Four months ago we took over ownership of Bit by Bit.

At the time, we knew we were stepping into something special. We had fallen in love with the products, the values behind the business, and the community that Kristy + Sana had built around it. What we didn't fully appreciate was just how much we'd learn, how much we'd grow, and how quickly Bit by Bit would begin to feel like part of our family too.

Looking back, four months doesn't feel like very long. Yet somehow it feels like we've packed years of memories, lessons, laughter and hard work into that time.

This past month has felt particularly special. For the first time, it feels like we're really starting to find our rhythm.

The studio has come together beautifully over winter. There have been plenty of weekends insulating and lining the studio, moving things around, creating storage, finding homes for ingredients and generally turning a workspace into somewhere we genuinely enjoy spending our time. Every improvement has been a family effort and we're incredibly grateful for the hours we've collectively put into creating a space that is now a pleasure to work from.

Maybe that's why we're so excited to finally welcome people through the doors.

On 15 and 16 August from 10am - 3pm we'll be hosting our first official open weekend at the studio here in Uruti. It feels a little surreal to even write those words. We spend so much time making products, packing orders and working behind the scenes that opening the doors feels like a real milestone. If you're travelling through we'd absolutely love to meet you and show you around - just look for the Bit by Bit flags on the main state highway and drive in. 

For those who aren't close enough to visit, we've got something for you too. Every online order placed over our opening weekend will receive a complimentary sample pot of our brand new Barrier Hand Cream before it officially launches.

Speaking of launches, one of the biggest highlights of the month has been seeing our new Body Lotion finally make its way onto the website.

It's been one of our most requested products and we've been itching to share it with everyone. Alongside the Body Lotion we've also introduced a range of new packs, including The Body - 250ml and The Body Duo in both 250ml + 500ml. There is always something exciting about seeing a product move from an idea, through testing and refining, and finally into the hands of customers.

Another highlight has been the new partnerships forming around the country.

We were thrilled to see Bit by Bit products make their way into The Nest in Pihama and we're equally excited about a beautiful new Canopy Camping Escape at Lake Tarawera that will soon be introducing guests to our products.

We've also recently partnered with Pilates 24/7 in New Plymouth, where clients will experience Bit by Bit products during and after their pilates sessions. As a small business based in rural Taranaki, it never gets old seeing our products appear in places that prioritise wellbeing, relaxation and creating great experiences for people.

These partnerships are incredibly meaningful to us. They're not simply about supplying products. They're about becoming part of someone's experience, whether that's a quiet weekend away, a wellness session, or a moment of self-care in a busy day.

While we've been celebrating some exciting wins, we've also been quietly working away on what comes next.

Early September we'll be launching two products that feel particularly special because they feature our very first signature scent: Kānuka, Lemon and Cedarwood. The scent was inspired by the valley we call home and the landscape that surrounds us every day. We wanted something that felt grounded, fresh and unmistakably ours.

The first product is a Hand Scrub, something Cam has been heavily involved in developing. Along with a willing group of testers, he has put it through its paces removing everything from hydraulic oil and grease through to fishy smells and garden dirt. The feedback so far has been fantastic.

The second product is our Barrier Hand Cream, which has a story all of its own. The inspiration came from the gentleman who now lives in the home where Bushman, Kristy's grandfather, once lived. 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. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we can't wait to share it with everyone.

Outside of Bit by Bit, life has remained every bit as busy as ever.

Winter sport is still dominating the weekends, lambing is well underway and we're eagerly waiting for calves to start arriving. The twins recently welcomed prospective Year 7 students to their school as part of their leadership roles and were incredibly proud to be involved in the Tūmanako Art Exhibition at Puke Ariki, contributing some beautiful weaving work as part of a collective project.

Steph also managed to squeeze in four days on the road for her day job, clocking up more than 600 kilometres through Waikato and the Bay of Plenty visiting clients. While she was away, Cam and the twins held the fort at home, packed orders and kept everything ticking along as only they can.

The mornings are still cold. One recent trip through Te Poi greeted Steph with a cheerful -3°C on the dashboard. But despite the frosty starts, the days are getting longer. Lambs are appearing in paddocks, daffodils are beginning to flower and it feels like spring is quietly knocking at the door.

In many ways, Bit by Bit feels much the same. We're settling in. Growing in confidence. Building relationships. Creating new products. And slowly adding our own chapter to a story that began long before we arrived.

Thank you for continuing to support us, encourage us and follow along on this journey. Whether you've placed an order, shared a post, recommended us to a friend or simply cheered us on from afar, we're grateful you're here.

Cam, Steph, Danielle + Mackenzie x