Your Say: Renay Robertson

Carolyn Zou

Renay Robertson
FOUNDER AND OWNER OF HAVEN SKIN SPA

I’d name my autobiography:

Predictably Unpredictable.

To me success means:

Quality of life which, to me, means creating the freedom to make choices that are not based on fear.

Best advice I’ve been given:

Don’t take a “no” from anyone who wasn’t in the position to give you a “yes” in the first place.

I made my first dollar:

Delivering the Auckland Star when I was 11.

The most rewarding part of my job:

Creating employment. Having the freedom to make genuine decisions which aren’t solely focussed
on the bottom line.

Life motto:

Experiences over “things”

Favourite book:

I have many! Let’s go with Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières

My goals for 2018 are:

My goals for this year mirror my definition of success, so my focus for 2018 is all about lifestyle. For me this means a better work life balance, working on the side of the business I enjoy and creating more time for myself.

The women who inspire me:

Michelle Obama – she is pioneering, confident, has a strong sense of who she is and what she represents; and does it all with grace and humility.

The gender stereotype I can’t stand:

I can’t stand any gender stereotypes.

The main challenge for women in business is:

For me, I feel like there are real challenges for both men and women in business, but we also have a whole lot of advantages. I think women bring a huge amount to the business world which should be embraced and celebrated.

We need pay equality because:

It’s fair! And, no one should have to fight for what is fair. The challenge with this is I know people who still don’t think pay inequality exists – it’s easier to think something isn’t a problem when you haven’t experienced it firsthand.

Gender diversity in the workplace is:

Essential! Decision making is much stronger when people with different experiences and influences are all part of the process.

I advocate for change by:

With my dollar! I consciously make everyday purchase decisions based on products that have the lowest environmental and social impacts.

The change I want to see by the end of 2018 is:

Less fast fashion. Fast fashion focuses on speed and low cost which has driven the over-use of synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These fabrics are the number one source of the microplastics that are polluting our oceans.