Spring in the valley has had its usual rhythm - that steady mix of community days, farm jobs, work trips, and the kind of busyness that seems to arrive right on cue every year. This season has been no different, maybe even a little fuller with the addition of Bit by Bit for our family, but in the middle of everything, a few moments stood out and stitched themselves into the month.

The twins turned 13, slipping into their teenage years with the ease only country kids seem to have. A weekend with friends, fresh air, and a trip to the 3D golf driving range - simple fun that somehow felt like a milestone for all of us. A reminder of how quickly life moves, even when you’re tucked away in the valley.

Not long after, Cam and I managed a rare night out. Beef + Lamb NZ brought The Big Dine In back to Taranaki, and it was one of those evenings that stays with you. Dom Harvey MC’d a beautiful three‑course dinner, and we were lucky enough to hear from Dane Coles and David Buick. David spoke openly about the freak farm accident he survived five years ago, and the resilience that followed. Dane shared the kind of straight‑up motivation that hits you in the chest. Two lines came home with us and haven’t left since:

“You have to go through tough times to learn resilience… it’s how you learn from it that matters.” - David Buick

“Use your motivation to get better.” - Dane Coles

Moments like that have a way of grounding you — reminding you to appreciate the small things, the everyday things, the things that make up a life.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, I was fortunate to be asked to speak at a Rural Women New Zealand event - a moment that felt both humbling and full‑circle. Standing in front of over 30 North Taranaki women, I shared our story, our why, and how we came to be the custodians of Bit by Bit. The theme was “More Than,” and it couldn’t have been more fitting. I spoke about how, in 2024, I nearly said no to attending the Shepherdess Muster - and how that one yes eventually led our family to Bit by Bit and connected me more deeply with Rural Women NZ. Saying yes is how we grow, how we learn, and how we show our girls what courage looks like in real life.

Bit by Bit is more than a business; it represents community, purpose, growth, and the courage to step beyond the roles we use to define ourselves. I’m grateful to everyone who listened, encouraged me, and created space for our story. I hope it inspires someone else to embrace an opportunity — even when it feels uncomfortable. Be curious. Take the chance. Say yes.

While the valley has been busy with lamb docking, calves hitting the ground, and everything settling into its next season, Bit by Bit has been quietly growing too. This month we released three new products we’ve been working on behind the scenes for a long time — our Lemongrass & Geranium Shampoo, Conditioner, and the Haircare Pair. Fresh, balanced, and crafted with the same care we put into everything.

And because the valley isn’t just home to us but to our four‑legged family too, we finally launched our Dog Wash in Lavender & Oatmeal — gentle, soothing, and plant‑based for sensitive skin and hardworking coats.

For the first time ever, 100ml sizes are now available across our entire range. Travel‑friendly, gift‑friendly, and perfect for trying something new. Just select your product online and choose the 100ml option.

We’ve also welcomed a beautiful group of accommodation providers into our Bit by Bit whānau this month - Clifftop Cabins - Kaikoura, Flaxmill House - Kaikoura, Te Kouma Heights Glamping - Coromandel, Orchard Valley Glamping - Waitomo, Tarawera Hideaway - Lake Tarawera, Pilgram Morales - Wellington, The Hide Kapiti - Kapiti Coast, and Gully Farm Stay - Mohokatino. Each one values‑aligned, boutique, and rooted in the same kind of care we put into our products.
We’re over the moon to have Nuku Walk onboard too - their guests, walking the three‑day hike, will experience our cleaning and body products in their cabins, which feels incredibly special.
And for our Whangārei family, we’re excited to share that we’ve entered into a collaboration with InnoNative, who will soon be stocking our full glass‑bottled range. A huge milestone for our Northland footprint.

A little reminder of where you can find Bit by Bit on the shelves - supporting your local stockists makes all the difference, and we’re so grateful for every one of them. I’ll be adding an image of our current stockist list so you can easily find Bit by Bit products near you.

And as we step into October, the valley is already buzzing with anticipation for what’s coming at the end of the month. Sustainable Trails Taranaki kicks off on the last weekend of October, and we’re gearing up to open our studio every trail weekend from 10am to 3pm. There’s something special about welcoming customers into our space — people arriving curious, and ready to explore. We can’t wait to share our products, our story, and a little slice of the valley with everyone who passes through.

October feels like the start of something - a season of growth, of connection, of small milestones that add up to something bigger. As the valley shifts toward summer, we’re grateful for every bit of it (and very much looking forward to the summer season ahead. 

Cam, Steph, Danielle + Mackenzie x