New Support Network Created to Help Queenstown's Female Entrepreneurs

A well-known business networking association run by women has planted roots in Queenstown with the goal of providing professional women with a safe haven and dismantling the intimidating and customary obstacles to business.

Keeley Anderson founded PINC Ladies (Professional Independent Networkers Cromwell) in 2019. Since then, the club has grown to include over 300 members, and as a result of its success, Keeley Anderson founded PINQ Ladies, a sister organisation in Queenstown.

Anderson transitioned from a lucrative profession in high-end fashion and marketing to a career as a real estate agent in Cromwell, making progress there before taking over the Tall Poppy company in Queenstown. She made the decision to close the gap in the local network of resources accessible to women in business after noticing it.

As a busy working mother, she adds, "It was difficult to find a space that supported female professionals, and many existing groups did not offer the interaction or support I was looking for."

This gave her the idea to provide a venue specifically for businesswomen, where they could expand their customers, exchange expertise, and communicate without fear of being intimidated.

"The variety of vocations represented in the network is astonishing; from surveyors, hairdressers, yoga instructors, fashion designers, and dog groomers to solicitors, architects, and real estate agents, it is a truly special melting pot of fascinating abilities.

She claims that she has "literally seen the group become the foundation of success" for several local women.

According to Anderson, expanding readily available assistance choices would benefit women in the area, which will benefit local economies and communities as a whole.

"There is no question that gender disparity in business is a drag on the economy, according to global studies. We must all try to alter that, and if women know there is assistance available, it means we can support one another as we advance, adds Anderson.

Even though they are private member networking groups, PINC and PINQ Ladies have a special approach to inclusiveness and support.

"What makes our club special is that we provide pay-as-you-go events and encourage women to share their accomplishments and knowledge. Some women may be excluded from business gatherings by the customary high-paying fee structure, which also reeks of corporate bullying. Members can interact and communicate during our monthly meetings without feeling obligated to do so.

In New Zealand, there is still a 10% wage gap, and Anderson says she hopes that through supporting other women, we can keep pressing for more recognition.

She claims that there is already a lot of interest in the group and that in the future, it will be possible to extend the network outside of the local area.