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Ep 28: The Decisions That Kept Us in Business for 34 Years
One phone call changed everything.
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Annah thought her biggest wholesale customer wanted a catch-up. Instead, they ended the relationship, leaving her with a van full of fabric and a business that suddenly needed a completely new direction.
It wasn't the last time the business would have to reinvent itself.
In this episode, Annah and Sami reflect on the defining decisions that have shaped the company over the past 34 years. Some came from opportunity. Others came from setbacks. All of them changed the business in meaningful ways.
They discuss:
- Losing their biggest wholesale customer and rebuilding from the ground up
- Why franchising wasn't the right fit
- The unexpected success of their swimwear range
- The COVID decision that put the brand ahead of short-term sales
- What they've learned about knowing when it's time to change
This is an honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.
Ep 27: Building True Colours: One Woman's Extraordinary Legacy | Dr Cynthia Ward
For more than twenty-two years, Dr Cynthia Ward has quietly stood beside families experiencing every parent's worst fear.
As the founder of True Colours Children's Health Trust, she has built one of New Zealand's most respected children's support organisations, providing counselling, nursing care and education for children living with life-limiting illness and the families who love them. Remarkably, she built it without government funding—through community generosity, unwavering determination and a belief that every child deserves to be heard.
In this deeply moving conversation, Annah Stretton explores the moments that shaped Cynthia's extraordinary journey, from a twelve-year-old boy who changed the way she understood childhood and dying, to walking through a gang guard at the gate to reach a critically ill child, and the story behind the name True Colours, gifted by Tim Finn.
This isn't simply a conversation about illness.
It's about courage, compassion, grief, hope, and what it means to dedicate your life to helping others through their darkest days.
Learn more about the incredible work of True Colours HERE 🌈🦋
Ep 26: The Flight Coffee Story: Building, Losing, Reinventing
How do you build one of New Zealand’s most recognised coffee brands in a market already crowded with hundreds of roasters?
This week on Stretton Unfiltered, I talk to Nick Clark, co-founder of Flight Coffee, about the reality behind the brand.
The wins. The near losses. The reinvention. The brutal COVID hit. The move from café to wholesale, supermarkets, pods, canned coffee and The Hangar in Wellington.
What I loved most was the way Flight has kept evolving without losing its values, including its commitment to the coffee growers and communities it works with in Colombia.
This is not just a conversation about coffee.It is a sharp, honest look at what it takes to build, almost lose, rethink and keep growing a business in one of New Zealand’s most competitive industries.
Ep 25: Will AI Replace You or Make You Richer?
Will AI Replace You or Make You Richer?
What if you're already being outperformed by AI and don't even know it?
Artificial Intelligence is no longer coming. It's here, quietly reshaping business, education, creativity, retail, and the way we work every day. The real question is whether you're using it or being left behind by those who are.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Matt Browning, entrepreneur, AI specialist, and co-founder of Incredible, a New Zealand company building AI systems and automation tools used by businesses around the world.
Matt's journey into AI didn't start in Silicon Valley. It started with curiosity, problem solving, and a determination to teach himself the tools that are now transforming entire industries.
Together, Annah and Matt tackle some of the biggest questions facing all of us right now:
• Is AI making us smarter or slowly making us obsolete?
• Why are so many New Zealand businesses dangerously behind the curve?
• Could your job exist in its current form five years from now?
• What are the real privacy and security risks nobody is talking about?
• How much of your daily work could AI already do better and faster?
• What happens to creativity, retail, education, and human connection when machines become collaborators?
Along the way, Annah shares how AI has become part of her own daily life, from building business systems and drafting proposals on the move to capturing ideas and conversations she never wants to lose.
This is not a conversation about technology. It's a conversation about the future of work, the future of business, and the future of being human.
Whether you're excited by AI, sceptical of it, or quietly terrified by how fast it's moving, this episode will challenge what you think you know and leave you asking one question: If AI changes everything, what happens next?
Ep 24: Why Perfect Content Is Killing Your Reach | Annah & Sami Stretton
Social media strategy is one of the most searched topics for small business owners right now, and for good reason. The rules keep changing, the platforms keep shifting, and businesses that stop learning risk becoming invisible.
In this episode, Annah and Sami get honest about the social media journey behind a 34-year-old fashion brand finding its feet in a world where video is king, authenticity is currency, and a jar of lollies can outperform a polished campaign.
From carefully curated Instagram feeds to founder led content that stops the scroll, they unpack what it has actually taken to evolve their digital presence, the mistakes they have made along the way, and why staying relevant online requires ongoing investment, experimentation, and a willingness to adapt.
They talk about:
- Why Instagram Reels outperform static posts and what they are doing differently on TikTok.
- The paid vs organic split that changed how they show up online.
- A sugar jar, a bare face, and a woman on the street outperforming carefully planned content.
- Why being true to your brand voice beats chasing trends every time.
- Why TikTok is now a search engine and what that means for your business.
- Why upskilling in social media is now as essential as any other business investment.
This is a candid, behind the scenes look at social media from two women who are still learning, still testing, and still adapting to a landscape that never stands still. Whether you are a small business owner, content creator, or brand trying to grow your online presence, this conversation offers practical lessons on what is working right now and why standing still is no longer an option.
Ep23: How I Stopped Prison Becoming My Family Legacy
Before the justice system ever entered her life, Gail Maney had already survived more than most people face in a lifetime.
Domestic violence, poverty, sexual abuse, addiction, and a childhood that never gave her a fair shot. Then in 1997, police charged her with a murder she had absolutely nothing to do with, built on fabricated testimony, witness coercion, and a justice system that failed her at every turn. She was convicted and spent 15 years in prison paying for someone else's crime.
In October 2024, the Court of Appeal quashed her conviction, acknowledging a serious miscarriage of justice. But the court ruling is only part of the story. Gail sits down with Annah to share what prison actually does to a human being, what survival looks like when the barriers existed long before the prison gates closed, and what freedom really feels like when the stigma, the criminal record, and the trauma do not just disappear with an acquittal.
This is a story about resilience, about the cost of injustice, and about one woman who never stopped fighting for the truth.
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Domestic violence, poverty, sexual abuse, addiction, and a childhood that never gave her a fair shot. Then in 1997, police charged her with a murder she had absolutely nothing to do with, built on fabricated testimony, witness coercion, and a justice system that failed her at every turn. She was convicted and spent 15 years in prison paying for someone else's crime.
In October 2024, the Court of Appeal quashed her conviction, acknowledging a serious miscarriage of justice. But the court ruling is only part of the story. Gail sits down with Annah to share what prison actually does to a human being, what survival looks like when the barriers existed long before the prison gates closed, and what freedom really feels like when the stigma, the criminal record, and the trauma do not just disappear with an acquittal.
This is a story about resilience, about the cost of injustice, and about one woman who never stopped fighting for the truth.
Ep 22: The Human Cost Of The Gender Debate | Mary Haddock-Staniland
For more than 20 years, Annah Stretton has known Mary Haddock-Staniland not as a political talking point, but simply as a friend.
In this deeply personal and timely conversation, Mary shares her journey as one of New Zealand’s most prominent transgender advocates, media personalities, and diversity leaders, reflecting on identity, belonging, respect, and the emotional impact of seeing transgender lives debated publicly once again.
The discussion explores the wider conversation surrounding New Zealand’s proposed “Definitions of Woman and Man” Amendment Bill, not through political outrage or division, but through lived experience, curiosity, and humanity.
Mary speaks openly about growing up in Matamata, navigating gender dysphoria from childhood, building an international executive career, and the personal cost of constantly having your identity publicly questioned. Together, Annah and Mary unpack the difference between acceptance and respect, why dignity matters, and how everyday conversations shape whether people feel safe, seen, and valued.
This episode is not about sensationalism or ideology. It is about understanding the human being behind the headlines.
A thoughtful, compassionate conversation about identity, kindness, inclusion, and the importance of staying curious in a world increasingly driven by division.
Listen Now
In this deeply personal and timely conversation, Mary shares her journey as one of New Zealand’s most prominent transgender advocates, media personalities, and diversity leaders, reflecting on identity, belonging, respect, and the emotional impact of seeing transgender lives debated publicly once again.
The discussion explores the wider conversation surrounding New Zealand’s proposed “Definitions of Woman and Man” Amendment Bill, not through political outrage or division, but through lived experience, curiosity, and humanity.
Mary speaks openly about growing up in Matamata, navigating gender dysphoria from childhood, building an international executive career, and the personal cost of constantly having your identity publicly questioned. Together, Annah and Mary unpack the difference between acceptance and respect, why dignity matters, and how everyday conversations shape whether people feel safe, seen, and valued.
This episode is not about sensationalism or ideology. It is about understanding the human being behind the headlines.
A thoughtful, compassionate conversation about identity, kindness, inclusion, and the importance of staying curious in a world increasingly driven by division.
Ep 21: Lipstick, Grit & Global Markets: The Karen Murrell Story
She grew up in Te Awamutu, lost a business partner, started over more than once, fought counterfeiters all the way to China's Supreme Court, and built one of New Zealand's most recognised natural lipstick brands sold across Australia, China, the US and beyond.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Karen Murrell, the founder behind the iconic Karen Murrell lipstick brand, for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring. Karen opens up about the health battles that shaped her resilience, the early careers that quietly built her knowledge of sales, manufacturing and markets, and the moment she Googled how to make skincare in a borrowed computer and launched her first business from scratch.
She shares what it really takes to break into international markets, the hard lessons of the Daigou channel, the counterfeiting battle that cost her years and a fortune, and why designing love notes into every product has always been her point of difference.
This is a conversation about knowing your craft deeply, backing yourself when no one else will, and building something that endures, not just something that sells.
For women in business, for anyone who has had to start again, and for anyone who has ever underestimated how far a good lipstick can travel.
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In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Karen Murrell, the founder behind the iconic Karen Murrell lipstick brand, for a conversation that is as honest as it is inspiring. Karen opens up about the health battles that shaped her resilience, the early careers that quietly built her knowledge of sales, manufacturing and markets, and the moment she Googled how to make skincare in a borrowed computer and launched her first business from scratch.
She shares what it really takes to break into international markets, the hard lessons of the Daigou channel, the counterfeiting battle that cost her years and a fortune, and why designing love notes into every product has always been her point of difference.
This is a conversation about knowing your craft deeply, backing yourself when no one else will, and building something that endures, not just something that sells.
For women in business, for anyone who has had to start again, and for anyone who has ever underestimated how far a good lipstick can travel.
Ep 20: Matt Stark on Losing $1M and Reshaping Hamilton
At 23, he lost a million dollars.
By 24, he was mowing lawns.
What followed was a rebuild from the ground up, from liquidation talks, bank meetings that changed everything, and a decision to keep going when most people would have stopped.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Matt Stark, property developer behind some of Hamilton’s most recognisable spaces, including Riverbank Lane and MADE in Hamilton East. Matt shares the raw reality behind building a business, the early days of uncertainty, and how a long-term belief in Hamilton’s city centre shaped everything that followed. We explore the $110M deal, the failures that came before success, and why he believes retail, community, and city making are still deeply human at their core.
We explore:
Losing everything in his early 20s and starting again.
The mindset shift from survival to city shaping.
Why Riverbank Lane became a turning point for Hamilton CBD.
The thinking behind MADE and its evolving ecosystem of makers and retailers.
Decisions that prioritised people over profit.
Why relationships, not rent, have driven long-term success.
And what comes next when you’ve already built more than you ever planned.
This is a story about risk, resilience, and rebuilding a city one decision at a time.
Listen Now
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Matt Stark, property developer behind some of Hamilton’s most recognisable spaces, including Riverbank Lane and MADE in Hamilton East. Matt shares the raw reality behind building a business, the early days of uncertainty, and how a long-term belief in Hamilton’s city centre shaped everything that followed. We explore the $110M deal, the failures that came before success, and why he believes retail, community, and city making are still deeply human at their core.
We explore:
Losing everything in his early 20s and starting again.
The mindset shift from survival to city shaping.
Why Riverbank Lane became a turning point for Hamilton CBD.
The thinking behind MADE and its evolving ecosystem of makers and retailers.
Decisions that prioritised people over profit.
Why relationships, not rent, have driven long-term success.
And what comes next when you’ve already built more than you ever planned.
This is a story about risk, resilience, and rebuilding a city one decision at a time.
Ep 19: Breaking The Cycle Of Crime – 12 Yrs Inside Prison With NZ's Most Complex Women
In Episode 19 of Stretton Unfiltered, we take you inside 12 years of working within women’s prisons and the reality of what it takes to break the cycle of crime.
This is the story behind RAW, Reclaim Another Woman. A model built not from theory, but from working alongside some of the most complex, high-risk women in New Zealand. Women, many had normalised criminal lifestyles and outcomes.
Since 2014, RAW has challenged that narrative. What started as a response to intergenerational offending, violence, poverty, and limited opportunity has grown into a deeply connected and successful model of reintegration. One grounded in inclusion, accountability, community, and real pathways forward. In this episode, we speak honestly about the early chaos, the missteps, and the lessons learned inside the prison system.
We unpack the realities of working within prison walls, supporting women inside and at the point of release, and building trust where it has largely been broken. We talk about the transitional homes, the farm sanctuary, and the long-term commitment required to support change beyond the gate.
This is not a polished success story. It is a real account of what it takes to interrupt cycles of crime and create possibility. RAW is more than a charity. It is a lifelong living system of support, shaped by the women themselves, and grounded in pono, tika, and aroha.
Listen Now
This is the story behind RAW, Reclaim Another Woman. A model built not from theory, but from working alongside some of the most complex, high-risk women in New Zealand. Women, many had normalised criminal lifestyles and outcomes.
Since 2014, RAW has challenged that narrative. What started as a response to intergenerational offending, violence, poverty, and limited opportunity has grown into a deeply connected and successful model of reintegration. One grounded in inclusion, accountability, community, and real pathways forward. In this episode, we speak honestly about the early chaos, the missteps, and the lessons learned inside the prison system.
We unpack the realities of working within prison walls, supporting women inside and at the point of release, and building trust where it has largely been broken. We talk about the transitional homes, the farm sanctuary, and the long-term commitment required to support change beyond the gate.
This is not a polished success story. It is a real account of what it takes to interrupt cycles of crime and create possibility. RAW is more than a charity. It is a lifelong living system of support, shaped by the women themselves, and grounded in pono, tika, and aroha.
Ep 18: 37 Years In Prison…Rebuilding A Life After Incarceration
This is not an easy listen… but it’s an important one.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Missy Wepper to unpack a life shaped by trauma, survival, addiction, and ultimately, accountability.
From early childhood abuse and life in state care… to years inside the prison system… to navigating life on the outside after decades institutionalised, Missy shares her story with a level of honesty that is both confronting and deeply grounding.
This is not about excuses. It’s about context. It’s about understanding what sits behind behaviour… and what it actually takes to change. What emerges is something many people never see…the long, lonely work of rebuilding a life. The discipline it takes to walk away from everything you’ve known. And the reality that change is possible… but only if you choose it.
A conversation about survival, systems, responsibility… and what it really means to start again.
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In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Missy Wepper to unpack a life shaped by trauma, survival, addiction, and ultimately, accountability.
From early childhood abuse and life in state care… to years inside the prison system… to navigating life on the outside after decades institutionalised, Missy shares her story with a level of honesty that is both confronting and deeply grounding.
This is not about excuses. It’s about context. It’s about understanding what sits behind behaviour… and what it actually takes to change. What emerges is something many people never see…the long, lonely work of rebuilding a life. The discipline it takes to walk away from everything you’ve known. And the reality that change is possible… but only if you choose it.
A conversation about survival, systems, responsibility… and what it really means to start again.
Ep 17: She Turned “Too Old” Into a Business
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with New Zealand Silver Fox Modelling Agency owner Rebecca Swaney for a conversation that goes far beyond modelling.
From buying a business on instinct to building a nationally recognised agency representing women 30+ and beyond, Rebecca shares the reality of backing yourself, learning on the fly, and creating space in an industry that historically overlooked mature women.
This is a story about:
Starting with just 11 models and building something meaningful.
The shift towards diversity and representation in fashion.
The emotional reality behind running a solo business.
Why women don’t “age out” anymore.
And what it really looks like to close a business with grace.
It’s honest, reflective, and quietly powerful. Because this isn’t just about modelling. It’s about visibility, identity, and the courage to evolve.
Listen Now
This is a story about:
Starting with just 11 models and building something meaningful.
The shift towards diversity and representation in fashion.
The emotional reality behind running a solo business.
Why women don’t “age out” anymore.
And what it really looks like to close a business with grace.
It’s honest, reflective, and quietly powerful. Because this isn’t just about modelling. It’s about visibility, identity, and the courage to evolve.
Ep 16: Haley Bicknell & Punnet Cafe: Booked Out To Burnt Out
What does it take to create a business that people will go out of their way for, and keep coming back to? In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with Haley Bicknell, owner of Punnet, a rural café in Tamahere that has quietly become one of the Waikato’s most enduring and consistently busy destinations. Not because it follows the rules, but because it breaks them. From its beginnings on a strawberry farm to a multi-layered business employing 40 staff, Haley shares what it really takes to build something that lasts. This is a conversation grounded in the realities of running a high-volume, people-driven business, where growth doesn’t always feel like success, and where burnout can sit just beneath the surface.
Together, they unpack:
Why “being busy” doesn’t always mean being profitable
The power of defining a clear core purpose and actually living it
What it takes to scale a business while maintaining consistency
The hidden toll of customer-facing roles and leadership burnout
How stepping back, not pushing harder, can sometimes save a business
Why hiring well and building the right team changes everything
Haley also shares her experience of hitting breaking point, putting the business on the market, and ultimately choosing to rebuild it differently, with stronger systems, better support, and a renewed sense of purpose. For business owners and operators, this episode is a reminder that longevity isn’t about chasing growth. It’s about creating something people genuinely want to be part of, and building a team that can carry it with you. A thoughtful, honest conversation about business, resilience, and redefining what success actually looks like.
Listen Now
Together, they unpack:
Why “being busy” doesn’t always mean being profitable
The power of defining a clear core purpose and actually living it
What it takes to scale a business while maintaining consistency
The hidden toll of customer-facing roles and leadership burnout
How stepping back, not pushing harder, can sometimes save a business
Why hiring well and building the right team changes everything
Haley also shares her experience of hitting breaking point, putting the business on the market, and ultimately choosing to rebuild it differently, with stronger systems, better support, and a renewed sense of purpose. For business owners and operators, this episode is a reminder that longevity isn’t about chasing growth. It’s about creating something people genuinely want to be part of, and building a team that can carry it with you. A thoughtful, honest conversation about business, resilience, and redefining what success actually looks like.
Ep 15: From Fear to Freedom - Nikki’s Story
What does it really look like to love someone through chaos… and still find your way back to yourself?
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Nikki, her story will stay with you long after the conversation ends.
From a stable upbringing to a life shaped by low self-worth, abusive relationships, and years of fear, Nikki bravely shares what it was like to live inside a world that felt impossible to escape. We talk about the quiet realities so many women carry, staying when it hurts, protecting children while breaking inside, and the invisible weight of believing you’re not worthy of more.
Nikki opens up about life alongside Ben through prison, addiction, violence, and the turning point that changed everything. Not overnight, not easily, but through accountability, honesty, and the slow rebuild of two people choosing something different. This is a conversation about survival, about what it costs to stay and rebuilding yourself from nothing. It’s also about hope. About forgiveness. About the possibility of change, even when everything says otherwise. And most importantly, it’s a reminder that if you are in something hard, you are not alone. There is support. There are people who will stand beside you. Taking that first step is enough. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, stayed longer than you should have, or wondered if life can look different, this conversation is for you.
Listen Now
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Nikki, her story will stay with you long after the conversation ends.
From a stable upbringing to a life shaped by low self-worth, abusive relationships, and years of fear, Nikki bravely shares what it was like to live inside a world that felt impossible to escape. We talk about the quiet realities so many women carry, staying when it hurts, protecting children while breaking inside, and the invisible weight of believing you’re not worthy of more.
Nikki opens up about life alongside Ben through prison, addiction, violence, and the turning point that changed everything. Not overnight, not easily, but through accountability, honesty, and the slow rebuild of two people choosing something different. This is a conversation about survival, about what it costs to stay and rebuilding yourself from nothing. It’s also about hope. About forgiveness. About the possibility of change, even when everything says otherwise. And most importantly, it’s a reminder that if you are in something hard, you are not alone. There is support. There are people who will stand beside you. Taking that first step is enough. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, stayed longer than you should have, or wondered if life can look different, this conversation is for you.
Ep 14: Holding It All Together Until It Falls Apart - Nadene's Journey
Some of the women who fall the hardest…are the ones holding everything together. From the outside, it can look like capability. Success. Control. But underneath, it can be pressure. Responsibility. And decisions made quietly, just to get through.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Nadene shares the story behind what happens when that pressure builds over time… and eventually gives way. Not all at once. Not dramatically.
But slowly. A business growing faster than the support around it. A refusal to ask for help. A belief that it can still be fixed. Until it can’t. What follows is a journey through the justice system, prison, and everything that comes after.
The reality of being seen differently. The weight of rebuilding.
And the quiet work of starting again. Because this is not a story about failure. It is about what happens when capable women carry too much, for too long…and what it takes to rebuild from there. Through RAW, this is something we see often. Not women defined by their worst moment. But women who choose, step by step, to move beyond it.
Listen Now
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Nadene shares the story behind what happens when that pressure builds over time… and eventually gives way. Not all at once. Not dramatically.
But slowly. A business growing faster than the support around it. A refusal to ask for help. A belief that it can still be fixed. Until it can’t. What follows is a journey through the justice system, prison, and everything that comes after.
The reality of being seen differently. The weight of rebuilding.
And the quiet work of starting again. Because this is not a story about failure. It is about what happens when capable women carry too much, for too long…and what it takes to rebuild from there. Through RAW, this is something we see often. Not women defined by their worst moment. But women who choose, step by step, to move beyond it.
Ep 13: Inside The Annah Stretton Retail Experience
Some days in retail are about beautiful clothes.
But at Annah Stretton, it has always been about something much more. In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah and Sami sit down with Angela Gilmour, who spent 17 years in their flagship Christchurch store, to take you inside the Annah Stretton retail experience. This is a brand built on the belief that clothing should be designed not just for a woman’s shape, but for her story. That what she wears can lift her up, restore confidence, and help her step back into her own light. But what truly sets this experience apart is the people behind it. Our retail teams are not there to simply sell clothes.
They are carefully chosen, developed, and empowered to deliver something far greater, an experience that meets women exactly where they are, and helps them see themselves again. Angela shares what really happens behind the fitting room curtain…
The quiet moments.
The turning points.
The transformations.
For business owners, this episode offers a powerful look at a retail model that prioritises connection over transaction, and shows how investing in exceptional sales teams can elevate an entire brand experience. Because when your people are exceptional, your retail becomes unforgettable. This conversation is a reminder that great retail is not just about product.
It is about purpose, people, and the courage to do it differently.
Listen Now
But at Annah Stretton, it has always been about something much more. In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah and Sami sit down with Angela Gilmour, who spent 17 years in their flagship Christchurch store, to take you inside the Annah Stretton retail experience. This is a brand built on the belief that clothing should be designed not just for a woman’s shape, but for her story. That what she wears can lift her up, restore confidence, and help her step back into her own light. But what truly sets this experience apart is the people behind it. Our retail teams are not there to simply sell clothes.
They are carefully chosen, developed, and empowered to deliver something far greater, an experience that meets women exactly where they are, and helps them see themselves again. Angela shares what really happens behind the fitting room curtain…
The quiet moments.
The turning points.
The transformations.
For business owners, this episode offers a powerful look at a retail model that prioritises connection over transaction, and shows how investing in exceptional sales teams can elevate an entire brand experience. Because when your people are exceptional, your retail becomes unforgettable. This conversation is a reminder that great retail is not just about product.
It is about purpose, people, and the courage to do it differently.
Ep 12: Passion, Pivot & Closure – A Chat With Millie Rose On Building, Thriving, And Letting Go
What does it take to build something special? To dream up a space that's part cupcake haven, part fashion sanctuary, all heart, and actually pull it off?
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Millie Rose founder, dreamer, doer, and the unstoppable force behind Millie Rose Boutique in Timaru. From emailing her way into her very first supplier relationship, to baking through the night and helping hundreds of women feel good in their own skin, Millie unpacks the unfiltered reality behind the six-year journey that was equal parts hustle, hope, and heartbreak. We talk about the power (and pain) of saying YES, the lessons that arrive with every “no,” and what it means to pivot and keep going, until you know it’s time to walk away. It’s about community, courage, creative burnout, and the quiet strength it takes to call it when your head and your heart are pulling in different directions. If you’ve ever had to back yourself when no one else would, reinvent on the fly, or redefine what success really looks like , this conversation is for you.
Listen Now
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we sit down with Millie Rose founder, dreamer, doer, and the unstoppable force behind Millie Rose Boutique in Timaru. From emailing her way into her very first supplier relationship, to baking through the night and helping hundreds of women feel good in their own skin, Millie unpacks the unfiltered reality behind the six-year journey that was equal parts hustle, hope, and heartbreak. We talk about the power (and pain) of saying YES, the lessons that arrive with every “no,” and what it means to pivot and keep going, until you know it’s time to walk away. It’s about community, courage, creative burnout, and the quiet strength it takes to call it when your head and your heart are pulling in different directions. If you’ve ever had to back yourself when no one else would, reinvent on the fly, or redefine what success really looks like , this conversation is for you.
EP11 : Give To Gain - Happy International Women's Day
International Women’s Day got us thinking.
About women. About impact. About purpose.
And about why Life Changing Clothes has always meant so much more than fashion.In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, we unpack a simple idea that has shaped so much of what we do
Give to Gain.Not financial gain.
Not applause.
Not recognition.But the kind of gain that comes from showing up for other women. From backing them when it matters. From building connection, opening doors, and creating change in the places where it’s needed most.We talk honestly about the work behind the work.
The social impact journey.
The wins, the failures, the lessons that only come from doing the mahi.From RAW to Hopefish to Sisterhood Social, this conversation goes right to the heart of why supporting women in all spaces matters so deeply to who we are.If you’ve ever believed that giving your time, your voice, or your energy can change lives — this one is for you.
Ep 10: The Launch Of Sisterhood Social
This week on Stretton Unfiltered, Sami and Annah dive into the story behind Sisterhood Social, a new platform designed to help women over 40 build meaningful friendships and connections.
Fresh off the back of their very first Sisterhood Social event, they reflect on what happened when nearly 40 women walked into a room full of strangers and left feeling connected, inspired, and part of something bigger. From courageous solo arrivals to fast-paced icebreaker conversations, the night proved just how much women value genuine connection.
In this episode,
Annah and Sami talk about:
• The unexpected moment that sparked the idea for Sisterhood Social
• Why making friends as an adult can be harder than we think
• The difference between surface-level conversations and meaningful friendships
• How the Sisterhood Social platform works and why it’s designed specifically for women 40+
• The importance of safety, identity verification, and thoughtful matching
• What they learned from the first trial event and the powerful feedback from attendees
They also explore the broader question many women quietly ask themselves: Where do you go to meet new friends when you’re no longer in school, raising young children, or surrounded by built-in social circles?
Sisterhood Social aims to answer that question by creating a trusted space where women can connect, share interests, build friendships, and enrich their lives.
If you’ve ever wished for deeper conversations, new perspectives, or simply more women in your world who “get it”, this episode is for you. Learn more or register at sisterhoodsocial.co.nz.
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Annah and Sami talk about:
• The unexpected moment that sparked the idea for Sisterhood Social
• Why making friends as an adult can be harder than we think
• The difference between surface-level conversations and meaningful friendships
• How the Sisterhood Social platform works and why it’s designed specifically for women 40+
• The importance of safety, identity verification, and thoughtful matching
• What they learned from the first trial event and the powerful feedback from attendees
They also explore the broader question many women quietly ask themselves: Where do you go to meet new friends when you’re no longer in school, raising young children, or surrounded by built-in social circles?
Sisterhood Social aims to answer that question by creating a trusted space where women can connect, share interests, build friendships, and enrich their lives.
If you’ve ever wished for deeper conversations, new perspectives, or simply more women in your world who “get it”, this episode is for you. Learn more or register at sisterhoodsocial.co.nz.
Ep 9: The Lovely Chat - Cateiring For Curves In Fashion
In this timely and honest conversation, Annah and Sami unpack the realities of catering for curvy women in fashion. From the early days of their dedicated “GARB” label to today’s fully integrated size range, they reflect on what inclusion truly means and how their approach has evolved.
Sparked by recent industry conversations around size ranges and commercial pressures, this episode explores the economic realities behind fashion decisions, the emotional impact of exclusion in retail spaces, and why Annah Stretton continues to design from XS through to 3X.
They share behind the scenes insight into:
• Why they moved away from separating “curvy” collections
• The real cost of cutting extended sizes
• Why pricing remains inclusive across all sizes
• How AI models and diverse casting are reshaping their campaigns
• The impact of RAW and social impact work on leadership and design
• Why belonging matters more than ever in fashion
It is thoughtful, candid, and a reminder that inclusion is not just a marketing strategy. It is a values decision.
Listen Now
They share behind the scenes insight into:
• Why they moved away from separating “curvy” collections
• The real cost of cutting extended sizes
• Why pricing remains inclusive across all sizes
• How AI models and diverse casting are reshaping their campaigns
• The impact of RAW and social impact work on leadership and design
• Why belonging matters more than ever in fashion
It is thoughtful, candid, and a reminder that inclusion is not just a marketing strategy. It is a values decision.
Ep8. Birds of a Feather: Retail That Built A Community. With Special Guest Phoenix Renata
Annah and Sami reconnect with makeup creative Phoenix to trace a 20-year journey from neighbouring Newmarket shops to Fashion Week runways and the Birds of a Feather concept stores that fused beauty, fashion, coffee, and connection.
They unpack why experiential retail still wins, the realities of staffing, and the power of store traditions and ladies nights. A masterclass in partnership, purpose, and perseverance.
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They unpack why experiential retail still wins, the realities of staffing, and the power of store traditions and ladies nights. A masterclass in partnership, purpose, and perseverance.
Ep 7: The Wins, The Losses - 34 Years of Building Annah Stretton (RE RELEASED)
We have re-recorded this episode in celebration of the Annah Stretton brand turning thirty-four. Thirty-four years of building the Annah Stretton clothing brand is worth celebrating. But behind the brand sits a woman who has never been able to stop at just one idea.
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with her daughter Sami to take an honest look at the ventures that have run alongside the clothing company over the years. The side hustles, the passion projects, the bold swings that did not quite land, and the ones that exceeded every expectation.
This episode unpacks:
A wellness retreat born from attending one and deciding she could absolutely do it herself
Sewing kits that opened doors across Australia but that no one actually wanted to sew
Four Australian stores that never quite clicked with the Aussie beach girl
A magazine empire that cost a fortune but introduced Annah to some of the most remarkable women in the country, including a Prime Minister
A rosé that became the signature drink at every event, even if it never quite made business sense
Olive's Kitchen, brewed on the kitchen bench and now a thriving New Zealand pet wellness brand with a loyal and growing following
RAW, now 12 years in, quietly changing the lives of women coming out of the justice system
Hopefish, opening twice a year for women facing inequality and financial hardship who simply need someone to back them into education.
This is a conversation about what it really means to back yourself, repeatedly, across decades, in spaces well outside your lane. About knowing when to hold on and when to walk away. And about why failure is never the end of the story, it is just the part that teaches you the most.If you are building something of your own, or wondering whether your stumbles are worth it, this one is for you.
Listen Now
In this episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah sits down with her daughter Sami to take an honest look at the ventures that have run alongside the clothing company over the years. The side hustles, the passion projects, the bold swings that did not quite land, and the ones that exceeded every expectation.
This episode unpacks:
A wellness retreat born from attending one and deciding she could absolutely do it herself
Sewing kits that opened doors across Australia but that no one actually wanted to sew
Four Australian stores that never quite clicked with the Aussie beach girl
A magazine empire that cost a fortune but introduced Annah to some of the most remarkable women in the country, including a Prime Minister
A rosé that became the signature drink at every event, even if it never quite made business sense
Olive's Kitchen, brewed on the kitchen bench and now a thriving New Zealand pet wellness brand with a loyal and growing following
RAW, now 12 years in, quietly changing the lives of women coming out of the justice system
Hopefish, opening twice a year for women facing inequality and financial hardship who simply need someone to back them into education.
This is a conversation about what it really means to back yourself, repeatedly, across decades, in spaces well outside your lane. About knowing when to hold on and when to walk away. And about why failure is never the end of the story, it is just the part that teaches you the most.If you are building something of your own, or wondering whether your stumbles are worth it, this one is for you.
Ep 6: The Art Of Difficult Conversations
How do you tackle the conversations no one wants to have? In this candid chat, Annah and Sami unpack the messy, human, and surprisingly empowering side of difficult conversations. From leadership moments to smelly summer scenarios, family dynamics to customer service meltdowns, they share their go to tools for turning tough talks into positive outcomes.
This episode explores:
• Why avoiding hard conversations only makes matters worse
• How to frame tough feedback positively and effectively
• Navigating work and family dynamics with honesty and longevity
• The power of listening and calm communication
Perfect for leaders, small business owners, and anyone who’s ever dreaded “the talk.”
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This episode explores:
• Why avoiding hard conversations only makes matters worse
• How to frame tough feedback positively and effectively
• Navigating work and family dynamics with honesty and longevity
• The power of listening and calm communication
Perfect for leaders, small business owners, and anyone who’s ever dreaded “the talk.”
Ep5. Olive’s Kitchen: How We Took Our Dog’s Health Journey And Grew A Pet Wellness Brand
When Olive, Annah’s beloved white boxer, was diagnosed with cancer, it sparked more than a fight to save one dog’s life. It ignited the beginnings of a pet wellness movement. In this episode, Annah and Sami sit down with holistic vet Dr Heidi Ward-McGrath to unpack how a personal health crisis turned into the birth of Olive’s Kitchen, a New Zealand pet brand built on the belief that good food is good medicine.
We explore how natural nutrition, gut health, and fearless problem-solving evolved into a thriving business filling a major gap in the pet care industry. From mixing ingredients on the kitchen bench to shipping across the Tasman, We talk about creating a product that solved a problem for our own dog, and then for thousands more. This is a story of personal health, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the power of turning pain points into powerful business opportunities.
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We explore how natural nutrition, gut health, and fearless problem-solving evolved into a thriving business filling a major gap in the pet care industry. From mixing ingredients on the kitchen bench to shipping across the Tasman, We talk about creating a product that solved a problem for our own dog, and then for thousands more. This is a story of personal health, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and the power of turning pain points into powerful business opportunities.
Ep 4. The Love - Hate Life Of Social Media: Authenticity, Body Confidence And The Courage To be Real
In this refreshingly honest conversation, Sami & Annah sit down with Camille Guzzwell . Waikato’s radio firecracker and long-time friend of the Annah Stretton brand, to unpack the rollercoaster world of social media. From the nostalgia of Bebo and Facebook’s early days to the pressures of today’s online perfection, they dive deep into authenticity, body positivity, and the power of community.
Camille opens up about seeing herself on camera for the first time (“jibbly bits and all”), learning to love her body at 53, and how kindness online still matters.
Annah shares her own toughest social-media moment; the viral bear-rug controversy. And what it taught her about resilience, fear, and rebuilding after public backlash. Together, they explore how brands and individuals can stay real, joyful, and connected in a digital world that often rewards the opposite.
💬 A must-listen for anyone who’s ever loved, hated, or been hurt by social media
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Annah shares her own toughest social-media moment; the viral bear-rug controversy. And what it taught her about resilience, fear, and rebuilding after public backlash. Together, they explore how brands and individuals can stay real, joyful, and connected in a digital world that often rewards the opposite.
💬 A must-listen for anyone who’s ever loved, hated, or been hurt by social media
Ep 3. How one Phone Call Sparked Our Biggest Pivot Yet, The Annah Stretton COVID Story
A fashion label on “struggle street” becomes an essentialbusiness in days. Annah and Sami take you inside the chaos, from sewing machines firing up to 15,000 mask packs sold in a single day, and how the pivot not only saved the business but reignited it's relevance.
We want to acknowledge that while our story reflects moments of humour, pivoting, and unexpected success, the COVID period was an incredibly difficult time for many. Businesses closed, families faced hardship, and many lost loved ones. We share our experience with gratitude, but also with deep respect for the challenges others endured.
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We want to acknowledge that while our story reflects moments of humour, pivoting, and unexpected success, the COVID period was an incredibly difficult time for many. Businesses closed, families faced hardship, and many lost loved ones. We share our experience with gratitude, but also with deep respect for the challenges others endured.
Ep.2 Fashion Week Faux Pas: The Boar’s Head, The Backlash, and the Buzz
From War Bride in 2002 to the infamous boar’s head and PETA protests, we unpack 13 years of Annah Stretton at New Zealand Fashion Week. Annah and Sami revisit the highs, the stinging criticism, the resilience it demanded, and the wild moments that made headlines (and sometimes chaos).
It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when creativity meets controversy on the catwalk
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Ep.1 From Idea to Reality: Building a Fashion Brand
In this inaugural episode of Stretton Unfiltered, Annah and Sami Stretton share the unfiltered journey of building a fashion brand from the ground up, losing a nearly $5million relationship and how we recovered. Discussing the challenges faced, the importance of making a start, and the evolution of the Annah Stretton brand and the MAJOR learning curves along the way.
We dive into the significance of quality, community connection, balancing motherhood and the shift towards online retail, while also touching on the aspirations of participating in Fashion Week.
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We dive into the significance of quality, community connection, balancing motherhood and the shift towards online retail, while also touching on the aspirations of participating in Fashion Week.
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