Yesterday felt like one of those rare days where life gathers all its milestones at once and lays them out in front of you. Father’s Day, five months since we took over Bit by Bit, and the twins turning thirteen - a trio of moments that made the valley feel a little fuller, a little louder, a little more meaningful. We spent the weekend with two of their beautiful friends, the kind of kids who remind you how good young people can be. Respectful, easygoing, happy to breathe in fresh air and run around the paddocks, and just as happy to settle into the simple joy of a sleepover. Watching them together felt like a quiet celebration of the next chapter ahead.

While the house was full of laughter, muddy socks and the usual sleepover chaos, Bit by Bit has been celebrating something of its own. After months of testing, refining and storytelling, our first signature scent - Kānuka, Lemon + Cedarwood - finally went live. A scent inspired entirely by the valley we call home: the crisp mornings, the lemon tree at our front door and the mānuka and kānuka on the hills. We wanted something that felt fresh, honest and unmistakably ours, and seeing it bottled for the first time felt like capturing a piece of home.

With it came two new products: our Hand Scrub and our Barrier Hand Cream, now paired together in the Handcare Pair.

The Hand Scrub has been Cam’s project from the very beginning. He’s tested it on everything the farm and workshop could throw at him - hydraulic oil, grease, fishy smells, garden dirt - and a willing group of testers joined in along the way. The feedback has been fantastic, and there’s something special about seeing a product born from real hands doing real work.

The Barrier Hand Cream carries a story of its own, one that reaches back to Bushman, Kristy’s grandfather. The inspiration came from the gentleman who now lives in Bushman’s old home. After years of working with fencing materials and tanalised posts, he challenged us to create something that would genuinely help protect hardworking hands from dryness and cracking. Hand‑crafted in the Uruti Valley, the cream is thick, creamy and fast‑absorbing, restoring and protecting without leaving a greasy residue. Kānuka offers natural protection, Lemon brings a fresh antiseptic lift, and Cedarwood adds a warm, grounding balance. Together, they create a ritual for gardeners, farmers, makers and everyday doers - a simple moment of care at the end of a hardworking day.

And while those products have finally made their way into the world, the workshop hasn’t slowed down. We’re in the throes of testing Shampoo, Conditioner, and by very popular request a Dog Wash. The bench is lined with new beautiful plant based ingredients, recipes, test batches and each one representing the next chapter of Bit by Bit. It’s exciting watching these new blends take shape, knowing how many people have asked for them and how close they are to becoming part of everyday routines.

Alongside that, keep an eye out over the next month for the release of our wee 100ml sizes. These started as sample bottles for accommodation providers and stockists, but after so many requests from customers wanting them for travel, gifting, and everyday use, we knew we had to bring them to everyone. They’re small, beautiful, and incredibly handy - and we’re looking forward to seeing them tucked into bags, gloveboxes and guest rooms across the country.

Beyond the valley, Bit by Bit continues to grow its footprint across Aotearoa. We’re actively pursuing stockists in Masterton and Christchurch, and this month we welcomed two beautiful stays to our Bit by Bit whānau: Wharekauhau Country Estate and Te Kouma Heights Glamping. Guests will now experience some of our products during their stay - a milestone that feels both humbling and exciting for our rural, low‑waste brand. Closer to home, we’re settling into the rhythm of opening our studio every second Sunday. Word of mouth is spreading, and each weekend brings new faces, familiar smiles, and a growing sense of community around the little studio Bit by Bit now calls home.

We were also thrilled to be featured in the September issue of Verve Magazine, included in their Win With Verve pamper package. Seeing our Body Duo Gift Pack showcased alongside respected beauty and wellness brands is a privilege - and a reminder of how far our rural business has come in just five months.

Outside of Bit by Bit, spring has been doing what spring always does - arriving with energy, chaos and new life. Calving kicked off with a bang… including one bull calf who decided a morning swim in the drain was a great idea. As I write this, we have only three cows left to calve, and Cam and I both can see light at the end of the spring crazy tunnel is finally in sight.   

New lives arrive quietly - full of instinct, care and fresh beginnings. The days are slowly stretching out, the air is crisp, and there’s plenty to appreciate in the small moments. Five months in, and we’re reminded again that growth - whether in business, family or on the farm - happens bit by bit.

Cam, Steph, Danielle + Mackenzie x