Renee White – Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu
Little People, Big Emotions is an E-commerce business selling high quality rauemi (resources) to help build emotional intelligence (EI) within tamariki (children). They offer rauemi to support parents, caregivers, teachers, schools, and health professionals in raising emotionally intelligent tamariki.
Their rauemi come in the form of posters and cards and are available in English, Te Reo Māori and bilingual English/Māori. They will soon be launching sensory stickers later this year. These products are uniquely designed to help tamariki present emotions in simple, clear ways and create a peaceful place (calming corner) in homes and classrooms.
The rauemi are currently in homes in over 20+ countries around the world, and thousands of homes and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres in Aotearoa. The business currently has a combined social media following of 56K.
Renee launched the business in October 2021 and is based in South Canterbury. She is a stay at home mum to her two tamariki and currently hapū (pregnant) with her third pēpi due in August. Renee is a certified parent coach and does private 1:1 coaching.
Renee has worked with local suppliers that have supported her since the beginning with printing all her resources. Renee says, “I went into this with no business experience and very little money so it was all a little daunting to begin with. They were so patient and helpful!”
Renee was humbled to be named a finalist in the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards last year. Renee says, “A part of the awards was being judged and the feedback alone of how I can improve my business has been incredibly helpful.”
“The Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in helping me to reach a new audience and pointing me in the right direction to seek help and training.” The community in Geraldine has been very supportive of the business with many families and local ECE Centres who have purchased her rauemi.
Poutama recently supported the business with funding to go towards new packaging designs, website redesign and product photography. Renee says, “I’ve had a lot of interest from stockists across NZ wanting to have my products in their stores but my packaging is not suitable for retail stores. Improvements to my packaging and website will give my business the professional edge and me the confidence to promote my products more.”
To learn more about their amazing rauemi products, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
