Inspired By Pink Elephant

Recently, we worked with the talented Anna Woodward and Dalton Henderson, who co-founded creative content business 'Pink Elephant' in 2020. Their story is an inspiring one of entrepreneurial spirit, partnership, and perseverance. Here it is for you to enjoy.

What inspired you to start & how was Pink Elephant born?

We wanted to have fun and to do this we wanted to create more.

We'd both recently turned 25 and hitting that quarter of a century milestone was both a time for reflection and planning for the future on how we wanted to spend our lives. At the time we were both working corporate jobs and dreamed of living a life where every day was creative and fun and where we got to use our abilities to come up with ideas versus spending most days feeling like you're just a number.

Dalton already had experience in the media and design space and I had a financial and management background. We had a few clients we were creating material for so we dreamed big and started building the business idea and branding outside of our 9-5 grind. At the end of February 2020 we took the leap and began Pink Elephant full time... talk about timing!

All things considered, it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience and we wouldn't change anything.

How does Pink Elephant work?

We provide epic photo, video and design services. We work with local NZ businesses, real estate agents and global companies.

Each day we just want to create, have fun and dream big.

What makes a good story?

We love to embody and provide character to a company's branding. Using eye-catching concepts to provide something different, something new and something better.

How do you two work together?

Don't get me wrong there are definitely things we don't agree on but we eventually come to an agreement sooner or later.

We keep ourselves busy outside of work too whether it's gyming, sauna and cold plunging, gardening, reading or hiking you can always find us doing something. Our most recent project is tinkering with growing mushrooms so watch this space.

Tell us about a challenging moment in Pink Elephant's small business journey so far?

Well, I don't know if we could've picked a more tumultuous year for it! It's our first year in business which is usually tough enough as it is, but we have experienced lockdowns, borders shut and economic turmoil. An apt quote for the journey so far would be "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."

What are the values that you want Pink Elephant to stand for?

We want to embody that kiwi ingenuity spirit of "anything's possible". Whether you think you can or can't, you're right.

How do you bring this to life?

By thinking big and just going for it. We could never have imagined creating some of the epic stuff we've done so far!

Tell us about a pinch-me moment for Pink Elephant?

Working with Pic's Peanut Butter hands down! We still find it surreal to work with such a well-known company so early on.

What would your advice for other small New Zealand businesses be?

If you're thinking of starting out, just go for it, you won't regret it and you aren't getting any younger. Even if it doesn't work out the knowledge you gain is invaluable.