1982: the year Michael Jackson released "Thriller". And the year I was born.
Other things that happened in 1982?
The first Warehouse opened in Takapuna
At the Music Awards, Prince Tui Teka was awarded Single of the Year for ‘E Ipo’. Dave Dobbyn was voted Top Male Vocalist and his band, DD Smash, was chosen as Group of the Year.
New Zealand had some big wage freeze thing (I mean I was just born so ....?).
The All Whites qualified for the World Cup finals in Spain.
From 1982 to now!
Peggoo Studios (est. 2023) is here to show you that marketing does not need to cost an arm and a leg.
Don't get distracted by all the bells and whistles and new fandangles, market smart - and cheap!
The aim for Peggoo Studios is to provide small business owners the means to promote and grow their businesses without spending ridiculous amounts of money on social media advertising, Google ads etc. If you are looking at your marketing spend and feel queasy, then you are in the right place!
Sandi Gray (that's me!) is an Auckland native and seasoned professional. I have worked in law, government, human resources, accounting and audit and a not-for-profit association. To break up all that office work - I also enjoyed a 2 year stint in a girl scout camp in Michigan, US then a season at a ski resort in Banff, Canada.
The result of that? I travelled lots and had fun. And throughout it all, I discovered that I really love marketing!
A "proper" bio
I help my clients promote their services or products on a shoe-string budget.
My absolute passion is taking that shoe string budget and using it to tie everything together so it works seamlessly and efficiently.
Having such a vast background in many sectors - law, government, human resources, accounting and audit and not-for-profit - has given me a raft of valuable soft skills. I am analytical, compliant, adaptable, creative and great at communicating.
When I am not "in the office" you can find me navigating parenting (using some of those soft skills above); upcycling random items of furniture; renovating our house or just simply reading a book.
I am excited to be able to take my working life to the next level and support many different entities by doing the things I love.
What's with the name Peggoo?
Here's a story. Of a lovely lady. Who was .... starting a business!
I was struggling for a name for my business that really meant something, and reflected fun. So I consulted with my best friend Jenny, and my cousin Jeffrey.
I asked them both "if you could describe me in one word, what would it be?" because I thought it would help prompt some ideas.
Boy was that a terrible idea.
The responses?
Jenny: "egg"
Jeffrey "poo"
[It is worth noting that at this point I decided I may need better people in my life (and I told them both that!).}
This led to a lot of laughter and teasing, until Jeffrey decided to combine the words and thus Peggoo was born!
My husband then come home from work so I told him the story to see what he thought - he shook his head and walked away - which I totally took to be an endorsement 😉
It may not be an overly professional story - but now I have a company name that really does mean something, and makes me laugh each time. What could be better than that!
Sandi Gray
Daughter, wife, mum (in that order!)
AND ...
Director + Visual Identity Creator
Still reading? Awesome!
I thought I'd throw in a few random facts so when you contact me we have something to chat about!
Fun facts
That's me in the picture rocking some jelly shoes and a hand knitted jumper.
I love all things old fashioned and retro (clearly!).
I come from a petrol head family and it is not uncommon for me to be roped into "helping" in a garage.
As well as New Zealand, I have lived in Australia, the United States of Amercia and Canada.
When I have to do something I really don't want to, I usually sing my way through it.
I associate most things with a song.
Life facts
I am a proud Kiwi, born and bred in South Auckland.
I am married to an Englishman - Robbie.
We have 2 adorable (because they look like me), yet feisty (like my husband) little girls.
We have a cat called Tony (after Tony Adams, the Arsenal football player) and 2 chickens called Elsa and Olivia.
Odd facts
I once tried to lie to my mother over Skype (no video) from a hostel in Calgary, Canada. It did not work and suffice to say, i'm a terrible liar.
I lived in Canada for 9 months and quickly realised I hate the cold (-42deg).
I also lived in Brisbane for 6 years and decided extreme heat is not much fun either (+42deg).
I'm scared of our chickens and their creepy eyes and feet.
My compass
Most people call these core values. I like to be a little bit different.
Everyone has something that guides their direction (aka a compass) and helps drive their decision making process. Here are mine.
People first
Projects come and go, relationships are forever.
Treat people kindly, talk to people how you would like to be spoken to and build a great working relationship.
Don't be icky
Give people time and space to consider all their options without getting in their face.
Everyone processes information differently, communication is key.
Do it right
No one is above the law. Do it right, do it legally and follow your own processes. They are all there for a reason.
Focus on the end game.
Start small if you need to. There is nothing wrong with starting slow to get to the end game before going into full branding or marketing.
My mantras
Words and pictures are stronger together.
The human element is most important.
Don't be afraid of using colour in your world.
The proof
Need a bit of proof I am what I say I am? No problems!
Here are some recommendations from some wonderful people that have worked with me to confirm that I am real, and am good at what I do.
(scroll along for more - or connect with me on LinkedIn below)
My name is Sandi Gray and I am here to help you promote your small business. I work with organisations across New Zealand to help them get their brand known without it costing an arm and a leg.
P: +64 21 633 326
E: hello@peggoo.co.nz