Our paths in life aren’t always what we imagine it to be.
We are of human nature, constantly evolving in what we dream to achieve.
Passions.
Interests.
Love.
We put our emotions into our work and that is just how we are biologically made to act.
Carolyn Hughes ,32, and Zoe-Lee Kilner, 28, are business partners who believe in these aspects of human nature and apply them in life.
The pair grew up in the bustling tourism hub of Nadi and now operate their niche yet growing business – ‘CZ Creations.’
Zoe-Lee attended Nadi Airport School, Nadi Muslim College then later finished off in Suva at what was then called Indian College.
She later studied civil engineering at the Fiji National University before working for a few civil and marine contractors and a development company where she worked for five years.
Looking for something to challenge her, she made a complete switch to the digital space, eventually doing software support work for hospitality accommodation providers and tour operators.
On the other hand, Carolyn, graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical) with a certificate IV in small business development management.
Her passion for learning has not stopped.
She is currently pursuing a diploma in project management which goes hand in hand with the goals of CZ Creations.
But how did CZ Creations begin and what motivated these young women to go beyond their ordinary day jobs?
The CZ in CZ Creations is derived from their initials, C for Carolyn and Z for Zoe.
It was in 2019 that a spark ignited in the minds of these talented young women.
Their business started of as a hobby and a means to earn some ‘spending money’.
They said it was also to potentially get some capital for a “diverse repurposing type of business”.
While realising that the world goes through dark times, they aimed to bring a bit of light to this darkness, hence their hashtag ‘BeTheLight’.
Carolyn was always the experimenter and made good use of her creative juices.
She used ice block sticks, combined it with her knowledge and skills in wiring, and transformed their light bulb moment into business products.
“Our main products are lamps made out of ice block sticks finished with stains and varnish, lamp shades of various sizes fashioned out of twine, and we also have some shelving made out of the same ice-block sticks and finished in the same way with stain and varnish,” they told The Sunday Times.
The business, which incorporates concepts on sustainability is home-based in Suva with Carolyn as the main partner.
“We use electrical wiring and ice-block sticks as well as twine which are very natural materials with minimal upkeeps and coat them with protective layers to make it last longer.
“We’ve figured out how to make the process tidier and more efficient.”
If you’re interest in purchasing these beautifully made products, CZ’s target market is not limited.
“Our products are cost-effective for pretty much any consumer and we’ve had young kids sharing the cost with their parents. It was quite exciting to see the younger generation being financially literate in that way.
“We have unique gifts for all ages, men and women so we often get orders for significant others, for parents, siblings, friends and all sorts.”
The finished products are so elegant and can give off a comforting warm vibe to any room.
Each could take approximately up to five days to complete.
Carolyn and Zoe have always had a creative side in everything they do in life.
It has been their way of escaping from reality into a world where they could be better version of themselves.
“We sketch the designs out and then we try to make a sample to see if the design is sturdy and if the light it emits is bright enough or if the lamp could be placed in different places with ease, etc.”
They make five to 10 products per month, sometimes more.
Customers are often shocked when they actually see the products in person and believe they look better than the pictures.
“Then they tell their friends, and we get more orders which is pretty cool.”
A typical day for Carolyn and Zoe involves either paddling or swimming in the morning, working their regular eight to five jobs, heading home and completing orders if Carolyn does not have a class in the evening.
“We are avid water people and enjoy all water sports and activities. Anything near a beach with sun is where you would find us.”
Combined with their persistent and unique attributes, the young entrepreneurs hope to gain enough capital to run a shop soon.
They dream of building an empire and to one day have their products in every home.
Only time will tell!
