I received an email out-of-the-blue: "Congratulations - your business has been nominated for the Creative Arts & Design category in the 2026 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards!... Your nomination was submitted by someone who believes your business deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

"Page Design deserves recognition for their ability to transform ideas into creative, professional and visually engaging designs. They consistently deliver high-quality branding and design solutions while taking the time to understand each client's unique vision. Their creativity, attention to detail and commitment to helping local businesses succeed make them an excellent nominee for this award."

I was equally delighted, intrigued, sceptical, and terrified.  This was 6 days before the cut-off date to enter. 

Firstly, I had to check I'd actually be able to attend, should I make it as a finalist (I had a big trip planned).

I could.

And secondly, I needed to get my entry in PRONTO...which I did.

I honestly did not give it a second thought until I woke up to messages of congratulations for making it as a Business Award Finalist a month later. Oh my word! 

Then came the introspection, the preparation for the interview, the financials to submit, the video to submit... just as our kitchen was being dismantled and a new floor was being installed because of a leak from earlier in the year. "Only 3 days" turned (predictably) into 2 weeks of no kitchen (fridge in the middle of the dining room, microwave on the table, and dishes washed in the spare bathroom). 

Many thanks to one of my clients (Osborne's Funeral Directors) who said YES to letting me take over one of their interview rooms for my interview with the judges - they were gracious in allowing me to set up in advance (all the print paraphernalia I've collected over the years, and tools of the trade, creative inspirational books and a snapshot of my processes). They also stayed late to accommodate my meeting, and helped me dismantle it all. 

Thanks also to my daughter, Mia, who helped me put together a video of all the snippets my husband and I filmed when I could not even deal with hearing my own voice on camera, never mind seeing how grey I have become (I like being behind the camera, not in front of it!)

Thanks to my friends and networking colleagues who wanted to support me on the award night, and to Rosie for her help with my hair, Haley for her help with my make-up (my goodness!), and Anna for the loan of her dress...I was very much out of my comfort zone all dressed up! 

I was also quite jet-lagged, having arrived back from my big trip to South Africa 3 days prior. 

I didn't win, and I'm absolutely FINE with that - my full congratulations to the winner -  and I admit total relief that I didn't have to walk up on stage to make a speech. 

My business has never been about an award, or even recognition. I do it for the challenge, and I get completely invested in my clients' business journeys (not my own!). I understand that recognition can certainly help generate more business, but I think the most important takeaway from the entry process has been to take a good look at my business processes and how I can provide a better service to my clients. 

I'll be exploring how to improve my overall business practices to better streamline my services in the next few months.