#WIB-Q&A With Nána Lloyd Founder Of Nunuki
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Nunuki is a proudly South African brand that has been created for babies and children both in formulation and concept. We’re a brand that believes fun is as important as science – so we put plenty of both into everything we produce.
Our products are locally made and currently available online. Additionally, they are stocked at Kids Emporium, selected Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, leading pharmacies, and independent baby boutiques.
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
A. My background in marketing and working in the corporate industry is a huge contributor to the birth of the Nunuki brand. I had a marketing consulting business from 2012, and my business partner and I helped reposition a skincare range for a dermatologist, this was where we identified an opportunity in the baby skincare market.
I officially registered Nunuki for Little Humans (PTY) Ltd on 16 August 2018 and the products and website went live to the public in April 2019. The ‘how’ encompasses so many aspects – research, feasibility, product development including many trials and redoes.
Running your own business is not easy – it takes courage and determination. I have always been described as a ‘self-starter’ in the corporate world because of my drive to do things better and find solutions to consumer problems.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. As Nunuki is still in its infancy, I fulfill most roles and do whatever the business requires. I am fortunate to work with a brilliant creative mind and amazing human, Matt Bouch who also plays an important role in bringing the Nunuki characters and story to life.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I completed a BCom Honours in Marketing at the University of Pretoria. Thereafter, I did many short courses and the best lessons were learned on-the-job in all the many companies that allowed me to grow. One of the best courses I did was the Storybrand course presented by Donald Miller, an American author.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. The biggest financial requirements for Nunuki was developing the brand and registering the trademark, researching all the products to certify that they were good for little humans, and of course, working capital to produce stock and everything required to get to that stage.
My financing source is a bitter-sweet part of the Nunuki story, which is also part of the birth of the name. One of the names my dad called me was Nana-ki – he passed away in 2014. He left enough money that my mom would receive the care she needs, and a little extra so my brothers and I could help fund our businesses.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I try and structure each day and week to help focus on important aspects. Due to the very operational role I have, you can easily get lost in just running with things every day and miss the growth opportunities.
Therefore, I allocate certain tasks to days of the week to ensure that every part of the business is not overlooked. For e.g. Mondays are Pick ‘n Pay order days and Tuesdays I set aside 2 hours to think / plan/look outside operations.
I know people have started ditching ‘To do lists’, but it is still a big part of my daily and weekly planning toolkit.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. As with a lot of people globally, I work from home. Although I try and separate work and home, this is not always doable in practise. I do believe that my experience in marketing and advertising has made me an excellent project manager, and therefore I am able to juggle a couple of balls simultaneously.
My husband also runs his own business, so we don’t have the luxury of taking time off work whenever we want. However, we do make time for the important things such as exercising and spending quality time with family and friends.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. My biggest inspiration are my children – they are what drives me to keep Nunuki going, and they inspire so many of the stories of the Nunuki characters. Being a mother has made me realise that boardrooms do not define my worth. Leaving a legacy for my children is what truly gives me purpose.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. Ideas happen anywhere, anytime, and from anyone. One of my strengths is that I am a true collaborator – and when you are open to the fact that anyone can have a brilliant idea, you have so many more options.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. We are trying to build a strong digital presence by doing all the right things in this area – from a SEO, e-commerce functionality, social media presence, influencer engagement, and Public Relations point of view.
11. What is next for your business?
A. Nunuki is so much bigger than skincare. We are about the stories that you tell your kids to teach them lessons, help them become kinder people and hopefully ensure that parents have a positive impact on the adults that have to shape our future world. We are in the process of developing books to help amplify the lesson each nunuki character wants to teach and are also looking at toys and clothing to help connect our stories with little and big humans.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. I have been overwhelmed by the support, free advice, and willingness of other people to help me get to where I am today. This road is not an easy one but surround yourself with positive people, so that it becomes your mantra to see the upside.
That way, you’re not only telling people around you that you believe in what you do, but you are sending the message of being successful to the universe. It is important to believe that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to and then you will.
Short Bio
Nána Lloyd is the founder and owner of Nunuki, a unique skincare brand made specifically for little humans and their sensitive and supple skin since 2018.
She has worked across different industries including financial services, retail and marketing. Lloyd’s track record shows that she has managed to add value to the organisations’ bottom line and make a real difference to the people she has worked with.
Prior to starting her own business, Lloyd worked for Joe Public as the Business Unit Director, where she managed and supported her clients’ marketing efforts and strategies. She holds a BCom Honours in Marketing from the University of Pretoria.
For more visit: nunuki.co.za