{"id":66393,"date":"2019-05-21T19:21:18","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T02:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/?p=66393"},"modified":"2019-05-21T19:21:22","modified_gmt":"2019-05-22T02:21:22","slug":"custom-maps-tags-signs-the-huia-nest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ponoko.com\/blog\/maker-success-stories\/custom-maps-tags-signs-the-huia-nest\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Brands\u2014And A Business\u2014Through Laser Cutting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Huia Nest Maps Out A Successful Business Through Custom Tags, Signs, Maps And More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Sarah Silk went on maternity leave with\nher second son, she wasn\u2019t sure if she wanted to return to her corporate job in\nenvironmental regulation, but not bringing in any income wasn\u2019t an option. So\nshe began brainstorming ideas for a business she could operate from home around\nher children\u2019s schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI stumbled across laser cutting<\/a> and thought I could create some really beautiful and original pieces,\u201d Sarah says. \u201cMy husband (who is much cleverer with computers) initially created the laser cut files for me, and slowly I have been learning how to design these myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She founded The Huia Nest<\/a> is 2018, giving a nod to the huia bird that is native to a small region in the mountains of New Zealand and has black white-tipped tail feathers prized by Maori chiefs and worn as insignia of rank. Incorporating revered items can turn a house (or apartment, or cabin, or yurt) into a home, creating a special nest for family and friends to make lasting memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What may have began as a traditional B2C endeavor,\nThe Huia Nest has now grown into B2B offerings, too. Not only has Sarah carved\nout a recognizable brand for The Huia Nest but she also helps other companies\nbuild upon their own distinctive identities by incorporating laser cut products\ninto their branding efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting The Huia Nest On The Map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re building a nest or a business,\nyou must start with a strong foundation. Sarah not only saw an opportunity with\nlaser cut products but also had the vision to offer items that are truly\ncustom. She took her love of home d\u00e9cor items and combined it with her husband\nDaniel\u2019s love of maps (and his mad tech skills) to design one-of-a-kind\nproducts their customers love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe specialize in laser cut maps and have found\nthey are one of our most popular products,\u201d she says. \u201cWe can create maps of\nany town or city in New Zealand; we love customizing the maps to celebrate\nweddings and anniversaries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This map commemorates Daniel and Sarah\u2019s\nwedding in Clyde, New Zealand, where they declared their love on March 23,\n2013. Notice the little heart where the ceremony was held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe started off using bamboo<\/a> as we like the warmth the bamboo provides,\u201d Sarah says. \u201cThen once the gaboon marine plywood<\/a> became available, we started offering it as an additional option as we feel like the laser engraving stands out more against the marine ply while still providing some natural grain and a really cost-effective material. Providing both options works well for our customers as they can pick what suits their taste better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To commemorate crossing the finish line\nat the Wellington Round the Bays 10k road race, this map of Wellington is laser\ncut in gaboon marine plywood and highlights the course throughout the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tagging The Packaging Marketplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When selling a product at retail, packaging can\nbe a big influence on a product\u2019s success (or failure). First impressions\ncount. And while much can be done in print to showcase well-crafted graphics,\nthe very nature of flat surfaces is limited. To add dimension and artistic\nflair, Sarah works with companies to design laser cut wooden tags to augment existing\npackaging and add tactile appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holly & Twine, a Wellington City, New\nZealand-based provider of custom floral bouquets for events and weddings, uses\nthese diamond-shaped laser cut tags as part of their packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When bouquets are wrapped in paper for\ntransport, these tags are tied with twine around the stems to keep the paper in\nplace\u2014and further the company\u2019s brand image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by holly & twine (@hollyandtwine_)<\/a> on