Crafting Wellness, Building Confidence
Every Tuesday, an art room at Tikipunga High School transforms into a buzzing, productive laboratory.
At just seven years old, Isabella Holtz discovered a passion that sparked an entrepreneurial journey, one she is now sharing with a group of Dreamers through the Bella & Co Kreationz after school programme.
Isabella’s Mum, Year 7 Navigator Yvonne Henry, recognised that her daughter’s talent and passion for creating wellness products would appeal to her Dreamers. Together, they designed and are delivering a hands-on programme where Dreamers learn to make a series of products that Isabella has had success selling at local markets.
Every Tuesday, an art room at Tikipunga High School transforms into a buzzing, productive laboratory. Under the guidance of Isabella, who is also in Year 7 at Whangārei Intermediate School, Yvonne, and Isabella’s father, Adam Holtz, the girls learn the fundamentals of product development in an empowering environment.
Balancing fun with science and safety, the Dreamers explore chemical reactions and master precise measurements to craft bath bombs, soaps, resin key chains and jewellery, candles, lip balms, and aloe vera masks.
Isabella also shares her experience selling at markets, which she’s been doing since she first started making products at seven years old. The family have taken Isabella to sell her wares at all kinds of events over the years, and while her sales have been consistently steady, Isabella admits being front and centre in a market environment with lots of eyes on her was a bit scary at first.
Running throughout Term 3, the programme culminates with each Dreamer labelling, packaging, and presenting her own Personal Wellness Kit. They will showcase their hard work and creativity to their whānau before taking their handcrafted creations home.
In an age dominated by social media trends, Isabella and Yvonne are shifting the narrative. They are guiding these young women to transition from passive consumers into confident creators who appreciate the value of exploring creatively and craft firsthand.
For Isabella, an aspiring influencer, the greatest reward is sharing her journey, inspiring her peers, and proving that big dreams can start at any age.
