Living ethically - BOARDROOM TO BACKYARD BLISS

The Kiwi entrepreneur is finding inspiration in greener pastures

- Kasia Jillings

Two years ago, Brianne West stood on a Canterbury lifestyle property, staring out at the undulating hills, a huge 50-metre tall gum tree in front of her with a stream nearby and knew, despite the dilapidated house being in a complete state of disrepair, she’d found home.

While the 2019 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, whose first business Ethique is now stocked in more than 8000 stores around the globe, was previously more used to the boardroom than the farm, Brianne set her sights on rewilding the land.

This meant building “dino domes” for skinks, planting massive native shelterbelts to encourage insects and creating a sanctuary for her beloved animals.

“A lot of people tried to talk me out of it, saying time was not on my side and I would struggle to manage such a big property,” recalls Brianne, 36.

“Certainly to begin with, it was a lot of work, tens of thousands of plants – that’s a lot of holes to dig. But it’s been a labour of love and feels super-productive.”

The environmentalist shares her idyllic property and recently renovated home with a menagerie of furry and scaly friends, including two horses, Popcorn and Jack, two Highland cows, two goats, two rescue calves, the family dog Bear, a tortoise, frogs and fish, and Nessie, the bearded dragon.

“I really like lizards – people think they’re boring, but if I throw a blueberry, Nessie will chase it. She’s friendly and will clamber up on you for a sleep like a cat.”