In the Spring edition of Evergreen, we caught up with our Year 13 Business Studies students, who have been working collaboratively in groups to conceive, develop, and market their own products, bringing ideas from paper to production in a way that mirrors real-world business ventures.
This immersive experience challenges each Year 13 Business Studies cohort to think critically, act creatively, and collaborate effectively, preparing them with skills that will serve them far beyond their school years.
The process begins with the spark of an idea. Students are encouraged to identify a problem, need, or opportunity and design a product to meet it. For Ceire and Elysse, that opportunity was in the beauty industry. Their brand, Oaty Cosmetics, created Purely Set, a fake-tan drying powder infused with natural oats, an ingredient known for its soothing properties on sensitive skin. By replacing harmful talc powder with a safe, nourishing alternative, the girls produced a product that not only solved a problem for fake-tan users but also offered a healthier option. “Adaptability was an important skill Elysse and I have learned through this process,” Ceire explained, reflecting on challenges around packaging and formulation. “We managed to keep going and keep the business growing throughout the year.”
Other groups, like the team behind IN AN INSTANT, discovered how powerful it is to divide tasks based on individual strengths. Their premium instant coffee brand combined convenience with wellness, offering flavours like Cinnamon Roll Latte and Strawberry Latte while incorporating Lion’s Mane mushroom powder for its cognitive and immune-boosting benefits.
With Holly leading as CEO and CFO, Piper directing marketing and sales, and Audrey overseeing operations and design, the trio demonstrated how diverse talents can merge to build a thriving business. “Our ability to collaborate effectively has been key to IN AN INSTANT’s success so far,” the team reflected. Their stylish packaging, strong brand identity, and eco-friendly ethos show how aligning values with business goals can make a product stand out in a crowded market.
For Maggie and her group, the journey was deeply personal. Their shimmering body oil, Radiant Body Oil, blended skincare with sustainability. By incorporating lanolin, a natural emollient derived from sheep’s wool, they not only tapped into a growing beauty trend but also supported New Zealand’s rural sector. A portion of each sale goes to the Rural Support Trust, a cause close to their hearts. “As three girls from rural backgrounds, we have noticed the wool industry struggling… and want to bring attention back to it,” the group shared. Their business proves that entrepreneurship can be both profitable and purposeful, raising awareness and giving back to the community.
Sustainability was also central to Hollie’s project. Her group designed reusable wool air fresheners, offering a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to disposable products. Handmade from natural New Zealand wool, the air fresheners are infused with essential oils, proving that small changes can have a big impact on the environment. Their innovation demonstrates how students can balance practicality with environmental consciousness, responding to consumer demand for sustainable products.
Practicality was at the heart of another group’s creation: Lush Lock-it, a compact jewellery case with a built-in keychain. Designed to keep jewellery safe during sports or travel, it’s simple, stylish, and solves a real everyday problem. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Trust yourself and your idea, it deserves the chance to become something real. And just have fun, it’s all about learning.”
Across all groups, the common thread is growth. Students develop resilience, creativity, financial literacy, and marketing expertise. They learn to pitch, promote, and problem-solve. They also experience first-hand the excitement and challenges of bringing a product to market. Most importantly, they gain the confidence to take risks and trust their instincts.
As the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers, our Year 13 Business Studies students are leaving school with the experience of turning ideas into enterprises and practical skills with lasting impact.
To read more, you can find the full edition of Evergreen here.
