Maata Morrell-Dzilic left school at 16 to pursue her passion in beauty therapy. After gaining the qualifications she needed through EIT | Te Pūkenga, she launched her business, Ma’s Beauty, at just 18 years old.

Last year she completed a Certificate in Small Business Level 4 at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to gain the skills and knowledge she needed to grow her business, and this year she is studying towards a Diploma in Small Business and Project Management Level 5.

“I really enjoyed the programme last year and what I learnt, so I decided to continue my studies. I’ve learnt what it takes to build a successful business and my kaiako have all been supportive,” she says.

Now, at 21, Maata has grown her venture from a salon into a thriving brand, launching her own cosmetics line alongside designing and selling luxury artificial flower bouquets.

Business is going well for Maata, and much of her time is spent in her salon or developing new products. That’s why the flexibility of studying online with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been so helpful, allowing her to balance her growing brand with her study.

“Being able to study online is so convenient for me. I can work during the day and keep my business running and then I can do classes online at night. Learning online can be tricky, but I’ve had understanding and supportive kaiako who make it easier.”

Maata believes having a passion for your business is powerful but pairing that passion with solid business knowledge is what truly sets you up for long-term success.

“When you first start out in business you can forget how important it is to have that knowledge. I highly recommend that anyone thinking about opening a business should take the time to learn about business. Studying a programme like I did through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa really helped me.”

Maata is preparing to launch the newest addition to her cosmetics line, Ma’s Cosmetics – a vibrant new lip gloss proudly named after her godson's nickname, Honey.

With passion, determination, and her drive for success through education, Maata continues to grow her business with purpose and hopes to see other small business owners thrive by pursuing learning.

“Take up every opportunity you get to learn and grow your knowledge. Business is going good for me and the knowledge and tools that I have been taught has really helped me and my business grow.”

Find out more about our Business and Leadership & Management programmes.