More than Skincare - a conversation with Tahi Founder Jackie Lee
1. What personal values guide you most strongly in the way you lead Tahi, and how
do you bring those values into day-to-day decisions?
Hard work, self-belief, and a long-term approach are what guide everything I do. I don’t believe in shortcuts, I have tried those and had no results haha, good things take time, and that’s true for both people and businesses. I want Tahi to give back to New Zealand and to the people here who are working hard to create something meaningful in their own fields. I believe that work is where we find creativity and purpose, and that building something with integrity over time is far more rewarding than quick wins. Every decision at Tahi comes back to that, is it helping support New Zealand communities, is it sustainable, and is it something we can be proud of long-term? Whether it’s choosing a supplier, a material, or a price point, we look for ways to keep the value in Aotearoa and support others doing good work here.
2. Can you share the story of how Tahi began? What was the turning point that made you take the leap into creating your own skincare brand?
Tahi began while I was studying naturopathy and herbal medicine - I never finished the course, but in that first year we learnt about rongoā Māori and the incredible healing properties of Aotearoa’s native plants with Donna Kerridge, as well as how simple it can be to make skincare with another great tutor we had. I was really drawn to those parts of the course — they just clicked for me. Around that same time, I met my now husband, Nate, who also knew a bit about native plants and showed me some simple things they could do. I started experimenting and making small batches at home, and the turning point came when a simple oil I’d made completely changed my skin. I’d tried so many expensive brands before, but nothing gave me the consistent results I’ve had for the past ten years using what I made myself. It was more than just skincare, though — it came from a shift in my mindset. Learning about the plants and connecting with them helped me slow down, see beauty differently, and find peace with myself. I think that’s where Tahi really began — in that mix of curiosity, connection, and care.
3. Looking back on your journey so far, what have been the biggest lessons you’ve
learned, both in business and as a person?
I’ve learned to always back myself, but to stay open-minded at the same time. In the beginning, I was very affected by what people thought — especially around my right to work with native plants here, because I’m not Māori. Those conversations were challenging, but they also helped me grow. What I’ve learned is that I have to trust myself, grow a thicker skin, set my path, and walk it steadfast. Staying true to that purpose, while listening and learning as I go, has been one of the
biggest lessons both in business and personally.
4. If you could go back to the beginning and change one thing or do something
differently, what would it be, and why?
If I could go back to the beginning, I’d slow down and take more time to plan. In the early days, I was so passionate about getting Tahi out into the world that I didn’t spend enough time really understanding the industry or thinking long-term about how I wanted the business to grow. I also let personal life and big changes affect the pace and direction of things more than I probably should have. Change is inescapable but I’ve learned that consistency and clear structure are just as important as creativity. If I could do it again, I’d build a stronger foundation from the start: a well-researched plan, clearer systems, and a bit more patience to let things develop in their own time.
5. What are you most proud of in the Tahi community, and what would you encourage people to do more of as supporters of conscious beauty?
I’m really proud that Tahi’s mission genuinely supports New Zealand businesses — from small producers to larger innovators. We source from local makers right through to pioneering science backed companies - all New Zealand owned and run. What means the most to me is knowing that every product we make helps keep work, skills, and knowledge here in Aotearoa. When people choose Tahi, they’re directly supporting those who grow, harvest, and create the ingredients that make this country unique.
I am also, of course, very proud of the products and how effective they are. We have brought alot of peace of mind to customers who have had similar experiences to me, knowing that these products work and they are more affordable than a lot of other similar products on the market is a real win for Tahi.
6. Where do you draw inspiration from creatively, personally, or spiritually when
shaping Tahi’s identity and products?
Mostly from nature and from everyday life in New Zealand the light, the landscape, the pace of it. I’m inspired by the people who quietly do things well here: growers, craftspeople, innovators. Their care and attention influence how I want Tahi to feel — honest, unfussy, but deeply considered.
7. What hopes or intentions do you have for the impact Tahi will make in the world,
both now and into the future?
I hope Tahi helps raise the profile of New Zealand’s native plants and the incredible potential they hold for skincare. We have some of the most powerful, naturally active botanicals in the world, and I want to highlight them as part of a more holistic way to care for your skin. Long term, I’d love to see more people, both here and overseas, recognising the quality and integrity of New Zealand-grown ingredients and formulations. If that interest helps strengthen our local industries and supports sustainable growth for the people behind them, then we will have achieved something meaningful.
8. What part of your work are you enjoying the most at this moment in time? What’s
bringing you joy in the process?
Right now, I’m really enjoying the relaunch stage — seeing all the work come together, getting great feedback about the improved formulations and packaging and welcoming new stockists on board. It’s been exciting to rebuild momentum and feel that support growing again after a couple of more challenging years. I’m also really loving working with my mum — she came on board this year as a co-owner and our logistics manager and has been so helpful. It’s special having family involved and I am always grateful for her support.
9. What are some dreams or long-term visions you hold for Tahi and for yourself as
its founder?
I’d love to see Tahi grow into a business, a well-recognised New Zealand brand — one that people instantly associate with high- quality homegrown ingredients and products that work. We’re excited to develop new products that will feature only NZ-sourced ingredients and broaden the range of what we offer. Personally, my vision is to keep building in a way that creates opportunities for others — more growers, more small businesses, more local innovation.
10. For others wanting to create something meaningful or step into entrepreneurship, what advice would you offer from your lived experience?
Set your path, aim high and don’t give up. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a clear reason for doing it and the willingness to show up every day. The hard work is often in the little things — getting up when you do not want to and staying as consistent as you can.
I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen all at once; it’s like chipping away at a rock, slowly shaping it into something beautiful over time. That’s how I see life now — as a process of steady effort and care. What matters most is the spirit you put into your work, because even if something doesn’t reach its full potential in your lifetime, the energy you put into it will live on.