Filipino News 171

BUHAY
NZ
04 ISSUE 171 | REUNION 2023 | www.filipinonews.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.migrantnews.nz | Facebook: Migrant News
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
Serbisyo: Mother’s ‘skin-credible’
quest to tackle eczema
By Ricky Matthew
HAMILTON - In a heartwarming
journey that demonstrates motherly
love and determination, Joanna Co, a
Filipina mother based in Hamilton,
has transformed a challenging diagnosis
into a flourishing wellness products
business.
This is a story of hope, resilience
and entrepreneurship, all sparked by
a diagnosis of eczema.
NaturaCoco NZ has been nominated for
the Filipino Kiwi Hero Award 2024 for
Outstanding Small Business
It all began when Joanna's daughter,
Ariana, was just one month old. She was
diagnosed with eczema, a skin condition
that would change the course of their
lives. Joanna, a first-time mother,
embarked on a quest to find a solution for
her child's discomfort. She recounts: "I've
been seeing GPs and dermatologists to
help her, but nothing's actually working.
It's not a long-term solution."
Determined to alleviate her daughter's
suffering, Joanna explored a wide array
of products, both over the counter and
internationally sourced. "I even asked my
family in Canada and the US to find
something that could help with eczema,"
she shares. But the solutions were temporary
and often contained ingredients that
weren't suitable for her child's sensitive
skin.
One day, a friend recommended a product
made in the Philippines, a natural
solution that was both effective and safe
for Ariana's skin. "I used it right away
and I was amazed at how well it worked,"
Joanna recalls. This pivotal moment ignited
a spark in her and her husband,
Martin.
Joanna and Martin's entrepreneurial
journey started when they decided to
import the product to New Zealand and
Australia. "We had a great opportunity to
build a brand," Joanna excitedly expresses.
The couple chose the name 'AJ and MJ
Co Ltd' to honour their family's initials,
with Joanna explaining. "A is for Ariana,
who is my eldest. J is for Johan, who is my
youngest. M is for Martin, my husband
and J is for me. It's a meaningful name for
us and we love it."
Listening to their customers, who come
from diverse backgrounds with varying
needs, the couple expanded their product
range. In addition to the initial moisturizing
cream, NaturaCoco now offers sunscreen,
body wash and a recently released
lip balm. The products have received positive
reviews from a broad customer base.
Not content with merely helping their
own family, Joanna and Martin have also
empowered individuals in the Philippines
by providing job opportunities. "We have
a full-time life here, so we hired admins
from the Philippines to manage our social
media and customer inquiries," Joanna
says. It's a testament to their mission to
help others.
Joanna's story is an account of a mother's
unwavering love and determination
to find a solution for her child. She reflects
on her journey. "I started this in
November last year and now it's become a
part of our lives. Our main goal is to help
people who are in the same situation as we
were. We understand how skin conditions
can be stressful. This is why we started
NaturaCoco.”
The journey from a challenging diagnosis
to entrepreneurship is not just a business
success story; it's a heartwarming
tale of a mother's love and resilience.
NaturaCoco, born out of necessity and a
mother's love, continues to make a positive
impact in the lives of those facing skin
conditions in New Zealand.
BACKSTORY: The rapid increase of
Filipino migrants settling in New Zealand,
a shade over 100,000 according to the
Philippine Embassy, has created a corresponding
increase in business opportunities
catering for this market.
Small business heavyweights who have
been honoured with the Business
Excellence Award at the annual Filipino-
Kiwi Hero Awards over the years have
included: Oscar and Mercy Catoto of Tres
Marias Trading, Edith Carpenter of
Planet Earth Travel, Jeths Lacson of
Epiphany Donuts, Lito Banal of Kiwi
Roofing and Marjorie Bennett of Boracay
Garden Restaurant.
A new generation of start-ups are getting
the opportunity to crack into the
Filipino and mainstream markets via
community events like the trail blazing
Halo Halo NZ and other Filipino events.
www.filipinoheroes.nz
www.halohalo.nz
The Filipino Food Festival that started it all
in Auckland is back - Halo Halo NZ!
To experience a Food Festival unlike any
other, check out details at our event website:
www.halohalo.nz
To participate as a vendor in the event
please text: 027 271 8948.