Chris and Rachelle are the community-minded, husband and wife duo behind The Little Big Markets and Our Place magazine. Their passion for fostering community and supporting local businesses has made a significant impact on countless entrepreneurs, including myself.

The Little Big Markets (TLBM) hold a special place for me, both personally and professionally. It's where I met Ash (wife and fellow tea enthusiast) who was working for Chris and Rachelle at the time. She spotted me at my monthly tea stall and told me to peg down my gazebo - advice that led to more than just a safer setup! 

But The Little Big Markets didn't just brew up a romance; it also gave Webster's Tea its start. Chris and Rachelle provided us with a platform to connect directly with our customers before we had a physical store. This face-to-face interaction allowed us to gather feedback, refine our blends, and really hone our offering.

Today, we still have a close relationship with Chris and Rachelle. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris and I'm excited to share a bit of their story with you - it's one of community, entrepreneurship, and the power of a good cup of tea.

Hey Chris! We know how I met Ash, how did you meet Rachelle? 

I had just moved back to Auckland, a place I once called home, after a stint in London and had begun my studies in Design when I met Rachelle. She worked at a surf shop in Auckland's CBD, where I was also working part-time. I still remember my first day on the job when she asked if I had a girlfriend—I doubt she meant it the way I interpreted it, which was, "one day I'll marry you." 

Fast forward 20+ years, and I feel incredibly grateful to be blessed with a daughter and son. What used to be social feeds full of trivial posts have now transformed into a slideshow of memories with Rachelle and the kids, mostly shared so the whānau can keep tabs. It probably reflects where I'm at with my hobbies these days.

You work together in The Little Big Markets and Our Place magazine, both  give a platform to local small businesses. What sparked the idea? 

The Little Big Markets began in 2009 with an entrepreneurial spirit, but we probably underestimated the value this initiative would bring to the community. By creating a hub that contributes to the social fabric of our community while supporting small businesses, it really has been a project that has transformed our lives.

Over the years, we've met so many interesting people from diverse backgrounds and heard their stories firsthand, so that really sparked our interest in how we might bring those stories to light and decided that a print publication was the platform of choice. It serves as a local resource for our community, offering accessible content that not only keeps readers informed about what's happening but also fosters a sense of connection with local businesses.

You've come across 100's of businesses, many in their early stages, through TLBM. What do you believe is the secret to success when starting a business? 

There are several key aspects to consider here, and it probably starts with having an authentic product. If you have an honest, reliable product that connects with people and says, "I've made this, and I think you'll like it," then you're off to a great start.

Secondly, attitude is crucial. The markets are all about connecting with your customer on a personal level. You and your product are being evaluated simultaneously, so those who engage confidently and genuinely with customers tend to do best in that environment.

I'm also a big fan of aesthetics. Presenting your product and creating a visually pleasing experience sets the foundation for customer advocacy.

Finally, your social media presence plays an essential role, especially now. When we first started, it wasn't as critical, but today it's vital for the success of any small business.

How long have you been working with your wife, Rachelle? What's the key to having a healthy marriage AND successful working relationship? Asking for a friend… 

Okay, so tell 'your friend' that the key to a healthy marriage while working together is to trust the process. It's not always easy, but if you're clear about your roles and support each other in those roles, it makes things smoother most of the time. Setting boundaries is also important—24/7 work talk is a fast track to ending up with single beds!

Chris, you recently reviewed our teas for Dry July in Our Place magazine (pages 108-109), thank you! Did tea manage to replace alcohol?

I have to say, your tea was the perfect way to introduce a new routine that truly made me a better person. Instead of winding down with a couple of big hoppy beers, followed by some reds, I started ending my nights with the floral notes of chamomile. It led to some deep conversations and even deeper sleeps.

Lastly, if you could have a cup of tea with anyone, who would it be and why? 

Like anyone else, I too ponder on how we could build a world that becomes stronger and more resilient, even in the face of challenges, while taking into account the rapid spread and impact of new technologies that are becoming more decentralised and powerful, right? So it would be great to sit down and do a deep dive on that with someone like Daniel Schmachtenberger over some blood orange perhaps?

Cheers Chris!

You can check out: 

Our Place here
Chris’ Brew Review (pages 108-109) here
Little Big Markets here