bring her creativity, business acumen, and customer service skills to her stall, contributing to its success and growth.


What is the impact of the project? Feel free to provide data, testimonials, or any other information to demonstrate the impact.

Lana has achieved notable recognition and success within the Otaki market community. In October 2023, she earned the esteemed Best Kids Stall award at the Otaki Kids Market, a distinction judged by the Kapiti Coast Mayor. This accolade highlights Lana's exceptional craftsmanship, customer service and presentation skills. Additionally, Lana has twice secured the position of runner-up for the Best Kids Stall, further cementing her reputation for excellence and consistency.


Beyond her regular market participation, Lana is frequently invited by the Otaki Market team to partake in special events such as the Easter and Christmas Markets. Her active involvement in these events reflects not only her popularity but also her versatility in adapting to various market settings. 


Lana's achievements have gained widespread media coverage, with multiple newspaper features highlighting her entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, Lana has been a featured guest on Coast Access Radio, where she has eloquently represented the Otaki Kids Market and shared insights into her entrepreneurial experiences.


Overall, Lana's success at the Otaki Kids Market and the broader Otaki Market community illustrates her dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement. Her ongoing contributions not only enhance her own stall's reputation but also contribute significantly to the vibrant market atmosphere and inspire other young entrepreneurs.


Lana has been an exceptional presence at the Ōtaki Kids Market. Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership qualities shine brightly, inspiring other young people to pursue their passions. Lana's dedication, creativity, and business acumen make her a standout stallholder, and she continually raises the bar for what can be achieved. She is a true asset to our market community." Maureen Wallace, Otaki Women’s Community Club


It was great to attend the Otaki Kids Market on Sunday and award prizes for the most outstanding stalls, including winner Alanah Reeves. The quality and presentation of the stalls was outstanding, and the young stall holders were so confident talking about their products.” - Kapiti Mayor, Janet Holborow



Describe one or more challenges you/your nominee have faced, and explain how you/ they responded.

Lana has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and maturity, particularly in moments of unexpected adversity. When faced with a family emergency during a session at the Otaki Kids Market, Lana exemplified her commitment and capability by managing her stall independently. In this challenging situation, she took charge of both sales and financial responsibilities, maintaining a composed demeanour and displaying her exceptional sense of responsibility under pressure.

Lana's willingness to assist extends beyond her own stall duties. At the Christmas Market, recognizing a staffing shortage at the Facepainting stall, she promptly stepped in, showcasing her proactive approach to teamwork and adept problem-solving skills. Her quick action not only ensured smooth operations but also underscored her collaborative spirit and ability to adapt to varying roles within the market environment.


Through these experiences, Lana has proven herself not only as a dedicated entrepreneur but also as a resilient individual capable of navigating unforeseen circumstances with professionalism and grace. Her ability to handle challenges effectively while maintaining a high standard of performance reflects her maturity and determination. Lana's contributions to the Otaki Kids Market not only enhance her own stall's success but also enrich the overall market community, making her a valued and respected member among peers and organizers alike.



A GirlBoss is someone who is not afraid to defy stereotypes, push boundaries, and create change.  Describe how you/your nominee are a GirlBoss. 

Lana's entrepreneurial journey has been marked by significant achievements and bold initiatives. At the Kapiti Food Fair, Lana's products sold out completely, underscoring her immense popularity and customer appeal. Encouraged by this success, she has already committed to participating in the 2024 Fair, showcasing her readiness to seize new opportunities and expand her market presence. Lana's attention to detail extends beyond product sales; she even coordinated her attire to complement her stall, demonstrating her dedication to creating a cohesive and inviting customer experience.


Taking on a leadership role, Lana will serve as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Otaki Kids Workshop. Addressing an audience of 40 young people aged 9 to 19, Lana will share her entrepreneurial journey and insights, inspiring others to pursue their passions and entrepreneurial dreams. Her commitment to mentorship is evident at the Otaki Kids Market, where she generously supports fellow young entrepreneurs, offering guidance and encouragement.

Lana's adaptability shines through in her business approach, where she tailors her products to meet customer preferences and market demands. This flexibility has not gone unnoticed; Lana's innovative approach recently caught the attention of Seven Sharp, where her products were featured in a showcase by the Kids Market, further amplifying her reputation as a dynamic and influential young entrepreneur.


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