Profile
Brigid Hardy
In one or two sentences introduce yourself.
I love a bit of a cause, especially one that brings together so much of what you believe in. I started out in human rights law but decided six years ago that I could change the world more effectively with dishwashing liquid. My business, B_E_E, is about irresistible, crusading everyday products with real respect for the planet.
What’s your biggest project going on now?
My partner, Mark, and I are incredibly excited to be expecting our first baby any moment now. Embracing that all-absorbing world, while trying not to lose myself in the process – or desert my B_E_E team as they ride an exciting growth wave across four continents.
What do you spend your days doing?
Goodness – whatever it is you do when you are trying to be Zen about running a hungry little business and getting ready for your first baby simultaneously: loads of yoga, as many deep breaths as possible, and the odd million-mile-an-hour work chat.
Where’s your favourite place in NZ?
I need three – Karekare beach on Auckland’s West Coast, Ocean Beach in Hawkes Bay (long may it remain undisturbed), and Mount Aspiring National Park.
What’s your favourite tipple?
For now it’d have to be ginger beer, but I’ll sure deserve a good Hawkes Bay red in a few weeks.
Who inspired/or continues to inspire you most in your life?
Anyone committed to a meaningful vision and to getting there with courage, integrity and humour. I’m fortunate enough to have been mentored by some of the best: The Right Hon Sir Douglas Graham’s extraordinary approach continues to inspire me 10 years after having worked for him. And then there are those closest to me. My sweetheart, Mark, is an ecologist by trade and a deepest dark greenie by soul. And my sister, Philly, she brings such strength to visions large and small that I simply can’t imagine life without a sister.
What’s the latest thing downloaded to your iPod?
Some old faves my brother saved for me because I’m such a techno-baby.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Beautiful, beautiful interesting things – to wear, to smell, to have in the house, to grow in the garden, even to give away...
If you weren’t doing what you are doing now you’d...
Find something to fight for, get involved in, contribute to. I really like the interface of save-the-world cause and business – where passion meets discipline, and really delivers.
What are you reading?
Birth and baby stuff is overwhelming the bedside right now. But my all-time favourite George Eliot is never far away to offer some wit and perspective.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Healthy baby, loving partner, happy friends and family around.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing the energy to be optimistic.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel – especially to dramatically different countries, with rich histories and cultures that change, fascinate and absorb you.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Calm, peaceful earth mother may be too much of a change to wish for, so let’s just go with slightly shorter stories for now.
It really irritates me that...
Being green is so much more complicated than most people have time to understand. So, all too often, they end up getting ripped off by companies with more marketing money and fewer morals.
I just love it when...
It’s a gorgeous, sunny autumn day with a perfectly blue sky, just like today.
Thanks Brigid, we have dedicated a garment from Summer 08 in honour of you! The Brigid Big Print Tee Jersey comes in black and white will be in-store on 16th September.