2025 wrapped🪞✨

Every year we are met with so many trials and tribulations that allow us to grow as wāhine, business owners, and people. Owning a business is hard, and it takes a special drive and love for your pakihi to keep going. Although sometimes the home fires of TKP are barely burning, that last ember is always still there, ready to be ignited again when we let it.

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of being mentored by Teesh from Glow by Teesh, who played a big part in helping me keep those fires burning. She pushed us into new spaces we only dreamed of and showed us what is waiting for us if we put in the hard yards.

Nevertheless, 2025 marked a year full of personal growth, late nights, and dedication to the kaupapa. The beginning of the year marked The Kindness Project’s third birthday and was solidified with the launch of The Wellness Hub - a place where you can find accessible tools to help you achieve self-love while delving into a deeper understanding of yourself and a renewed commitment to treating yourself with kindness. I found constant reminders and tohu in this space that I also needed to use these tools to slow down, unwind, and re-charge.

As the year went on, we sold out of our Kia Ngāwari Crewneck, which is a part of one of our most popular collections. We put a pre-sale out for our Kia Ngāwari Zip-Up, and released our gorgeous Kia Ngākau Māhaki Hoodie, which is a tohu that ngākau pai (kindness) starts within.

In November, Nellie welcomed another gorgeous little boy and graduated from her full immersion studies at Te Wānanga Ihorangi. She took this year off to focus on her growing whānau and, most importantly, her reo Māori - Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori. Poho kererū ana ahau ki a Nellie. Ka puāwai āna tamariki me tōna whānau nā runga i āna whakatau. Kei runga noa atu koe e te tuakana.

While Nellie took the year off, I was entrusted with the reins and tried my best to keep the home fires going at all times. It was a year full of determination, tears, laughter, and heaps of mistakes. It allowed me to grow as a person and as a business owner. I managed to sneak in my first stand at Te Matatini, a graduation, a trip to Canada playing softball for my country, a trip to America to watch my friend get married, and a whole lot of reminders to slow down. I was accompanied by my partner, who is a pou in my life and all that I do. He’s my biggest supporter, my leaning post, my favourite shoulder to cry on, and the best ear to listen to my complaining. I am so grateful for him, and I wouldn’t be half the person I am without him. Nōku te māringanui, nōku te honore, babe.

Reflecting on 2025, I recognised not only our potential but also our strengths and weaknesses. As we look ahead to 2026, we are thankful for everyone involved in our journey - especially our beautiful customers, both old and new. We couldn’t do what we do without you. We are excited for what’s to come and to see all the fruits that 2026 has to bear.

We can’t wait to venture into our NEW & EXCITING business opportunities, grow as a pakihi Māori, and most importantly, as kind humans!

Arohanui,
Maddi & Nellie x