I believe I can thank being raised a “farm kid” for my practical way of living, thinking and idea driven mind.
I was raised rural in the North Island of New Zealand, 40 mins from a supermarket or a petrol station, through a tunnel and on gravel roads, my best friend lived in a wool shed, we lived on home baking, there was no cellphone reception, just a landline and channels 1,2 and 3 on Freeview television. My childhood was spent OUTSIDE. The winter was wet and cold and I lived in my gumboots and wet weather gear. The summer was steamy, hot and we hung out to go to our yearly summer spot to enjoy the black sand beach and the 50 cent ice cream in a cone from the “Dairy”.
Life was simple, but it was special. Neighbours become family, I could ride around my parents 1000 acres on the quad bike, I had my pet lambs or calves each year for Pet’s Day, we ran over my Dad’s farm every year for Cross Country. My local primary school never had a role of over 16 students, so we were able to learn through being outside, incorporating the beautiful countryside into our lessons. My parents were the first ones at any community event and the last to leave, this upbringing gave me a real sense of community, connection to people and the belief in the beauty of life in its simplicity.
This label HaRei Swim is a love letter to my inner child, telling her that she grows up to bring her childhood back to life and use her childhood experience to create practical, functional products that can enable families to create the same memories with their children unlocking all of those core memories - through joy, laughter, days in the sun, and present moments.
My goal is rather simple - HaRei, let’s have fun in the sun WHILE making unforgettable memories and making life easier for parents.
