STARTUP STORY
FROM BEEHIVES TO BUSINESS: A KIWI HONEY SUCCESS STORY
What started as a fascination with watching bees collect pollen has turned into a thriving business for Nathan Gillard, founder of Gillard Family Honey. His journey from backyard beekeeper to innovative entrepreneur showcases how passion, authenticity, and the right support can create a buzzing success.
The Sweet Beginning
Nathan's story begins with a simple appreciation for nature's workers. "Growing up, my mum hated how much I loved ants. I'd feed them sugar all the time because I was fascinated by how they worked together," he recalls. This childhood interest evolved when he placed a few beehives on his lifestyle property, initially just to watch the bees with his children.
"Me and the kids would sit on one of the raised gardens and watch these bees come with different colored pollen, setting off on their adventures," Nathan explains. What started as family entertainment soon attracted neighbors and friends, with people gathered around simply watching the bees work.
The honey they produced was initially given away, but the enthusiastic reception planted the seed for something bigger. Two hives became more, and eventually, Gillard Family Honey was born.
“We specialise in raw honey. Fancy packaging isn't our focus, we're about making a genuine difference.”
Beyond Manuka: Creating Authentic Value
Rather than diving into the crowded and sometimes questionable Manuka honey market, Nathan chose a different path. "We specialise in raw honey. Fancy packaging isn't our focus," he says. "We're about making a genuine difference."
This commitment to authenticity has led to innovative product range development:
- Manuka honey infused with lion's mane extract, combining New Zealand honey with traditional Chinese medicine.
- Kawakawa balms for skin conditions and joint pain, inspired by his personal connection to his late mother.
- Adult-focused nougat with whole coffee beans, reducing sugar content while offering a unique treat.
Nathan's approach challenges what he calls the "chicken nugget theory" – our tendency to choose convenience over quality. "We don't care what's in it as long as it's cheap, easy, and available at the drive-through," he observes.
The Power of Startup Coaching
Behind this growth stands a crucial support system. Through CEDA (Central Economic Development Association), Nathan connected with Nick at Startup Aotearoa, starting a relationship that has profoundly shaped the business.
Nick’s mentorship has provided invaluable guidance and focus for Nathan's abundant ideas. They meet often, which has been crucial for maintaining momentum and direction. Nick helps Nathan navigate practical challenges like packaging design, consumer profiling, and market development.
"You need mentoring not just for a short time because quality development takes time," Nathan emphasises.
The ongoing nature of this support has been key to Gillard Family Honey's growth. Nathan appreciates the ability to reach out beyond scheduled meetings, often exchanging texts and ideas with Nick outside of business hours.
This continuous dialogue helps Nathan stay focused while nurturing his innovative spirit. As the business faces new challenges or opportunities, having a trusted advisor to bounce ideas off has proven invaluable. "And let's say in 18 months something else comes up. I'd like to go back to Nick and say, 'Hey, I'm in this space. What do you think?'" Nathan explains, highlighting the long-term value of this mentorship relationship.
The coaching has also helped Nathan develop skills in unexpected areas, such as managing relationships with diverse suppliers and adapting to different buyer expectations. This ongoing learning process, supported by Nick's guidance, has been crucial in helping Gillard Family Honey navigate the complexities of growing from a local startup to a business with international ambitions.
Nick Gain - Startup Aotearoa Coach
"I think it's really important people ask for help, people sometimes get nervous and worry about being laughed at or criticised."
Lessons for Fellow Entrepreneurs
Nathan's experience offers valuable insights for other Kiwi entrepreneurs:
"I think it's really important people ask for help," he stresses. "People sometimes get nervous and worry about being laughed at or criticised."
He believes in embracing the traditional Kiwi "number eight wire" mentality – the ingenuity and can-do attitude that has produced many successful innovations. However, he notes that fear often holds people back.
"People get too scared to try things. I think it's time we backed ourselves, and people like Nick give us those opportunities."
Building a Legacy Beyond Profit
For Nathan, success isn't just about financial returns. "We want to sit back and see that we're making a difference. It's not just about a bank account," he explains.
This philosophy extends to his family values. "For me, it's about my kids and my family being proud of what we're doing," he says.
Nathan views his business not as a story with an endpoint but as an ongoing journey. "I hope what we're doing makes a difference and can continue long after me with the kind of products we're promoting from our region and New Zealand overseas."
The Gillard Family Honey story shows how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the right support and mentorship, can transform a backyard hobby into a purpose-driven business. For those with ideas waiting to be developed, Nathan's advice is clear: don't be afraid to ask for help, learn from mistakes, and back yourself.
Do you have a promising startup idea that could benefit from expert guidance? Follow in Nathan's footsteps and book a Startup Aotearoa coaching session today.
Building a Legacy Beyond Profit
For Nathan, success isn't just about financial returns. "We want to sit back and see that we're making a difference. It's not just about a bank account," he explains.
This philosophy extends to his family values. "For me, it's about my kids and my family being proud of what we're doing," he says.
Nathan views his business not as a story with an endpoint but as an ongoing journey. "I hope what we're doing makes a difference and can continue long after me with the kind of products we're promoting from our region and New Zealand overseas."
The Gillard Family Honey story shows how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the right support and mentorship, can transform a backyard hobby into a purpose-driven business. For those with ideas waiting to be developed, Nathan's advice is clear: don't be afraid to ask for help, learn from mistakes, and back yourself.
To learn more about Gillard Family Honey >> connect with Nathan
