Minority Makers

Episode 13: Matilda Lee - Founder & Owner of Butter Baby

In our season finale, we sit down with Matilda Lee, pastry chef and founder of the beloved New Zealand bakery, Butter Baby. Matilda shares her journey of building a business inspired by the flavours of her Kiwi-Singaporean upbringing, and how her passion for community and connection drives everything she creates. Her warmth shines through as she talks about her team, her collaborators, and the family who has supported her along the way.Tune in for a wholesome, candid episode as Matilda opens up about the challenges she’s faced and the experiences that have shaped her path to where she is today. Website: https://butterbaby.co.nz/ Instagram & Tiktok @butterbabynz

Episode 12: Ghazaleh Pakdel - Belonging & Growth Manager & Founder of Refugee Story Project

In this episode, I sit down with Ghazaleh Pakdel—Belonging & Growth Manager, nonprofit founder, and advocate for refugee empowerment. We talk about her journey from growing up in Iran and navigating life as a refugee, to leading inclusion efforts in corporate spaces. Ghazaleh shares how lived experience, empathy, and intentional strategy can drive real change in workplaces and communities.

Episode 11: Taz Machra - Founder & Director of Swolefoods

In this episode, we sit down with Taz Machra, founder and director of Swolefoods. Taz opens up about his incredible journey, from growing up in India with no clear direction, to being in a position where he's built a thriving health food brand known for its macro-friendly meals and protein-packed ice creams, now stocked in major supermarkets & service stations. He shares not just the highs of entrepreneurial success, but also the personal challenges and losses that shaped him along the way. It's an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the mindset needed to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Website: http://www.swolefoods.co.nz/ Instagram: @Swolefoodsnz & @eatswolecakes

Episode 10: Maggie Maximiano- the business owner with a heart for the community

In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Maximiano, the founder of Maxy's Cupcakes: a side-hustle cakery with a heart. What makes Maxy's Cupcakes truly special isn’t just the sweet treats, but the mission behind them: Maggie donates 5% of all profits to Starship Hospital. Before launching her cupcake venture, Maggie started a charity called The Sharing Hope Project, which provided a transparent way for people to donate tangible goods to families in need across Auckland. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey of mixing purpose with passion, and how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Episode 9: Jesse Armstrong- Co-Founder & CEO of VAKA

In this episode we speak to Jesse Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of VAKA (and AKI)! Jesse tells us about his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, from dropping out of university and a successful first venture, to pivoting during COVID and building VAKA—an educational company empowering young people with 3D printing innovation. He shares invaluable insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs. Links to his businesses below: http://www.vaka.co.nz http://www.akistore.co.nz